Granite Belt Tannat

Another obscure red variety from the south of France like the Durif from a few days ago this isTannat although some researchers say it may have originated in the Basque Country of northern Spain which could be correct as it was taken to Uruguay where it has enjoyed the warmer climate there, similar to Malbec flourishing in Argentina. I first tried this wine in 2016 at the Toowoomba Wine Show where I found it extremely tannic. 4 years of cellaring since then has served this wine from the Granite Belt well. It is another dense black winter wine showing Blackberry and tarry notes with Raspberry and Vanilla. Rich and full bodied with stern tannins but not as tannic as 4 years ago. Barb who doesn’t normally like big reds very much liked this. This wine has now won 3 Trophies in its Show career winning the Champion Alternative Variety Red Wine at the 2016 Queensland Wine Awards.

This Tannat was in the taste off for best Mediterranean Red. I was not a huge fan. Nice Fruit and aromatics on nose but then a wall of dry tannins on palate. The tannins will outlive the fruit IMO