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Wine Tannins: What's Good, Bad, and Better?

That bitter, astringent taste in a glass of red comes from wine tannins. So, are they good? Bad? And, how do you find wines with smooth tannins? Let’s break down this important trait found primarily in red wines so that you can find more wines that you love.

Tannins are found in plants

Tannins Are Good For You

The good news is grape tannins contain exceptionally high levels of antioxidants. The bad news? Wine tannins taste astringent and bitter.

Some of the polyphenol compounds (aka tannins) we've found in grapes are used in high end vitamins. Need some examples? Resveratrol, Epicatechin, Catechin, and Ellagitannin.

Tannin Levels in Different Wine Varieties | Wine Folly

How to Find Your Style

There are several factors that affect the taste and astringency of tannin in wine.

  • Grape Variety
  • Ripeness level
  • Climate
  • Winemaking method

Wines Mentioned


Tannat Reserve

Bodega Garzón

2020 Tannat Reserve

Maldonado | Maldonado

Our Tannat Reserva is a wine of generous body and structured palate, characterized by its intense color, its nose of black fruits and mineral notes while a balanced acidity reinforces its elegance and voltage.

Juicy, concentrated well balanced ripe tannins. Well structured, elegant with minerality and voltage (acidiy). Aromas in palate are black ripe plums, quince, and gunpowder.

Find out more

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