The Tannat is much more than a grape variety: it is the viticultural soul of the South-West! With a strong character, robust tannins, and an incredible aging potential, it can be found from the vineyards of Madiran to Uruguay. This variety truly deserved an article to be highlighted.
Ready to explore the fascinating universe of Tannat ? Happy reading!
Summary
History and origins of the Tannat grape variety
The exact origins of Tannat remain mysterious.However, it is likely that its roots go back to the Southwest region and to Antiquity, a period when the Basque and Pyrenean peoples had active trade exchanges with the Romans. The Tannat grape variety could indeed be a descendant of local varieties or grape varieties imported by the Romans.
In the Middle Ages, under the influence of monasteries and abbeys, viticultural practices were profoundly transformed in France and Europe. In Béarn and the Madiran region, monks then planted vines adapted to the local terroir. It is probably at this time that a first version of Tannat, then known by names like "Moustroun" or "Bordelais noir", made its entry into the region's vineyards.
During the Renaissance, wine took on an increased cultural dimension and viticultural techniques were refined. Tannat gradually stood out and became one of the wine signatures of the region. It is cultivated in the vineyards of Madiran, Saint-Mont, and Irouléguy. It is also during this period that the term "tanat" appeared, originating from the Occitan word "tan", referring to the tannins and the dark color of the berries.
In the 18th century, Tannat definitively established itself as a major grape variety in the southwest of France, particularly in Madiran.
Today, Tannat is recognized worldwide for its tannic richness and its ability to produce delicious age-worthy wines.
Madiran, a stronghold in the Southwest for Tannat
Where is the Tannat grape variety cultivated?
With 2,700 hectares planted in France, including 1 000 within the AOC Madiran, Tannat holds a prominent place in our vineyard. Other appellations in the region such as Irouléguy, Saint-Mont, Cahors, Brulhois, and Tursan also have plots of this grape variety.
If Tannat has particularly developed in the region, it is primarily thanks to a favorable climate and soils. The terroir of Madiran is indeed characterized by well-drained soils, gravelly, clay-limestone, and sometimes silty...ideal lands for Tannat.
Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the temperate climate of Madiran is also a key element for our variety. The local climatic conditions indeed help preserve its acidity while allowing its tannins to soften during the maturation process.
Outside of France, Tannat is also the iconic grape variety of Uruguay, a region where it is planted over more than 1 500 hectares.It is simply the most planted variety in the country !
In the heart of the Madiran vineyards
The characteristics of the Tannat grape variety
The Tannat is easily recognizable by its tight clusters and thick-skinned berries, taking on an intense blue-black color.
When young, the wines made from this grape are marked by black fruit flavors such as cherry, blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant. The Tannat can also express spicy notes like black pepper and hints of licorice.
As it ages, the aromatic profile transforms to reveal notes of undergrowth, mushroom, leather, and even truffle... quite a program !
The high polyphenol content and tannic structure of Tannat also give its wines a great aging potential. The variety also presents a nice acidity, thus helping to balance its power on the palate.
Finally, in Uruguay, Tannat tends to produce wines with softer tannins and fruity aromas. Locally, it is indeed regularly blended with Merlot, allowing the wines to be softened and more accessible in their youth.
What dishes to pair with wines made from Tannat?
With its strong tannic structure and aromatic power, Tannat calls for gourmet and generous pairings. Here are some suggestions to enhance your tastings.
Wines made from Tannat pair wonderfully with red and white meats, grilled or roasted. Imagine your Madiran accompanied by a duck breast or a braised beef rib...a delight!
Charcuterie is also an excellent ally with young and supple Tannat wines. Their more polished tannins will indeed pair well with the fat.
For a vegetarian option, try a tomato and eggplant tatin ! Its caramelized texture and slightly sweet notes will perfectly complement the robustness of the grape variety.
Finally, although white wine generally pairs better with cheeses, you can try pairing an old vintage of Tannat, with softened tannins, with Tomme des Pyrénées, Ossau-Iraty, or Bethmale. These farm cheeses will then offer a pleasant contrast with the complex and powerful aromas of our variety.
Grilled meats and Tannat: the ultimate pairing to enhance every bite
Essential estates to discover Tannat
To discover exceptional Tannat, turn to the iconic estates of the Southwest ! We recommend here as an obvious choice the Châteaux Bouscassé & Montus. Under the guidance of the brilliant Alain Brumont, these two properties have indeed allowed the Tannat grape variety to gain worldwide fame and bring the great Madiran appellation back to the forefront. Here are some details about each of them.
Château Montus
Acquired by Alain Brumont in 1980, the Château Montus vineyard is located on steep hillsides with clay-gravel soils. These are south-facing, ideal conditions for growing Tannat. From the beginning, Alain Brumont innovated here by adopting modern viticultural and winemaking techniques, such as the selection of old vines or aging in new barrels, a rarity for the region at the time!
Do not hesitate to go for the property's cuvées: powerful red wines, structured, with fine tannins and great aging potential.
Château Bouscassé
Château Bouscassé, also owned by Alain Brumont, is located on varied soils (mainly clay-limestone and marl), allowing for a great diversity of expression for Tannat and other local grape varieties.
At Bouscassé, Brumont further explores blends, sometimes marrying Tannat with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, to produce balanced and accessible wines. The wines of Bouscassé are therefore generally more supple than those of Montus, while maintaining great complexity and a marked regional typicity.
You understood it, Tannat is a grape variety that leaves a lasting impression ! With its aromatic power, robust tannins, and notes that are both fruity and spicy, it takes us on an unforgettable taste journey. If you are ready to explore all its richness, you will find at
