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Wine wordsWhat is tannin in wine?
Tannin is a natural compound found in grape skins, seeds and stems, and in the oak barrels some wines age in. It gives red wine that grippy, slightly drying feeling on your gums and tongue, a lot like strong black tea.
Reds have more tannin than whites because they ferment with their skins. Bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon feel grippy, while lighter ones like Beaujolais feel silky. Food with fat or protein, like steak or cheese, softens tannin nicely.