Tannat is an exciting red wine variety from the South Western Region of France. It is also used in Uruguay and increasingly in Australia.

Tannat is the basis of wines in the Madiran Appellation where the high natural tannins of this variety are sometimes toned down a little by blending in some Cabernet or Fer.

The wines from this variety are typically deeply coloured, quite acidic and have strong tannins balanced with good fruit flavours. That is a perfect specification for a wine to pair with meat, especially beef, but you can try duck, smoked sausages, or game meats as well. Of course the classic dish of the South Western Region is cassoulet made from confit of duck and haricot beans. In Uruguay, where Tannat is the most popular red wine variety, the national dish is beef, beef and more beef. I wonder what they drink with the beef.

Tannat in Australia

Chateau Montus, Madiran i… Per Karlsson Buy From Art.com