Tannin

Velvety

Definition

Ultra-fine, plush tannin texture without rough edges.

Why this matters in wine

Often follows bottle age or very ripe tannins.

Position inside its category

Velvety

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 19 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

FAQ

What does velvety mean in wine?
Ultra-fine, plush tannin texture without rough edges.
Why does velvety matter for pairing?
Often follows bottle age or very ripe tannins.
What is velvety often confused with?
Tasters often overlap velvety with silky, supple. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also