When To Add Wine Tannin? A Winemaker’s Guide

Welcome to our winemaker’s guide on the topic of adding wine tannin! Tannin is a crucial component in wine that affects its flavor, color, and aging potential. As a winemaker, knowing when to add tannin can make a significant difference in the quality of your wine.

Wine tannin comes from the grape’s skins, seeds, and stems or can be added in powder or liquid form during the winemaking process. While tannin is essential to a wine’s structure, adding too much can result in an unpleasant astringency. It’s important to understand the role of tannin in wine and when and how to add it to achieve a balanced and delicious final product.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about wine tannin. From what it is and how it affects wine to when and how much to add, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned winemaker or just starting, this guide will help you create the best possible wine. So, let’s dive in and discover the world of wine tannin together!

What is Wine Tannin?

Wine tannins are natural compounds that come from the stems, skins, and seeds of grapes, as well as from oak barrels used for aging wine. Tannins are polyphenolic compounds that add bitterness, astringency, and complexity to wine, making it taste dry or puckery in the mouth. They also help wine age well by protecting it from oxidation and microbial spoilage.

Wine tannin can be detected by the sensation of drying, gripping, or puckering in the mouth. It’s similar to the feeling you get from drinking strong black tea. Tannins are also responsible for giving red wines their color and body. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are examples of red wines that are high in tannins.

White wines can also contain tannins, although they are usually less noticeable due to the lower tannin content. Some white wines, like Chardonnay and Semillon, can be aged in oak barrels, which can add a slight tannic structure to the wine.

What are tannins?

Tannins are a class of naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds found in various plant parts, including leaves, stems, and fruit skins. In wine, tannins are responsible for the dry and bitter taste that is often associated with red wines. Chemically, tannins are a type of phenolic compound that binds to proteins, amino acids, and other organic compounds. This interaction between tannins and other organic compounds gives wine its unique mouthfeel and texture.

Tannins are extracted from grape skins, seeds, and stems during the winemaking process. In general, red wines have more tannins than white wines because they are made with grape skins, which contain high levels of tannins. However, the amount of tannin in wine can also vary depending on the grape variety, the winemaking process, and the length of time the wine spends in contact with grape skins.

Aside from wine, tannins are also present in other foods and beverages, such as tea, chocolate, and certain fruits. In addition to their taste, tannins also have antioxidant properties that may offer health benefits. However, excessive consumption of tannin-rich foods and beverages can cause side effects such as stomach upset and constipation.

Where does wine tannin come from?

Grape skins: Tannins in wine are most commonly derived from the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes. When the grapes are crushed, the skins release tannins that are then transferred to the juice during the fermentation process.

Oak barrels: Another source of tannins in wine is the oak barrels in which it is aged. The tannins from the oak provide a different flavor profile than those from the grapes, often imparting notes of vanilla, spice, and toast.

Additives: In some cases, winemakers may add tannins to the wine in the form of powder or liquid additives. These additives can be made from a variety of sources, such as oak or grape tannins.

Understanding where wine tannin comes from is important for winemakers, as it can affect the overall flavor and structure of the wine.

What are the different types of wine tannin?

There are different types of wine tannin, each with its unique properties, and they come from various sources. Catechin tannins are the most common type found in wine, which come from grape seeds and skins. These tannins are responsible for the wine’s astringency and bitterness.

Proanthocyanidin tannins are also found in grapes and come from the seeds, skins, and stems. These tannins are responsible for the wine’s structure and texture, giving it body and mouthfeel.

Ellagitannins are found in oak barrels used for aging wine. These tannins give the wine flavors of vanilla, spice, and smoke, and they also help to stabilize the color and structure of the wine.

How Does Tannin Affect Wine?

Flavor: Tannins provide structure and complexity to wine’s flavor profile. They can add flavors of bitterness, astringency, and even some fruitiness depending on the type of tannin.

Color: Tannins can also affect the color of the wine, as they can bind with pigments in the wine to deepen its hue. This is especially true for red wines.

Ageability: Wines with higher tannin levels are often more age-worthy, as the tannins can help preserve the wine’s flavors and aromas over time.

Food Pairing: Tannins can also play a role in food pairing, as they can help cut through the richness of fatty foods and complement the flavors of savory dishes.

The Impact of Tannin on Wine Quality

Tannins are a crucial component in determining the quality of a wine. The amount of tannins in a wine can impact its texture, mouthfeel, and overall flavor profile. The presence of tannins can also affect how well a wine ages over time.

When tannins are balanced correctly with other components in the wine, they can contribute to a well-rounded and complex flavor profile. However, when there is an imbalance of tannins, the wine may taste overly astringent and unpleasant.

Winemakers carefully consider the amount and type of tannins they add to a wine to achieve the desired flavor profile. The source of tannin, the timing of when it is added, and the amount added can all impact the final product.

In general, the quality of the tannins in a wine is a reflection of the quality of the grapes and the winemaking process. Winemakers must balance the desire for tannins with the need for a well-rounded and balanced wine that appeals to consumers.

When Should You Add Tannin to Wine?

During winemaking: Wine tannin is commonly added during winemaking to enhance the wine’s structure and mouthfeel. Winemakers can add tannin at different stages of the winemaking process, such as during fermentation or aging, to achieve the desired flavor profile.

When working with low-tannin grapes: Grapes that are low in tannin can result in a wine that lacks structure and body. In this case, adding tannin during the winemaking process can improve the wine’s overall quality.

When making fruit wine: Fruit wine is typically made from fruits that are low in tannin, such as berries or apples. Adding wine tannin during the fermentation process can enhance the wine’s flavor and body, resulting in a more balanced wine.

When blending wines: Winemakers may add tannin to a wine blend to achieve a desired flavor profile or to balance out the tannin levels in different wines that are being blended together. This can help to create a more harmonious and complex wine.

Adding wine tannin to a wine is not always necessary, and the decision to add it should be based on the desired flavor profile and the quality of the grapes being used. It’s important for winemakers to understand the role of tannin in wine and how it can impact the final product before deciding whether or not to add it to their wine.

Factors to Consider When Adding Tannin to Wine

Wine style: The desired style of wine will greatly influence the amount and type of tannin to be added. For example, a full-bodied red wine may require more tannin than a light-bodied white wine.

Grape variety: The grape variety being used will also have an impact on the amount of tannin needed. Different varieties naturally have different levels of tannin, and this should be taken into account when adding tannin.

Age of the wine: The age of the wine can also influence the amount of tannin needed. Younger wines typically require more tannin to balance out their fruitiness, while older wines may require less tannin as they have naturally mellowed over time.

Personal preference: Ultimately, the decision to add tannin to wine is a matter of personal preference. Some winemakers prefer more tannin in their wines, while others prefer less. It is important to taste the wine throughout the winemaking process and make adjustments based on personal preference.

How Much Tannin Should You Add to Wine?

Consider the grape variety: Different grape varieties have different levels of tannin, and some require more or less tannin than others. It’s important to understand the tannin levels of the grapes you are using.

Evaluate the wine: Before adding tannin, taste the wine and assess its current tannin level. This will give you an idea of how much tannin you need to add to achieve the desired level.

Start with a small amount: It’s best to start with a small amount of tannin and gradually increase it until you reach the desired level. You can always add more, but you can’t remove it once it’s added.

Keep good records: Record the amount of tannin you add, the time you add it, and any observations about the wine. This will help you make adjustments in future batches.

Measuring Wine Tannin Levels

Tannin measurement is a critical aspect of making wine. Without proper measurement, the wine’s taste and quality can be severely impacted.

Phenolic compounds are responsible for the tannin levels in wine, and measuring these compounds requires specialized equipment. The most common method used for measuring wine tannin levels is the methyl cellulose precipitable tannin assay.

Visual inspection can also be used to estimate tannin levels in wine. The wine is swirled in a glass and then examined for its texture and color. A wine with high tannin levels will appear darker and more opaque, while a wine with low tannin levels will be lighter in color and more translucent.

Tannin level targets vary depending on the type of wine being made. For example, red wines typically have higher tannin levels than white wines. The target tannin level is also dependent on the desired flavor profile of the wine. Winemakers must consider the grape varietal, growing conditions, and intended use of the wine when determining the ideal tannin level.

Calculating Tannin Additions

Calculating the amount of tannin to add to wine is a critical step to ensure the wine has the desired tannin level. One way to calculate the tannin addition is to use a titration method with a standardized solution of tannin. Another method is to use a mathematical formula that takes into account the desired tannin level, volume of wine, and the concentration of the tannin solution.

Titration involves adding a small amount of the tannin solution to a measured volume of wine and then adding a chemical reagent that reacts with the tannin. The amount of reagent required to react with all of the tannin is then measured, and the tannin level is calculated.

Alternatively, a mathematical formula can be used to calculate the amount of tannin needed to achieve a desired tannin level. This formula takes into account the desired tannin level, volume of wine, and the concentration of the tannin solution.

Regardless of the method used to calculate the tannin addition, it is important to record the amount added and the date of the addition for future reference and adjustment. It is also recommended to retest the tannin level after the addition to ensure that the desired level has been achieved.

Tannin Additions for Specific Wine Styles

Red wines: Red wines typically have more tannin than white wines, and different styles of red wine require different levels of tannin. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are usually high-tannin wines, while Pinot Noir and Beaujolais are lower in tannin.

White wines: White wines generally have less tannin than red wines, but some styles like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc can benefit from tannin additions to add structure and complexity.

Rosé wines: Rosé wines can vary in tannin levels, depending on how they’re made. Some winemakers choose to add tannin to enhance the wine’s structure and improve its aging potential, while others prefer a lighter style without additional tannin.

Fortified wines: Fortified wines like Port and Sherry require specific levels of tannin to balance the sweetness and provide structure. The amount of tannin added will depend on the specific style and aging requirements of the wine.

Can You Overdo Tannin in Wine?

Tannin is an essential element of wine, but too much of it can ruin the drinking experience.

Over-tannic wine is characterized by a drying sensation in the mouth and an unpleasant bitterness that overwhelms other flavors.

While a moderate level of tannins is desirable in red wines, some people may be more sensitive to excess tannins than others, which may result in an aversion to certain wines.

Factors such as grape variety, growing conditions, and winemaking techniques can all contribute to the level of tannins in wine, so it’s important to consider these factors when adding tannin to wine.

Ultimately, the key to avoiding an overabundance of tannin in wine is to exercise restraint when adding tannins and to allow time for the wine to mature and soften.

Avoiding Excessive Tannin in Wine

Consider the grape variety: Different grape varieties have varying levels of tannin, so it’s important to choose the right variety for your desired level of tannin in the wine. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon is known for having high tannins, while Pinot Noir has lower tannins.

Harvest at the right time: The level of tannin in grapes changes as they ripen, so it’s important to harvest at the right time. Overripe grapes can have excessive tannin, while underripe grapes may not have enough.

Control fermentation: Fermentation can extract tannins from the grape skins, seeds, and stems, so it’s important to control the fermentation process. For example, shorter fermentation times and lower temperatures can help control tannin extraction.

Use oak with caution: Oak barrels can contribute tannins to wine, so it’s important to use them with caution. Overuse of oak can lead to an excessive amount of tannin in the wine.

Blending: Blending different grape varieties or different lots of wine can help balance tannin levels. This is especially useful when dealing with excessive tannins in a particular batch of wine.

Frequently Asked Questions