The Wine Reference🍷 SupportTannat grape
Tannat is a red grape known for blackberry, plum, spice. Its best-known homes are Uruguay, Madiran.
Origin and history
From south-west France, around Madiran and the Basque foothills; its name probably refers to its high tannin.
Where it grows
Madiran, Saint-Mont, Tursan and Irouléguy in south-west France, Uruguay (Canelones and Maldonado), Argentina, Brazil and Virginia.
Structure
Full body, very deep colour, high acidity and very high, firm tannins; Uruguayan versions are often softer.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: blackberry, black plum, black currant, liquorice and spice. With age: leather, tobacco, earth and dried fruit.
Ageing
Most need 3–5 years; top Madiran can age 20 years or more.
Also known as
Harriague (Uruguay).
Good to know
Basque immigrant Pascual Harriague brought it to Uruguay in 1870, where it is now the national grape; micro-oxygenation was invented in Madiran in 1990 to soften it.
Wine regions for Tannat
Tannat wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Pisano RPF Tannat
Uruguay's signature grape: blackberry, plum, spice and bold tannins.
Food: Grilled beef, chivito, hard cheese
Alain Brumont Château Bouscassé
South West France · Madiran · Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon
Powerful Madiran: dark fruit and firm tannins.
Food: Cassoulet, duck confit
Narbona Tannat Roble
Firm, dark Tannat with blackcurrant, cocoa and well-judged oak.
Food: Asado, chorizo, hard cheeses
Pizzorno Don Próspero Tannat
Softer side of Tannat: dark cherry and blackberry with tamed tannins and a hint of spice.
Food: Asado, chorizo
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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