Tannat Grape

Tannat [ta-na] The Tannat grape produces wines that are big and rich, with a very long finish. They are very dense dark wines, almost opaque. They have a reputation for ageing well to produce wonderful flavoursome, aromatic reds. Traditionally they were also very tannic when young but modern production methods have softened that aspect of the wines. The best producers include Chateau Montus, Chateau Bouscasse, Domaine Berthoumieu, Chateau d’Aydie, Chateau Crouseilles and Producteurs Plaimont. All these are our winemakers.

Tannat is a thick-skinned grape variety that produces deeply coloured, well-structured wines that with ageing round out the tannins while the wine develops nuances of spices, coffee, cocoa, and vanilla.

Appellation Madiran wines require at least 40 per cent Tannat, but it is not uncommon to find wines that are 100 per cent Tannat.  The other grapes permitted in the blend are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a local grape called Fer, or Pinenc.

Tannat is also the primary grape of the St Mont wines.

Pinenc is another old traditional variety of the region.  They are highly aromatic, with very flowery scents in young wines that develop with age into a bouquet full of wild countryside aromas.

Madirans are strong, intense and complex wines that are generally well structured, with long-lasting tannins and good acidity.