Tannin
Tannin wine descriptors
Phenolic grip and texture — from silky Pinot to aggressive young Nebbiolo; tannin is the main red-wine pairing lever.
- 22 descriptors
- 38 internal relationships
- Typical in 2 grape varieties
Why this category matters
Understanding tannin descriptors helps you read tasting notes, choose wine for a specific dish, and speak the same vocabulary sommeliers use on the floor. Phenolic grip and texture — from silky Pinot to aggressive young Nebbiolo; tannin is the main red-wine pairing lever.
Category overview
Phenolic grip and texture — from silky Pinot to aggressive young Nebbiolo; tannin is the main red-wine pairing lever.
Tannin Scale
Hierarchy
All descriptors (22)
Aggressive
Tannin or acid that dominates — youthful power.
Bitter
Phenolic bitterness — green tannin or extraction fault when harsh.
Chewy
Dense, mouth-filling tannin you almost ‘chew’ through.
Chocolate
Cocoa or dark chocolate tannin roundness — often oak and fruit interplay.
Chunky
Blocky texture — tannins in lumps not lace.
Coarse
Grainy, sandy tannin texture — lacks finesse.
Grippy
A texture that feels like it’s sticking to the sides of your mouth — pronounced tannin adhesion.
Harsh
Rough, drying tannin without polish — needs age or food.
Leathery
Savory, slightly tough aroma/texture reminiscent of leather — often with age or rustic reds.
Muscular
Powerful, athletic tannin and extract — big but not necessarily coarse.
Resolved
Tannins polymerized — silk instead of sand.
Rigid
Unyielding tannin structure — tight and ungiving young.
Round
Curved palate arc — acid, tannin, and fruit feel integrated.
Rustic
Earthy, slightly rough charm — traditional cellar.
Silky
Tannins feel polished and fine — glide rather than grab.
Smooth
No rough tannin catch — can mean resolved tannins or inherently soft varieties.
Spineless
Lacks backbone — low acid and low tannin together.
Structured
Clear architecture of tannin, acid, and/or extract — wine feels built rather than loose.
Supple
Tannins present but pliable — no hard edges.
Tannic
High tannin load overall — drying, sometimes bitter edge depending on ripeness and oak.
Velvety
Ultra-fine, plush tannin texture without rough edges.
Voluptuous
Luxurious, rounded abundance — more flavor than structural angularity.
Common wines
Frequently searched terms
FAQ
- What is tannin in wine?
- Phenolic grip and texture — from silky Pinot to aggressive young Nebbiolo; tannin is the main red-wine pairing lever.
- How many tannin descriptors are in the Pairing Method glossary?
- This category includes 22 structured descriptors, each with definitions, relationships, and pairing context.
- Why does tannin matter for food pairing?
- Understanding tannin descriptors helps you read tasting notes, choose wine for a specific dish, and speak the same vocabulary sommeliers use on the floor. Phenolic grip and texture — from silky Pinot to aggressive young Nebbiolo; tannin is the main red-wine pairing lever.