Red grape · Full-bodied
Tannat
The Tannin Monster
Tannat is grown in Madiran, Montevideo and Canelones.
- Tastes of
- blackberry, black plum, licorice and tar
- Goes with
- grilled ribeye, lamb chops and chorizo
- Also called
- Harriague
Where it grows
The story
Tannat has the highest tannin levels of any red grape (4,000-5,000 mg/L). In Madiran, France, it makes brutish wines needing 20+ years. In Uruguay, it's softer, fruitier, and became the national grape.
Insider story
Tannat came to Uruguay in 1870 via Basque immigrants. Uruguayan Tannat tastes different from French Tannat—softer, riper, more approachable. Uruguay's Atlantic influence gives long hang time without excessive heat. Tannat saved Uruguay's wine industry in the 2000s.
Technical deep dive
Highest tannins of any Vitis vinifera grape: 4,000-5,000 mg/L. Extended maceration (30-50 days). Micro-oxygenation (invented in Madiran!) softens tannins during aging.
Industry secrets
Madiran allows 40% Cabernet blending. '100% Tannat' is rare and brutally tannic. Micro-oxygenation was invented in Madiran.
For collectors
Investment grade C+
- Auction records
- Minimal auction presence. Château Montus Prestige ($80)
- Blue-chip producers
-
- Bodega Garzón (Uruguay)
- Château Montus (Madiran)
- Bouza
- Value picks
- Madiran ($15-35), Uruguay ($12-30)
- Price trend
- Flat. Emerging quality but no collector market established.
- Collector’s tip
- Château Montus Prestige ages 20+ years and is undervalued for cellaring. Uruguay is the new frontier.