Illumina Tannat 2019

Although relatively unknown to many Americans, especially as a single-varietal wine, Tannat is a high-color and high-tannin variety originating from Southwest France, traditionally used for blending. Aligning well to our highly fragrant style of winemaking here at Inwood, the grape has risen in popularity in recent decades as a stand-alone varietal for a flavor and fragrance profile that many liken to a dark Malbec. The likeness to Malbec stems from the fact both varietals share a hefty quantity of flavor molecules commonly found in the truffle mushroom. In Tannat, these molecules impart discernibly earthy layers across Tannat’s black fruit base.

All of Inwood's Tannat vintages are farmed at 2 tons per acre in Gillespie County for a wonderfully thick flavor concentration. Even so, the 2019 Tannat is quite distinct from earlier versions and represents the most immediately drinkable version of Tannat we have produced to date. After some experimentation, we now model our winemaking direction for this variety after Malbec. The result is a 2019 version that captures noticably more blackberry fruit flavors than our previous versions. The blackberry profile compliments the earthiness to create extra complexity. 

This is an excellent full-bodied red to pair with your summertime grilled meats, especially marbled cuts of beef steak, barbecued ribs, or sausage.

This 2019 vintage is 85% ready to drink now and will also improve modestly with another year or two in the bottle.  Drink now through 2024. 

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