With Tannat Day being celebrated on the 14th April each year, how much do you know about this celebrated but often forgotten grape?
If you haven’t come across Tannat yet, this blog post will tell you everything you need to know and (hopefully) encourage you to give it a try!
Where does Tannat come from?
Tannat is a type of red wine grape and whilst its origins lie in the Basque country, it is now successfully grown all over the world. In fact, Uruguay is arguably the most significant producer of Tannat and the grape has now become a symbol of the country’s wine culture.
What does Tannat taste like?
Known for its high tannin content, Tannat wine has a robust, full-bodied character. It is deep in colour and has aromas of dark fruits, such as blackberries and plums as well as rustic and earthy notes of leather and tobacco. The tannins are balanced by a high acidity which helps to create a long finish.
Why is Tannat deemed to be the world’s healthiest grape?
Whilst the growth in Tannat’s popularity is in part thanks to Uruguay adopting it as the national grape and producing some excellent wines, Tannat has also gained popularity in the wine world due to its perceived health benefits. The Tannat grape contains high levels of antioxidants, in particular, a compound called procyanidin, which has been shown to have a number of health benefits including lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving cognitive function.
Is Tannat for you?
If you enjoy bold, full-bodied red wines, then Tannat is definitely worth trying. It is complex and full of flavour which is both bold and elegant Its popularity has been earned with good reason and whether you are enjoying a glass of Tannat with a hearty meal or simply sipping it on its own, this wine is sure to make an impression. We have a number of excellent Tannat wines in our shop so please call in to take a look or message us for more information.
