Tannin
Tannic
Definition
High tannin load overall — drying, sometimes bitter edge depending on ripeness and oak.
Why this matters in wine
Steak and lamb are classic foils for tannic reds.
Position inside its category
Tannic
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
More in Tannin
Appears in
Common food pairings
- Bbq Ribs
- Thanksgiving Turkey
- Steak
Frequently confused with
FAQ
- What does tannic mean in wine?
- High tannin load overall — drying, sometimes bitter edge depending on ripeness and oak.
- Why does tannic matter for pairing?
- Steak and lamb are classic foils for tannic reds.
- What is tannic often confused with?
- Tasters often overlap tannic with tannin, grippy, firm. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.