Are you a red wine lover but find it hard to enjoy because of its bitter and dry taste? Say hello to low tannin red wines!
These wines are perfect for those who are looking for a smoother and more mellow taste without compromising on the richness of their favorite drink.
In this article, we will explore what makes low tannin red wines unique, which ones you should try out, and give you the tips to find the best one out of them all. Get ready to discover a whole new world of deliciousness!
What Does Tannins Mean in Red Wine?
Tannins are a class of compounds found in the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes that are used to make red wine. They are also found in other plant-based foods and beverages, such as tea, chocolate, and certain fruits.
In wine, tannins contribute to the wine’s texture and mouthfeel, giving it a dry, puckering sensation that can be described as astringent. They also play a role in the wine’s aging potential, as they help to preserve the wine’s color and flavor over time.
Tannins are extracted from the grape skins during the winemaking process, particularly during the fermentation process when the grape juice is in contact with the skins.
The amount of tannins in a red wine depends on several factors, including the grape variety, the length of time the juice is in contact with the skins, and the winemaking techniques used.
In general, red wines tend to have higher levels of tannins than white wines, since red wines are made with the skins, while white wines are not.
The level of tannins in a red wine can also vary depending on the style of the wine, with some wines having more prominent tannins than others.
Why do People Prefer Low Tannin Red Wines?
Some people may prefer low tannin red wines because tannins can have a bitter or astringent taste that some people find unpleasant.
Low tannin red wines can be smoother and more approachable, making them more appealing to those who prefer a milder taste profile.
In addition, tannins can have a drying effect on the mouth, which can be particularly noticeable in young, tannic red wines. This can make the wine feel less refreshing or enjoyable to some people, particularly those who are sensitive to this sensation.
Low tannin wine can offer several benefits, depending on the individual’s preferences and needs. Here are a few possible benefits:
Milder Taste Profile.
Low tannin wines tend to be smoother and less astringent than high tannin wines, which can make them more appealing to those who prefer a milder taste profile.
Easier to Pair With Food.
Tannins can sometimes clash with certain foods, particularly delicate or spicy dishes. Low tannin red wines can be easier to pair with a wider range of foods, making them a more versatile choice for meals.
More Approachable.
For those who are new to drinking wine or who find high tannin red wines challenging, low tannin wines can be a more approachable option that is easier to enjoy and appreciate.
Less Staining.
Tannins can also contribute to the staining of teeth, lips, and clothing. Low tannin wines may be less likely to cause these types of stains.
Reduced Risk of Headaches.
While tannins themselves are not necessarily a cause of wine headaches, some people may be more sensitive to tannins and find that high tannin wines are more likely to trigger headaches.
For those individuals, low tannin red wines may be a better choice.
10 Low Tannins Red Wine Available in the Market.
Here are 10 examples of low tannin red wines and some information about each:
Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir is a red wine that is known for its light-to-medium body and low tannin content. It typically has a fruity and floral aroma, with flavors of red berries, cherries, and sometimes earthy or spicy notes.
It pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled salmon, roasted chicken, and mushroom dishes.
Grenache.
Grenache is a red wine that is often used as a blending grape but can also be made into a varietal wine.
It has flavors of red fruits, black pepper, and sometimes a hint of smokiness. It pairs well with grilled meats, stews, and hearty vegetable dishes.
Gamay.
Gamay is a red wine that is grown mainly in the Beaujolais region of France. It is known for its low tannin content, with flavors of red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, and sometimes a hint of floral or earthy notes.
It pairs well with charcuterie, roasted chicken, and spicy dishes.
Barbera.
Barbera is a red wine that is grown mainly in the Piedmont region of Italy. It has a medium body, with flavors of red fruits, black cherry, and sometimes a hint of spice or nuttiness.
It pairs well with tomato-based pasta dishes, roasted meats, and hard cheeses.
Dolcetto.
Dolcetto is a red wine that is also grown mainly in the Piedmont region of Italy.
It has flavors of blackberry, plum, and sometimes a hint of bitter almond. It pairs well with pizza, pasta with red sauce, and grilled meats.
Zweigelt.
Zweigelt is a red wine that is grown mainly in Austria. It has flavors of red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, and sometimes a hint of spice or floral notes.
It pairs well with grilled meats, spicy dishes, and rich sauces.
Lambrusco.
Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine that is grown mainly in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
It has a light body and low tannin content, with flavors of red fruits, such as strawberry and raspberry, and sometimes a hint of sweetness. It pairs well with charcuterie, light salads, and spicy dishes.
Valpolicella.
Valpolicella is a red wine that is grown in the Veneto region of Italy. It has a light-to-medium body and low tannin content, with flavors of red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, and sometimes a hint of spice or floral notes. It pairs well with grilled meats, pizza, and pasta dishes.
St. Laurent.
St. Laurent is a red wine that is grown mainly in Austria. It has flavors of red fruits, such as cherry and strawberry, and sometimes a hint of spice or earthy notes.
It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty stews.
Cinsault.
Cinsault is a red wine that is often used as a blending grape but can also be made into a varietal wine. It has a light-to-medium body, with flavors of red fruits, such as strawberry and raspberry, and sometimes a hint of spice or floral notes.
It pairs well with grilled meats, light salads, and vegetarian dishes.
6 White Wine Alternatives Low Tannins Red Wine.
Pinot Grigio.
Pinot Grigio is a white wine that is known for its light body and hence is a good alternative for those who prefer low tannin red wines.
It has flavors of citrus, apple, and sometimes a hint of floral or almond notes. It pairs well with seafood, light pasta dishes, and salads.
Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine that has a light-to-medium body with flavors of citrus, grapefruit, and sometimes a hint of grassy or herbal notes. It pairs well with seafood, salads, and light vegetarian dishes.
Albariño.
Albariño is a white wine that is grown mainly in the Galicia region of Spain. It has flavors of citrus, peach, and sometimes a hint of minerality or saline notes.
It pairs well with seafood, grilled vegetables, and light chicken dishes.
Vermentino.
Vermentino is a white wine that is grown mainly in Italy and France.
It has a light-to-medium body and low tannin content, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and sometimes a hint of floral or herbal notes. It pairs well with seafood, light pasta dishes, and salads.
Chenin Blanc.
Chenin Blanc is a white wine that is grown mainly in the Loire Valley of France and South Africa.
It has flavors of green apple, pear, and sometimes a hint of honey or floral notes. It pairs well with seafood, roasted chicken, and light vegetarian dishes.
Grüner Veltliner.
Grüner Veltliner is a white wine that is grown mainly in Austria. It has flavors of citrus, green apple, and sometimes a hint of white pepper or herbal notes.
It pairs well with seafood, grilled vegetables, and light chicken dishes.
Tips on Finding The Best Low Tannin Red Wines.
Look for wines made from low-tannin grape varieties.
Some grape varieties naturally have lower tannin levels, such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, and certain white grape varieties like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.
Look for wines made from these grape varieties to ensure that you are getting a wine with low tannin levels.
Choose wines from cooler climates.
Wines from cooler climates tend to have lower tannin levels than those from warmer climates.
This is because cooler climates can slow down the ripening process of grapes, which can result in grapes with lower tannin levels. Look for wines from regions like Oregon, Burgundy, or the Loire Valley.
Consider the winemaking techniques.
Some winemaking techniques can help to reduce tannin levels in wine. For example, wines made using carbonic maceration, a process where grapes are fermented whole, can result in wines with lower tannin levels. Look for wines made using these techniques.
Consider the vintage.
The vintage, or the year in which the grapes were harvested, can also have an impact on the tannin levels in the wine. In general, cooler vintages tend to produce wines with lower tannin levels than warmer vintages.
When shopping for wine, ask the wine seller about the vintage and whether it was a cooler or warmer year.
Pay attention to the alcohol level.
Wines with higher alcohol levels tend to have higher tannin levels. This is because the alcohol can extract tannins from the grape skins during the winemaking process.
Look for wines with lower alcohol levels, typically under 13.5%, to ensure a lower tannin content.
Try blends.
Blended wines can often have lower tannin levels than single varietal wines. This is because the winemaker can blend together different grape varieties to create a wine with a softer, smoother taste.
Look for blended wines, particularly those labeled as “easy drinking” or “approachable,” to ensure lower tannin levels.
Read wine reviews.
Wine reviews can be a helpful resource in finding low tannin wines. Look for reviews that describe the wine as having a light body and soft tannins.
Experiment with different wines.
The best way to find the perfect low tannin wine for you is to experiment with different wines. Try wines made from different grape varieties, from different regions, and made using different winemaking techniques to find the one that you enjoy the most.
Conclusion — Low Tannin Red Wines.
Low tannin red wines can be an incredibly versatile and enjoyable option for many different occasions.
Whether you’re pairing it with a meal or just enjoying a glass after work, the low tannin content gives these wines their often lighter body and fruity flavors that make them easy to drink and pair with food.
Keeping these tasty qualities in mind, try out some of our favorite options next time you’re looking for something new to have at your table or sip on the couch. Enjoy!
