Tannin

Chewy

Definition

Dense, mouth-filling tannin you almost ‘chew’ through.

Why this matters in wine

Youthful Petite Sirah, Tannat, or high-extract Syrah.

Position inside its category

Chewy

Tannin

  1. Bitter
  2. Harsh
  3. Aggressive
  4. Grippy
  5. Angular
  6. Powerful
  7. Coarse
  8. Leathery
  9. Rigid
  10. Muscular
  11. Firm
  12. Structured
  13. Chewy
  14. Chocolate
  15. Silky
  16. Smooth
  17. Round
  18. Opulent
  19. Velvety
  20. Voluptuous
  21. Supple
  22. Soft
  23. Mellow
  24. Spineless
  25. Flabby

Position 13 of 25 on the Tannin scale.

Parent category

Tannin — Phenolic grip and texture — from silky Pinot to aggressive young Nebbiolo; tannin is the main red-wine pairing lever.

Sibling descriptors

Opposite descriptors

Nearby on the scale

More in Tannin

Frequently confused with

FAQ

What does chewy mean in wine?
Dense, mouth-filling tannin you almost ‘chew’ through.
Why does chewy matter for pairing?
Youthful Petite Sirah, Tannat, or high-extract Syrah.
What is chewy often confused with?
Tasters often overlap chewy with grippy, muscular. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also