What are wine tannins?
If you are wondering what wine tannins are, we can say that they are organic compounds that are present in the skin, the seeds in the pulp of the grape, as well as in the barrels. For this reason, when the must is extracted, it is transferred to the oak barrels in which the wine is left to age. These tannins, which are important, are released during fermentation and maceration, becoming more present. For this reason, they are the in charge of giving the wine its characteristic bitter taste and its characteristic aroma.
In scientific terms, tannins are chemical components that are present in grapes, mainly in their skin and seeds, but also in the wooden barrels in which this drink is aged. Among them are polyphenols that bind to proteins and other compounds in the grape that serve to give greater complexity and depth to the wine. In addition, tannins also play a very important role in its preservation and cause its flavor and aroma to vary during aging.
In this way, we can say that they are the responsible for giving the wine bitterness, astringency and a more complex flavor, as well as the sensation of a rough texture. Therefore, they must be present in the right amount so that the wine is not excessively astringent, rough, harsh or bitter. That is, it must be a balanced drink.
Different types of wine tannins
Of course, there is not just one but different types of tannins in wine, and their classification can vary. However, in general terms, we can differentiate between three main types: dry, silky and sweet tannins. The dry tannins are the most common and are present in most red wines. They are characterized by their astringent action, which produces a certain sensation of dryness in the mouth. When these dry tannins appear, they usually indicate that there has been excessive maturation or that overly aged barrels have been used. For their part, the silky tannins are softer and less astringent than the dry ones. They usually leave a sensation of juiciness on the palate and are considered to be at the perfect point. These tannins are usually found in lighter and younger red wines, they are usually very pleasant on the palate. Finally, sweet tannins are less frequent and are present in wines that have been made with grapes in the most correct period of maturity. These tannins provide a sweet, soft and fruity sensation in the mouth. They usually indicate that the aging and maturation process of the wine has been optimal because the grapes are optimal and that the barrels used were not too aged. In addition, it is also true that tannins can also can have different characteristics and levels of intensity, depending on the grape variety, the climate, the characteristics of the harvest and the winemaking techniques of the wine. This is why some wines may have softer, rounder tannins, while others may be more intense and harsh.How can you identify tannins in wine?
Although the tannins in wine are not visible to the naked eye, they can be perceived through the palate, for example, in a wine tasting. Tannins are present in all wines, although they are more evident in aged red wines made with grape varieties such as Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec or Syrah, among others. As the wine ages, the tannins intensify, so it is necessary to take them into account to make this drink age in a balanced way.
To identify tannins in a wine, you need to pay attention to some key sensations on the palate. Among them, we can note the presence of a bitter and astringent taste in the mouth, a sensation of dryness and roughness in the gums and tongue, and even a slight itching in the throat. This way, when you taste a wine, you will be able to see if the tannins are well integrated and balanced, or if, on the contrary, they are too strong and dominant.