Tannins — The Invisible Structure of Wine

Tannins are among the most misunderstood elements of wine.
Often described as “dry,” “astringent,” or “strong,” they are sometimes perceived as something to avoid.
And yet, tannins are not a flaw — they are one of wine’s most essential pillars.

Without tannins, wine would lack structure, depth, and longevity.
They are the invisible framework that gives shape to aroma, flavor, and aging potential.

At Fattoria di Montemaggio, we see tannins not as something to tame, but as something to understand, respect, and guide.

🍇 What Are Tannins?

Tannins are natural phenolic compounds found in grapes and wine.
They come primarily from:

• grape skins

• seeds

• stems

• and, later, from wood during barrel aging

In red wines especially, tannins play a fundamental role in defining texture and balance.

They are responsible for that sensation of dryness you feel on your gums — the feeling that gently “grips” the palate.

🌿 Tannins Begin in the Vineyard

The quality of tannins is determined long before fermentation begins.

Soil composition, climate, sun exposure, and vineyard management all influence how tannins develop in the grape.
Healthy vines, balanced yields, and proper ripening are essential to achieving ripe, elegant tannins rather than harsh or aggressive ones.

In organic viticulture, the goal is balance — allowing the vine to mature naturally, without stress, so that tannins develop smoothly and harmoniously.

🍷 Extraction: A Matter of Precision

During fermentation, tannins are extracted from the grape skins and seeds.
This process must be handled with care.

Too much extraction can lead to bitterness and roughness.
Too little can result in wines that feel thin or unstable.

Temperature, timing, and gentle handling are key.
At Montemaggio, we aim for precision rather than power — allowing tannins to emerge gradually and integrate naturally with the wine.

🪵 The Role of Barrels

Oak barrels contribute additional tannins, but also help refine those already present.

Wood tannins interact with grape tannins, softening texture and adding complexity.
This slow exchange through the wood allows tannins to polymerize — forming longer chains that feel smoother and more refined on the palate.

Barrel aging is not about adding flavor alone.
It is about shaping structure.

⏳ Tannins and Time

One of tannins’ greatest virtues is their relationship with time.

Young tannins can feel firm, tight, even angular.
With aging, they evolve — becoming silkier, rounder, more integrated.

This is why tannins are essential for wines meant to age.
They act as natural preservatives, protecting the wine and allowing it to develop complexity over years — sometimes decades.

🥂 Balance, Not Strength

Great tannins are not about intensity.
They are about balance.

When tannins are ripe and well-integrated, they support the wine rather than dominate it.
They frame the fruit, enhance freshness, and give length to the finish.

The best tannins are often the least noticeable —
because they feel natural, seamless, and in harmony with everything else.

🌿 Tannins as Expression of Place

Tannins carry the signature of terroir.

The same grape variety grown in different soils and climates will produce very different tannic profiles.
This is why tannins are not just a technical element, but an expression of origin.

In wines like Chianti Classico, tannins are part of the identity: firm yet elegant, structured yet vibrant, capable of aging with grace.

✨ Learning to Appreciate Tannins

Understanding tannins changes the way we experience wine.

Instead of asking whether a wine is “soft” or “strong,” we begin to ask:

• Are the tannins ripe?

• Are they balanced?

• Do they support the wine’s character?

Tannins invite patience — in the vineyard, in the cellar, and in the glass.

They remind us that great wine is not made to impress immediately,
but to unfold over time.