Origin and Rich History of Tannat

Tannat is an emblematic grape variety from South West France, cultivated for centuries and renowned for its ability to produce powerful, deeply coloured wines. Its very name, "Tannat", derives from its exceptional tannin content, a hallmark trait that has forged its identity over the centuries. The earliest historical records of this variety already highlight its remarkable colour and body. Historically, Tannat has deep roots on the clay-limestone hillsides of Madiran, but it has also flourished across the vineyards of the Basses-Pyrénées, particularly around Monein and Aubertin, as well as in the Chalosse landaise region. Today, there is renewed interest in this grape variety, reflected in its increasing presence in new plantings. Although Château Cazebonne is not traditionally Tannat country, the estate is interested in varieties capable of providing structure, such as Petit Verdot or Cabernet-Sauvignon, to prepare the future of the Bordeaux vineyard in the face of climate challenges.

Ampelographic Profile

Characteristic	Description
Leaf	Small to medium, orbicular, three- or five-lobed, dark green, cottony on the underside.
Bunch	Medium to large, cylindrical-conical, sometimes winged, compact.
Berry	Small to medium, spherical, thick bluish-black skin, juicy and highly tannic pulp.
Budburst	Late.
Ripening	Late (third epoch).
Vigour	High.
Susceptibility	Susceptible to powdery mildew and grey rot (botrytis). Good resistance to downy mildew.
Oenological Potential	Yields deeply coloured wines, rich in tannins, with good acidity and high ageing potential.

Tannat in the Vineyard and Disease Resistance

Tannat is characterized by high vigour, requiring careful canopy management by the winegrower to control yields and ensure optimal grape ripeness. Its late budburst is a distinct advantage, protecting it from spring frost risks that can damage earlier varieties. However, its late ripening means that favourable late-season weather conditions are essential to achieve full phenolic maturity and complete aromatic development. While Tannat displays good resistance to downy mildew, it is more susceptible to powdery mildew and grey rot, requiring vigilant monitoring and tailored organic treatments. These ampelographic traits directly influence biodiversity management and vineyard practices, an approach Château Cazebonne shares with other ancient grape varieties such as Bouchalès or Castets.

Vinification of Tannat and Ageing Potential

The vinification of Tannat focuses primarily on the extraction of phenolic compounds: tannins, colour, and aromas. Its high polyphenol concentration gives the wines a powerful structure, often marked by notable astringency in their youth. To soften these natural tannins, maturation—frequently carried out in oak barrels—is favoured. This process also enhances aromatic complexity. Tannat wines are renowned for their remarkable ageing potential, evolving beautifully over time to reveal deeper complexity.

Aromatic Profile and Tasting Tannat Wines

Wines made from Tannat generally display an intense, deep colour. On the nose, they offer aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry, often accompanied by peppery spice notes and occasional floral touches, particularly violet. On the palate, they stand out for their substantial tannic structure, richness, and remarkable length. With bottle ageing, the tannins soften and round out, revealing complex notes of leather, forest floor, and preserved dark fruits. For young wines, decanting and aeration are frequently recommended to allow their aromatic bouquet to fully express itself.

Tannat: Considerations for the Future of Cazebonne

The Tannat grape variety is not traditionally planted on the terroirs of Château Cazebonne. However, the estate actively explores the integration of grape varieties that are resilient or adapted to climate change, such as Marselan or Arinarnoa, to uncover new expressions and preserve the richness of our wines. Although Tannat is not grown in our plots, its profile warrants the attention of winegrowers exploring Bordeaux's ampelographic diversity, much like the resurgence of Malbec in other regions. Close attention is also paid to the Négrette grape variety, renowned for its aromatic uniqueness.

Sources and References for Tannat

• Plantgrape.fr - Tannat profile
• Lescepages.free.fr - Tannat
• Pierre Galet, Dictionnaire encyclopédique des cépages et de leurs synonymes

Château Cazebonne is committed to the long-term work of replanting forgotten grape varieties in Bordeaux, contributing to the ampelographic richness and diversity that historically established the renown of our vineyards. This endeavour is a true passion, made possible thanks to the support of wine lovers who enjoy our wines and share our vision. If you are curious to discover more, feel free to download our book "Bordeaux, a history of grape varieties" or test your knowledge with our wine quizzes. To explore our full selection of wines and support this initiative, we invite you to visit our online shop.