Wine Tannins: The Essence of Flavor and Structure

When talking about wine, one of the most important and fascinating terms that are mentioned is that of "tannins". These natural compounds, present in the grapes and released during the fermentation process, are responsible for giving wine its characteristic flavor and unique structure. In this article, we will explore in depth the world of wine tannins, their influence on the taste experience, and some notable wines that exhibit them.

What are tannins?

Tannins are polyphenols found in many plants and fruits, such as tea, coffee, chocolate or nuts. Its function is to protect plants from external agents, such as insects or diseases. In the case of the grape, the tannins are concentrated in the skin, the seeds and the stem (the stem that joins the grains to the cluster). These solid parts of the grape are called skins.

When wine is made, the skins come into contact with the must (the juice of the grape) during alcoholic fermentation. This process is called maceration and has a variable duration depending on the type of wine you want to obtain. During maceration, the tannins are transferred from the skin to the must, giving rise to red wine. For this reason, red wines have more tannins than whites or rosés, which have a shorter or no maceration.

Another way to incorporate tannins into wine is by using wooden barrels for aging. Wood, especially oak, contains tannins that dissolve in the wine due to the effect of time and temperature. These tannins are different from those of the grape and give the wine its characteristic aromas and flavors.

What benefits do wine tannins have for health?

The tannins in wine have some health benefits, as long as it is consumed in moderation and responsibly. Some of these benefits are:

- They are antioxidants: tannins have the ability to neutralize free radicals, which are molecules that cause cell aging and some degenerative diseases. Tannins help prevent oxidative damage and protect the body's cells.

- They are anti-inflammatory: tannins have the ability to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that cause inflammation and pain. Tannins help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

- They are antibacterial: tannins have the ability to prevent the growth of some pathogenic bacteria, such as those that cause cavities or urinary infections. Tannins help prevent and fight bacterial infections.

- They are anti-allergic: tannins have the ability to block the release of histamine, which is a substance that causes allergic reactions. Tannins help prevent and relieve allergic symptoms, such as itching, redness or swelling.

How are wine tannins classified?

Wine tannins can be classified according to their origin and quality. According to its origin, we can distinguish between:

- Grape tannins: they are those that come from the skin, the seeds and the stem of the grape. Its quantity and composition depend on the grape variety, the degree of maturity, the climate and the soil where it is grown. Some grape varieties have more tannins than others, such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Tempranillo.

- Wood tannins: they are those that come from the wooden barrels where the wine is aged. Its quantity and composition depend on the type of wood, the size and shape of the barrel, the toasting that is applied to it and the time that the aging lasts. Some types of wood have more tannins than others, such as French oak or American oak.

According to its quality, we can distinguish between:

- Noble tannins: they are those that have a smooth and pleasant texture in the mouth, without being too aggressive or bitter. They are found in well-made and matured wines, which have had a good extraction and tannin balance during maceration and aging.

- Acid tannins: are those that have a rough and unpleasant texture in the mouth, causing a sensation of excessive acidity. They are found in defective or poorly produced wines, which have had a bad extraction or excessive oxidation of tannins during maceration or aging.

- Bitter tannins: they are those that have a dry and unpleasant texture in the mouth, causing a sensation of excessive bitterness. They are found in defective or poorly produced wines, which have had a poor extraction or excessive maceration of tannins during alcoholic fermentation.

- Vegetable tannins: they are those that have a green and unpleasant texture in the mouth, causing a herbaceous or vegetable sensation. They are found in young or immature wines, which have been made with green or immature grapes, which have a high content of unpolymerized tannins.

How to choose wines with the right amount of tannin

Distinguishing the tannins in a wine can be a fascinating and challenging process. Here are some guidelines that will help you recognize the presence and characteristics of tannins in a glass of wine:

1. Sensation of dryness: Tannins are commonly associated with a sensation of dryness in the mouth. When you taste the wine, pay attention to the feeling of stickiness or "roughness" on your gums and tongue. Tannins can make your mouth feel dry, similar to the sensation of biting into a walnut shell.

2. Astringency: Astringency is another common characteristic of tannins. This is a contracting or "locking" sensation in the mouth, similar to biting down on the inside of your cheek. Tannins contribute this astringency to the wine, which can vary from soft and silky tannins to firm and robust tannins.

3. Texture: Tannins can also affect the texture of the wine. If you're noticing a more solid body or structure in the wine, you're likely sensing the tannins. Tannins can give it a thicker, fuller mouthfeel.

4. Flavors and aromas: Tannins can also contribute certain flavors and aromas to wine. Look for dark fruit notes, such as plums or blackberries, as well as herbaceous, earthy, or spicy flavors. These flavors can be present both on the palate and in the aftertaste of the wine.

5. Persistence: Tannins usually leave a long-lasting sensation in the mouth, especially in the aftertaste. If you get a long, lingering sensation after you've tasted the wine, you're probably experiencing the tannins.

Remember that the presence and perception of tannins can vary depending on the type of grape, the production process and the age of the wine. By tasting different wines and paying attention to these guidelines, you will be able to develop your ability to distinguish tannins and better appreciate their influence on the taste experience.

There are numerous wines that stand out for their distinctive and memorable tannins. Here are three notable examples:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon: This red grape is known for its powerful tannins and robust structure. Cabernet Sauvignon wines often exhibit firm tannins that provide a solid foundation and exceptional ageability. These wines typically have dark fruit flavors and notes of cedar or tobacco.

2. Nebbiolo: Originally from the Piedmont region of Italy, the Nebbiolo grape produces wines renowned for their strong, astringent tannins. The tannins of Nebbiolo wines are usually firm, but also elegant and silky. These wines offer complex flavors of red fruits, roses and spices.

3. Tannat: This red grape variety is found mainly in the Madiran region of southwestern France and has grown in popularity in recent years. Tannat wines are renowned for their powerful and vigorous tannins, which provide a remarkable structure and great aging capacity. These wines display intense flavors of black fruits, such as blackberries and blueberries, along with notes of leather and spices.

These wines are just examples of the many options available in the world of wine. Each one offers a unique and exciting experience, highlighting the importance and influence of tannins on the quality and character of the wine.

In short, tannins are fundamental elements in the world of wine, providing flavour, structure and complexity to each glass. Its presence in wines can be appreciated through sensations of dryness and astringency in the mouth, as well as through a variety of flavors that enrich the taste experience.

If you want to explore wines with remarkable tannins and purchase them comfortably in Ubrique, do not hesitate to visit Bodegas de Andalucía, the best online store to buy wines. Its wide selection, its commitment to quality and the advice of its team of experts ensure a satisfactory shopping experience and the possibility of discovering new and exciting wines that highlight tannins.

Explore these wines and discover your personal tannin preferences!