Tannat

 

Synonym: Tanat, Tannat Gris, Tannat Noir Male, Moustrou, Madiron.

 

Commonly mistaken for: Mansec

 

Origin: French Variety, very probably from Basque origins, from the zone of Madiron. Its name most probably derives from the elevated level of tannins of the fruit. This variety has become widespread in the viticultural world to be blended into aging wines.  It performs a similar role as Petit Verdot in a blended red but is higher yielding when grown in a warm climate area.  Tannat is most commonly used in the wines of Uraguay.

 

Agronomic and environmental aspects: Very vigorous vine that demands expanded growing area and longer pruning. Because of its late budding it escapes the spring frosts.

 

Diseases, pests and disorders: It shows particular sensitivity to mites and the mealy bug, slightly sensitive to botrytis.

 

Description:

Growing Tip: expanded, cottony, of white/amber colour with reddish edges.   

Leaf: of large dimensions, pentagonal, orbicular, 3-lobed or 5-lobed. Has a closed or slightly open petiolar sinus, superior side sinuses shaped like an open U-V, while inferior are hardly present. The upper surface is intense green, leathery and bubbly.

Bunch: medium-large, compact, lengthened, of cylindrical form with one or two wings.   

Berry: of medium dimensions, spherical or elliptic (because of the pressure within the tight bunch); skin of purplish-black, blue-black colour, covered by waxy bloom.

 

Vegetation growth habit:

erect

Vigor:

high

Average bunch weight:

medium-high (200-300 g.)

Average bunches per shoot:

2-3

 

Growth Stages:

Time of budburst:

late   

Time of flowering:

medium

Time of veraison:

medium-late

Time of harvest:

medium

 

Available Clones:

-          Chalmers Tannat :Click here to see growth stage photosClone selected in Trentham, Victoria (Trentham Estate Winery). This vine has good vigour and low fertility. Medium size of bunch and must characterized by a high acidity and tannic flavour.

 

Wine characteristics:

Tannat wine is powerful in colour, rich in tannins and acids that with ageing give wine balance, developing fragrances to become an aristocratic wine, spicy, mouth-filling and with intense raspberry flavour.