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🍇 Tannat

Also known as: Harriague, Bordeleza Belcha
Pronunciation: tah-NAH /tɑːˈnæt/
Red Origin: South West (Madiran), France

About Tannat

Tannat is an intensely tannic grape from Southwest France, the backbone of Madiran and Saint-Mont wines. The name derives from "tannin" - these are some of the most powerfully structured wines made.

Traditional Madiran required years of ageing, but modern techniques (micro-oxygenation was developed here) have made younger wines more approachable. Tannat is also Uruguay's signature grape.

Wine Colour & Appearance

Typical colour: Deep purple-black

Very deep, opaque

Colour Variations by Region

Madiran: Opaque purple-black
Intensity Opaque
Clarity Too dark to assess
Viscosity High

Wine Characteristics

Body
Full
Tannin
Very High
Acidity
High
Sweetness
Dry
Alcohol
13.5–14.5%

Tannat wines typically have high alcohol content. Levels can vary based on ripeness and region, with Uruguayan Tannats often falling towards the higher end of the range.

Aroma & Flavour Profile Le Nez du Vin Reference →

Aromas (Nose) [Le Nez aroma]

  • Blackberry [M17 blackberry]
  • Black cherry
  • Violet [M29 violet]
  • Leather [M45 leather]
  • Smoke
  • Spice

Flavours (Palate)

  • Dark fruit
  • Leather
  • Tobacco
  • Iron
  • Powerful tannins

The Nose

Tannat wines present a compelling aromatic profile, initially bursting with primary aromas of ripe black currant, plum, and bright red cherry. As the wine develops, secondary notes of savory licorice, smoked meats, and intriguing herbal nuances like black cardamom emerge, hinting at complexity. With age, tertiary aromas of earthy topsoil, wet stone, and a subtle chalkiness can add further depth to this powerfully fragrant varietal.

The Palate

Tannat wines deliver a powerfully dry palate experience, boasting a full body and intensely structured, astringent tannins that grip the mouth. Flavors center around a core of dark fruit – think black plum, cherry, and cassis – balanced by a notable, mouthwatering acidity. These wines are undeniably robust, offering a firm, yet juicy, intensity that defines the variety.

Viticulture

Training Systems:
Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP), Guyot, Cordon systems, Canopy management is critical to control vigor and ensure sun exposure.
Harvest:
Late September to November (Northern Hemisphere), March to May (Southern Hemisphere). Relatively late-ripening variety.
Veraison:
Late summer/early autumn
Average:
6-8 tons/hectare (2.4-3.2 tons/acre) – can be higher if not managed.
Budbreak:
Mid-spring
Common Challenges:
Frost damage (especially in spring), Downy mildew and powdery mildew (requires preventative spraying), Eutypa dieback, Over-vigorous growth (requires careful canopy management), Achieving full phenolic ripeness in cooler climates
Considerations:
Tannat is a vigorous variety, so pruning needs to be severe enough to control growth and promote fruit quality.
Drainage:
Excellent drainage is crucial to prevent root rot and ensure proper ripening.
Factors:
Yield is heavily influenced by climate, soil, and pruning practices.
Optimal:
Warm to hot, continental or Mediterranean. Requires long, warm growing seasons with significant diurnal temperature variation (hot days, cool nights).
Preferred:
Well-drained, deep soils. Often grown on gravelly or sandy soils over clay subsoil.
Quality Focus:
Lower yields (4-6 tons/hectare) are often preferred to concentrate flavors and tannins.
Regions:
Uruguay, Southwest France (Madiran), Argentina, California (limited areas), Texas, Brazil
Rootstocks:
110 Richter, SO4, 99 Richter, Selection depends on soil type and desired vigor control.
Timing:
Late winter/early spring, before bud break.
Tolerances:
Can adapt to various soil types, but struggles in overly wet or shallow soils.
Type:
Typically spur pruning or cane pruning, depending on the training system.
Vine Spacing:
Typically 2.0 - 2.5 meters between vines and 2.5 - 3.5 meters between rows, but varies depending on site and training system.

Grape Morphology

Skin Thickness
Thick
Berry Size
Small
Bunch Tightness
Medium
Botrytis Susceptibility
Medium

Winemaking Notes

Oak Affinity
Medium
Oxidation Tendency
High
MLC Typical
Yes
Ageing Potential
10-20 years

Blending Partners

Cabernet Sauvignon — Traditional partner

To soften tannins and add complexity

Common in: Madiran

Cabernet Franc — Traditional partner

To soften tannins and add complexity

Common in: Madiran

Fer — Traditional partner

To soften tannins and add complexity

Common in: Madiran

Merlot — Secondary partner

To soften tannins and add complexity

Notable Regions

Uruguay Considered the spiritual home of Tannat. Uruguay has embraced the varietal, and it's the country's flagship grape. Produces full-bodied, intensely colored wines with firm tannins, often aged in oak. The climate is moderate, influenced by the Río de la Plata.
Southwest France (Madiran, Gascony) The origin of Tannat. Madiran is the most famous appellation, known for powerful, age-worthy wines with high tannins and acidity. Gascony, the broader region, also produces Tannat, often blended with other grapes. The climate is continental with Atlantic influence.
Argentina (Mendoza) Tannat has gained significant traction in Argentina, particularly in Mendoza. The high altitude and sunny climate contribute to ripe fruit and softer tannins compared to its French and Uruguayan counterparts. Often used in blends, but increasingly seen as single-varietal wines.
Brazil (Serra Gaúcha) Tannat is a growing varietal in the Serra Gaúcha region of Brazil. The cooler climate and altitude help to retain acidity and produce wines with good structure. Often exhibits red fruit and spice notes.
California, USA While not as widespread as in South America or France, Tannat is increasingly planted in California, particularly in areas with warmer climates. Produces wines with ripe fruit and approachable tannins.
Australia (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale) Tannat is a relatively recent arrival in Australia, but is gaining popularity. The warm climate produces full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors and firm tannins. Often blended with Shiraz or other varieties.

Region Map

Old World vs New World

Understanding regional style differences helps identify origin in blind tasting.

🏰 Old World (Europe)

SW France

🌎 New World (Americas, Australasia)

Uruguay (softer)

Key Tells for Blind Tasting

Extreme tannin + dark colour

Similar Grapes & Lateral Confusion

These grapes are commonly confused with Tannat in blind tasting. Here's how to tell them apart:

Sagrantino

Why confused: similar_tannin

How to distinguish: Sagrantino is Italian, more blackberry

Blind Tasting Tips

Key identifiers: Massive tannins, opaque colour, needs age.

Vintage History

Notable vintages for Tannat:

2023
A classic Tannat expression from Canelones. Shows excellent structure and balance.
2022
A more elegant and fruit-forward Tannat, suitable for earlier drinking.
2021
A powerful Tannat from Mendoza. Shows the influence of the arid climate.
2020
Considered a benchmark vintage for Tannat in Uruguay. A wine for the ages.
2019
A classic Madiran Tannat, showcasing the region's traditional style.
2018
A lighter-style Tannat, well-suited for pairing with food.

Food Pairings

🌱 Plant-Based & Vegetarian
Strong cheeses
🍖 Classic Pairings
Duck confit Cassoulet Game Aged beef

Parentage & Genetics

Parents: Manseng Noir

Clones

398

One of the ten originally approved Tannat clones.

399

One of the ten originally approved Tannat clones.

472

One of the ten originally approved Tannat clones.

473

One of the ten originally approved Tannat clones.

474

One of the ten originally approved Tannat clones.

475

One of the ten originally approved Tannat clones.

717

Originated from the Pyrénées, part of the ENTAV-INRA program, virus-free.

794

One of the ten originally approved Tannat clones.

944

One of the ten originally approved Tannat clones.

1048

One of the ten originally approved Tannat clones.

1154

One of the twelve certified Tannat clones.

1175

One of the twelve certified Tannat clones.

Bibliography

Books and articles about Tannat:

Tannat: The History, Winemaking, and Terroir of Uruguay's Signature Grape by Richard Vine (Infinite Ideas, 2018) ↗

Comprehensive overview of Tannat, focusing on Uruguay. Well-researched and accessible.

Wine Grapes: A New World Compendium by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, José Vouillamoz (Penguin Books, 2012) ↗

Standard reference for grape varieties. Includes a detailed section on Tannat.

The Wine of Argentina: A Traveller's Guide to the Vineyards by Laura Catena (University of California Press, 2017) ↗

Provides context for Tannat's role in Argentine winemaking, particularly in Salta and Patagonia.

"Genetic diversity and relationships among Tannat grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.)" by Boursiquot, J.M., et al. in American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (2011)

Scientific study of Tannat's genetic makeup and origins.

"Characterization of Tannat grapes and wines from Uruguay" by Carballo, R., et al. in Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura (2008)

Analysis of Tannat characteristics in Uruguay (in Portuguese).

Wines of Uruguay by Uruguay Wine (Ongoing) ↗

Official website of Wines of Uruguay. Information on Tannat, producers, and regions.

The Tannat Grape by Wine-Searcher (Ongoing) ↗

General information about the Tannat grape, including growing regions and tasting notes.

Bodega Garzón by Bodega Garzón (Ongoing) ↗

Website of a leading Tannat producer in Uruguay. Provides information on their wines and winemaking philosophy.

← Back to Grape Encyclopaedia
Page created: 28 January 2026 | Last updated: 30 January 2026

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Wine Colour

This section shows the typical appearance of wines made from this grape:

  • Colour swatches — Visual examples from young to aged expressions
  • Intensity — How deep or pale the colour typically appears
  • Clarity — Whether wines are typically clear, hazy, or have sediment
  • Viscosity — The "legs" or "tears" you see on the glass

Characteristics

Key structural elements that define the wine:

  • Acidity — How tart or fresh the wine tastes (low to high)
  • Body — The weight and texture in your mouth (light to full)
  • Alcohol — Typical alcohol range, sometimes with regional variations
  • Sweetness — Dry, off-dry, or sweet (where applicable)

Tannins (Red Wines)

For red wines, this section describes the tannin profile:

  • Level — Low, medium, or high tannin content
  • Texture — Velvety, silky, grippy, chalky, or sandy
  • Location — Where you feel them (front teeth, gums, cheeks, back of mouth)
  • Ageing potential — How tannins evolve over time

Aroma and Flavour Profile

Aromas (nose) and flavours (palate) are listed separately:

  • The Nose — What you smell before tasting
  • The Palate — What you taste and feel in your mouth
  • Le Nez numbers — References like [M15] correspond to Le Nez du Vin aroma kit bottles (M = Masterkit, O = Oak, F = Faults)
Tip: Le Nez Reference Click the "Le Nez du Vin Reference" link in the Aroma section header to see the full aroma reference chart.

Viticulture

Growing conditions this grape prefers:

  • Climate — Cool, moderate, or warm climate preferences
  • Soil — Preferred soil types (limestone, clay, gravel, etc.)
  • Vigour — How vigorously the vine grows
  • Challenges — Common growing difficulties (frost, rot, disease)

Notable Regions

Key wine regions where this grape excels:

  • Map thumbnails — Small preview maps for each region (where available)
  • Click to expand — Opens a larger interactive map
  • Wine region boundaries — Highlighted in wine-red where data is available
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Old World vs New World

Compares how the grape is expressed in different regions:

  • Old World — Traditional European expressions (France, Italy, Spain, etc.)
  • New World — Modern expressions (Australia, USA, Chile, etc.)
  • Differences in style, ripeness, oak use, and flavour profiles

Similar Grapes

Grapes that are often confused with this variety in blind tasting:

  • Why confused — What characteristics they share
  • How to distinguish — Key differences to look for

Blind Tasting Tips

Practical guidance for identifying this grape when tasting blind:

  • Key markers to look for
  • Common pitfalls and look-alikes
  • Diagnostic characteristics that set it apart

Food Pairings

Suggested foods that complement wines from this grape:

  • Vegan/Vegetarian — Plant-based options listed first, marked (ve) for vegan
  • Classic pairings — Traditional meat and seafood matches
Full guide →