Tannin
Structured
Definition
Clear architecture of tannin, acid, and/or extract — wine feels built rather than loose.
Why this matters in wine
Youthful Bordeaux or Barolo before tannins resolve.
Position inside its category
Structured
Tannin
- ○Bitter
- ○Harsh
- ○Aggressive
- ○Grippy
- ○Angular
- ○Powerful
- ○Coarse
- ○Leathery
- ○Rigid
- ○Muscular
- ○Firm
- ●Structured
- ○Chewy
- ○Chocolate
- ○Silky
- ○Smooth
- ○Round
- ○Opulent
- ○Velvety
- ○Voluptuous
- ○Supple
- ○Soft
- ○Mellow
- ○Spineless
- ○Flabby
Position 12 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
Appears in
Common food pairings
- Thanksgiving Turkey
- Chicken
Frequently confused with
FAQ
- What does structured mean in wine?
- Clear architecture of tannin, acid, and/or extract — wine feels built rather than loose.
- Why does structured matter for pairing?
- Youthful Bordeaux or Barolo before tannins resolve.
- What is structured often confused with?
- Tasters often overlap structured with firm, angular. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.
