What does soft tannins mean

The polyphenols present in the tannic skins, seeds, and stems of grapes have been shown to inhibit the growth of plaque on blood vessels, lowering our risk for cardiovascular disease. Wine acidity plays a central role in determining how a wine feels on our tongue. A wine with more acid feels refreshing and bright. Sweeter, less acidic wines feel heavier and fuller-bodied. When someone says that wine is crisp or fresh, they are referring to its great acidity.

There are several different types of acids in wines. The most common is tartaric acid which as the name suggests is tart, but is also a powerful antioxidant which helps a wine age. As wine ages, tartaric acid crystals, which are insoluble in alcohol, precipitate out of the wine and are deposited at the bottom of the bottle.

Malic think apples and citric acid think lemons are also naturally found in grapes and these acids also contribute freshness and tartness. The last type of acid found in wine is lactic acid the acid found in milk. This is a softer type of acidity and it contributes roundness and a rich mouthfeel. Unlike the other three acids above, lactic acid is not found naturally in grapes but is created during the winemaking process. Lactic acid bacteria essentially eat the tart malic acid compounds and convert them into softer lactic acid.

Most red wines and some whites, like Chardonnay, are allowed to go through this process, which is called malolactic fermentation MLF. Although wine acidity may seem similar to tannin, it is sour rather than bitter. These two tastes are sensed at different places on the tongue, with bitterness noted at the very back and sourness noted at the sides. Furthermore, acidity has the reverse effect on our tongue and mouth. You experience the effect of tannins any time you drink a wine that creates a drying sensation in your mouth.

Tannins are naturally occurring compounds that exist inside grape skins, seeds and stems. The scientific word for these compounds is polyphenols. Polyphenols release from the skins, seeds and stems when they soak in the grape juice just after the grapes have been pressed and are what give certain wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon , their characteristic dryness or astringency.

Similar terms: rigid. My wine vocabulary just improved! Thanks for making it easier to find words for those subtle tastes! This drawn out grape vine maturation also allows tannins naturally occurring compounds found in the grape skin, stems and pips more time to fully […].

You must be logged in to post a comment. Email address:. Education a nerdy little guide to tannin descriptions Posted on February 9, Burgundian Pinot Noir in ripe years Rounded : Well integrated, ripe and smooth. High quality left bank Bordeaux Polished : smooth, seamless.

Generally Associated with Very High Tannins Chewy : coats the sides of the mouth, feels present and weighty enough to chew ie. Barossa Shiraz, Aglianico Muscular : powerfully chalky tannins; generally associated with young wine. Barolo Angular : tannins that hit one particular spot on your palate; jagged ie.

Bordeaux in lean years General Descriptors These terms can apply to one or more tannin levels. Broad : opposite of firm. Generally medium to medium minus tannin wines. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. In This Article Expand. What Are Tannins?

Taste Tannins for Yourself. High Tannin Red Wines. Low Tannin Red Wines. Featured Video. Read More. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for thespruceeats.