Tannat

Tannat is the dark, powerful red grape of Madiran in southwest France, where it is blended with Cabernet Franc and Fer Servadou, and of Uruguay, where it has become the national variety. As the name suggests, it is one of the most tannic grapes in the world, with deep color and flavors of blackberry, plum, licorice, tar and smoke. Madiran growers pioneered micro-oxygenation to soften it, and long aging in barrel and bottle turns it supple and savory. Tannat is famously rich in procyanidins, and it is a natural partner to cassoulet, duck confit and grilled meat.