Tannin

Smooth

Definition

No rough tannin catch — can mean resolved tannins or inherently soft varieties.

Why this matters in wine

Merlot and Grenache often described as smooth when ripe.

Position inside its category

Tannin
Smooth

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 16 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 smooth mean in wine?
No rough tannin catch — can mean resolved tannins or inherently soft varieties.
Why does smooth matter for pairing?
Merlot and Grenache often described as smooth when ripe.
What is smooth often confused with?
Tasters often overlap smooth with soft, round. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also