Tannins are a pretty touchy subject, second only to sulfites, when it comes to a wine lover’s strong preferences.
Some of us are adamantly opposed to drinking anything other than low tannin red wine, so much so that we’d prefer to skip the red wine all together.
Now, that thought makes me sad. I’d like to think that there are enough delicious low tannin red wines to keep even the most stubborn tannin-haters happy, at least to get them through a Thanksgiving meal!
Before I get into the best low tannin red wine, I’d like to explain a bit more about what exactly tannins are, and why maybe (just maybe) you don’t hate them as much as you think you do.
Tannins come from a group of compounds called “phenols,” and are found in the wine skins, stems, and seeds. Tannins are really only present in red wines, since they are fermented with their skins.
Structure: It’s the complexity in a wine that’s hard to explain when the tannins are fully developed, but it’s much more noticeable when they are not.
When the structure is sound, meaning the tannins have fully matured before harvest and following extended barrel aging, the wine will taste full, smooth, and rich.
When the tannins are underdeveloped due to premature harvesting or not enough time spent in the barrel, the wine will taste grippy and desperately dry.
Ageability: Tannins act as a preservative. The more tannins a wine has, the longer aging potential it will have.
This is why Bordeaux wines or Nebbiolo can be aged for decades, with their flavors slowly unraveling over time.
Red Wines With Low Tannins Pinot Noir – Pinot Noir grapes have thin skin, creating a wine that is very low in tannins and light in body. Dolcetto – Dolcetto translates to “little sweet one”. While often exhibiting low tannins, occasionally, it can be higher. Barbera – Barbera is another native Italian grape.
Pinot Noir (Burgundy, France) Jean-Claude Boisset, Marsannay Rouge 2017
Pinot noir is the most well-known fruity low tannin red wine out there, and for good reason. This remarkably popular wine has been around for hundreds of years.
Most notable Pinots are coming from France’s Burgundy region, with New Zealand, Chile, and the U.S. swiftly trailing behind.
Pinot noir will taste anywhere from fresh to cooked red fruit, with flavors of mushroom and earth developing after some maturity.
Best Dinner Pairing: Grilled Salmon
Low Tannin Red Wine FAQ
Pinot Noir – Pinot Noir grapes are known for their thin-skin, therefore creating a wine that is very low in tannins, as well as light in body, will be a Pinot Noir.
Which Red Wines Have The Least Tannins
FAQ
Does Pinot Noir have less tannins than Cabernet?
Which red wine has most tannins?
Does Merlot have less tannins?
Which wine has the least tannins?
Tannins are often a desirable flavor component in wines, but not every wine has tannins, and not every wine drinker enjoys them. Whites and rosés are popular for having low tannin content, but which red wines have the least tannins?
Red vs White wine: Which is healthier?
The difference between red and white wine is the colour of the grapes which are used. To make white wine, grapes are pressed and skin, seeds and stems are removed before fermentation. However, to make red wine, the crushed red grapes are fermented with seeds, skin and stems. As a result, red wine is rich in plant compounds that are present in those skins such as tannins and resveratrol. Overall, red wine has slight edge over white because it has higher amounts of vitamins and minerals. Red wine helps in reducing heart disease risk, increase good HDL cholesterol and helps with diabetes. Red wine helps with cancer and eases joint pain.
What is a low tannin red wine?
It produces a light-bodied wine with a very pleasant and refreshing food-friendly acidity. Our number 1 recommendation for a low tannin red wine is a Burgundy Pinot Noir, however, Pinot Noir wines are produced all around the world, with the most popular coming from Oregon, California, New Zealand, and Australia.
Why do you prefer low tannin red wine?
Here are the main reasons why I often prefer low tannin red wines. They pair easily with food: I love Pinot with salmon. Especially, Barbera. This low tannin Italian red wine will fit seamlessly at your next Italian dinner out, even if everyone orders something different.