Ep 273: The Grape Miniseries -- Tannat

Tannat is one of the gems of southwest France – a tannic, acidic, flavorful grape that makes wines packed with complexity (and huge health benefits!). This show takes you from the origins of the grape to the changes it needed to survive in modern times to the glory it’s achieving in Uruguay and its potential in California. A dorky show but a fascinating one, nonetheless!   Overview: Mainly grown in Southwest France in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mtns and Uruguay Also grown in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, Puglia (blending), Siciily, British Columbia and the US Tannat is a great value! A great bottle of Tannat will is priced between $15-$30.   Origins: First mentioned in Madiran in 1783 Name from dialect in Béarn, France: means “colored like tan” for dark berries, tannins Related to a bunch of grapes that are in the Pyrenees-Atlantique region – Manseng Noir is probably the closest relative Vineyard/Grape character: Vigorous, needs trellising to resist bunch rot (botrytis), mid-ripening and ripens reliably Big bunches, small to medium grapes with thick skins Many seeds – 2x as many as regular grapes – higher polyphenols in the wine. Hard to de-stem because of hard wood Recent research makes the case for oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs) as the source of red wine’s health benefits. Tannat is the grape with the greatest concentration  Winemaking/vineyard management to soften: Vineyard:low yields, picking later, different soil types, new clones In the winery: oak, concrete eggs, micro-oxygenation, extended aging, macerationn Flavors: Tannic, acidic, dark, with either red (raspberry) or black fruit (plum) with black licorice, vanilla, dark chocolate, espresso, and smoke notes and a long finish  French Tannat Basque-influenced regions of France near Pyrenees: Madiran, Irouléguy, Tursan, Béarn Madiran: 60-80% of the blend, most do 100%. Red fruit, very strong tannin, high acid -- blended with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Fer to soften astringency. Saint-Mont (min 60% of blend) – with Cab Franc, Cab Sauv Irouléguy: Rosé – not much maceration b/c it will get too tannic Béarn: 60% Tannat and a 40% mix Manseng Noir, Courbu Noir Uruguay 4,408 acres/1784 ha, 22% of Uruguay’s vineyards Blending with Pinot noir and Merlot for softness and total balance We discuss old vines v. newer clones Best region: Canelones Flavors: Softer tannins, black fruit California Grown in Paso Robles and Santa Cruz Mtns – Bonny Doon Vineyards, Tablas Creek, Joseph Swan sold it as a standalone 2002: Tablas Creek petitions TTB to add Tannat to list of varieties for varietal wine   Food:  Needs high protein and high fat to the table to soften the high tannins Thanks to our sponsors this week:   YOU! The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to make the podcast possible and who we give goodies in return for their help! Check it out today: https://www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople    Away Away creates thoughtful standards for modern travel—universal pieces that reflect your personal travel style and make every trip more seamless. Away has the perfect gift for everyone on your list—and for every destination on theirs. I really love this suitcase! You need to get one! For $20 off a suitcase, visit www.awaytravel.com/wine and use PROMO CODE: wine during checkout!   Zola, the wedding company that will do anything for love, is reinventing the wedding planning and registry experience to make the happiest moment in couples' lives even happier. From engagement to wedding and decorating your first home, Zola is there, combining compassionate customer service with modern tools and technology. All in the service of love. To start your free wedding website or registry on Zola, go to www.ZOLA.com/wine   Get the back catalog on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.