Which red wines have the fewest tannins. I think I may be sensitive to tannins.?!
Which red wines have the fewest tannins. I think I may be sensitive to tannins.?
I have had red wines that make me ill, but I love them- I think it may be a sensitivity to the tannins. Which reds have the fewest tannins? Does anyone else have this issue?
Answers:
Red wines contain a large number of compounds which originate from the skins and seeds of the grapes, including tannins, but also including antioxidants and complex aromatic molecules. These contribute to the complexity and flavour of wine, but can also cause unwanted side effects like migraine headaches, abdominal upset, etc. I'm not sure if it's the tannins that are causing the problem for you, but if you find that white wines are consistently okay, then perhaps it is the tannins.
Grapes with thinner skins produce wines with the least tannin. Pinot Noir and Gamay (the grape that is used in Beaujolais) are both very delicate grapes which produce light reds with little tannin, but it will still be present. You would probably need to stay away from thicker skinned grapes like Carbernet Sauvignon and Tannat.
As a wine ages, the tannins will form together into larger molecules which will eventually precipitate out of the wine. So, if you are lucky enough to have access to some older vintages of age-worthy reds like red Bordeaux or older Italian reds like Brunello di Montalcino, then you may be able to have some of the more robust wines without the big tannins found in younger wines.
One other suggestion, especially with summer around the corner, is a rose. See if you can find a nice blush wine from southern France.
Bear in mind that tannins can also come from the wood barrels used to age wine. So, some white wines like Chardonnays that spend a long time in oak barrels can also have significant tannin levels.
I hope that helps.
Cheers!
the most tannic of reds are the cabernets. uf you want something light on tannins, try a beaujolais or a pinot noir, grenache or tempranillo. White wines are completely lacking in tannins, so even tho u like reds, if you have a sensitivity to the tannins, u might want to stick to whites
Pinot Noir or Gamay Beaujolais. The Gamay has the least in tannins and then it's the Noir.
try some of the new organic wines they are pretty good.
Generally speaking - but not as a rule, the lighter the red, the less tannins. Pinot Noir and Chianti are two lighter reds.
Let's be empirical about this : Drink a cup or two of strong brewed tea If you can handle the tannins in strong tea then the tannins in wine shouldn't bother you and the problem lies elsewhere.