What exactly is tannin?

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Aug 21 , 2023

What exactly is tannin?

The Essence of Red Wine - "Tannin," tannin is a significant component of wine that contributes to its astringency, providing the sensation of dryness on the tongue. It helps enhance the balance and complexity of wine, serves as a natural antioxidant, and plays a crucial role in allowing red wines to age and mature.

So, what exactly is tannin?

Tannin is a natural phenolic compound found in various plants such as grapes, tea leaves, tree bark, oak, and fruit skins.

In the context of wine, tannin primarily comes from four sources: grape skins, grape seeds, stems, and the oak barrels used during aging. Tannin contributes to the tactile sensations and mouthfeel of wine.

Why does tannin create a sense of astringency?

Tannin can bind with proteins. When you sip wine, the tannins in the wine interact with the proteins in your saliva, creating a puckering sensation on the surface of your mouth.

What are the functions of tannin?

Tannin plays a defensive role in the natural world. It imparts an unpalatable taste to plants, discouraging animals from consuming seeds or fruit before they're ripe.

【Benefits of Tannins】

Antioxidant properties
Anti-inflammatory effects
Anti-aging benefits
Enhancing blood vessel elasticity, preventing artery hardening, reducing cholesterol levels, and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Recent research has indicated that wine may even have the potential to inhibit the COVID-19 virus! However, to be specific, it's the "tannic acid" that can inhibit the virus.

The latest research findings from Dr. Hong Mingqi, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the president of China Medical University, suggest that tannic acid can have a dual inhibitory effect on the main protease of the novel coronavirus and the transmembrane serine protease 2 on cell surfaces.

Tannic acid can inhibit the virus's protease, reducing viral activity, thereby preventing the virus from replicating and entering human cells.

In red wines, there are variations in the amount of tannins present, and here are some red grape varieties with higher tannin content:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Tannat
Malbec
Nebbiolo
Sangiovese
Syrah/ Shiraz

These grape varieties typically have richer tannin profiles, which can contribute to a more robust mouthfeel and complexity in the wine. If you enjoy red wines with abundant tannins, these varieties are worth considering. However, it's important to note that wines with higher tannin content might exhibit stronger astringency when young, which can mellow and integrate with aging.

Knappstein Enterprise Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Vintage: 2018 Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Origin: Australia - Clare Valley Aromas: Wild Berries, Olives Alcohol Content: 14.2% (2018)

Awards and Recognitions:
- James Halliday (Prominent Australian wine critic) - 2017 - 95 points
- The Real Review (Well-known Australian wine review website) - Gold Medal
- The Real Review (Well-known Australian wine review website) - Top-tier Award *Ranked in the top 5% among wines of the same kind
- IWC (International Wine Challenge, London)

Knappstein Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Vintage: 2018 Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Origin: Australia - Clare Valley Aromas: Mint, Chocolate Alcohol Content: 14.0% (2018)

Awards and Recognitions:
- James Halliday (Prominent Australian wine critic) - 2017 - 94 points
- The Real Review (Well-known Australian wine review website) - Silver Medal
- The Real Review (Well-known Australian wine review website) - Best Value Award
- WINESTATE (Prominent Australian wine magazine) - 98 points

Wickham | Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Vintage: 2016 Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Origin: Australia - Clare Valley Aromas: Blackberry, Mulberry, Clove Flower Alcohol Content: 14.5% (2016)

Awards and Recognitions:
- James Suckling (Internationally recognized wine critic) - 2016 - 88 points
- James Halliday (Australian wine authority) - 91 points

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