Tannat originates from Southwest France where the Madiran appellation is one of the only appellations to produce red wines from this grape. All Madiran wines have at least 40% Tannat and are often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The Tannat is rustic and very tannic (hence the origin of the name) and Tannat wines are therefore difficult to drink casually. However with right type of food, e.g. hearty red meats, the tannins are less noticeable and balanced out by the Tannat’s fruitiness.

The Tannat grape was introduced into Uruguay in the 1870’s by Basque immigrants and now represents around a third of all wine produced from Uruguay.

Synonyms

Tannat is known in Uruguay as Harriague.

Health Benefits

Red wines made from Tannat are the healthiest wines available due the high content of procyanidins, about 3-4 times that of a good Cabernet Sauvignon, as explained in more detail in Roger Corder’s The Wine Diet.

Healthy Wines to Buy Today

Madiran – France (South West, Madiran)
Madiran is a rough wine when young. After a few years in a cellar, it turns into a sensual and tannic wine.
Wine Health Rating	Also Contains Cabernet Sauvignon
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Chateau d'Aydie 2005 Madiran – France (South West)
Made from powerful Tannat grapes, this is an inky-black wine of great depth and character. It has cherry aromas on the nose and shows ripe black fruits and vanilla notes on the palate.
Wine Health Rating
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Catamayor Tannat – Uruguay ()
Ripe fruity nose, blackcurrant palate, rounded balance.
Wine Health Rating
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