Tannin

Harsh

Definition

Rough, drying tannin without polish — needs age or food.

Why this matters in wine

Aggressive tannin texture.

Typical aromas, flavors & texture

  • Young tannic Cabernet
  • Young Nebbiolo

Position inside its category

Tannin
Harsh

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 2 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

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FAQ

What does harsh mean in wine?
Rough, drying tannin without polish — needs age or food.
Why does harsh matter for pairing?
Aggressive tannin texture.
What is harsh often confused with?
Tasters often overlap harsh with astringent, bitter. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also