If you regularly enjoy wine, you've likely heard the word tannin. The chemical compound is present in almost all wines but can also be removed through a process known as fining. Tannins have both bitter and astringent properties and occur in nature to protect plants. The complexity of tannins adds a special flavor to many rich foods and beverages. These include coffee, dark chocolate, apricots, and of course wine.

Where Do Tannins Come From?

Tannins can come from four main areas (in order of probability): grape skins or grape stems, grape seeds, or the wood barrels in which the wine is aged.

Tannins add weight and structure to wines, and they are often described with such adjectives as plush, velvety, or smooth. They are also known to dry the mouth, because they tend to bind to protein, such as human saliva. Tannic wines pair well with red meat and are also accredited with many health benefits. These health benefits include reducing blood pressure and promoting a healthy heart.

Types of Wine Tannins

It's often possible to determine the number of tannins in a wine based on the grape varietal. Grapes that are known to have a high concentration of tannins include:

• Nebbiolo
• Syrah
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Malbec
• Sangiovese
• Montepulciano

Tannins in Red Wine

Bold and full-bodied red wines will often have a lot of wine tannins. Red wines such as Malbecs, Cabernet, Sauvignon, and Sangiovese get their flavor from the tannins they contain. One of the reasons that red wine often has a large number of tannins is due to a process known as maceration. Maceration is the amount of time that a wine spends in contact with its grape skins during the winemaking process.

Many white wines have short maceration times, and as a result, have a low presence of tannins. Rosé wines often have more tannins than white wines, but less than reds. Lighter red wines such as Pinot Noir or Grenache also have tannins, but fewer than bolder red wine wines.

Orange wines also contain tannins. They continue to grow in popularity and undergo a longer maceration time than white wine, producing tannins that are similar to those in red wines.

At Jonathan Edwards Winery, we offer a selection of carefully crafted wines, many with flavorful and layered tannins. Explore our wine collection, which can be shipped to over twenty-two states. To schedule a tasting and tour or make a group reservation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today! Our vineyard is open year-round to guests.