Tannin

Chewy

Definition

Dense, mouth-filling tannin you almost ‘chew’ through.

Why this matters in wine

Youthful Petite Sirah, Tannat, or high-extract Syrah.

Position inside its category

Chewy

Tannin

  1. ○Bitter
  2. ○Harsh
  3. ○Aggressive
  4. ○Grippy
  5. ○Angular
  6. ○Powerful
  7. ○Coarse
  8. ○Leathery
  9. ○Rigid
  10. ○Muscular
  11. ○Firm
  12. ○Structured
  13. ●Chewy
  14. ○Chocolate
  15. ○Silky
  16. ○Smooth
  17. ○Round
  18. ○Opulent
  19. ○Velvety
  20. ○Voluptuous
  21. ○Supple
  22. ○Soft
  23. ○Mellow
  24. ○Spineless
  25. ○Flabby

Position 13 of 25 on the Tannin scale.

Parent category

Tannin — Phenolic grip and texture — from silky Pinot to aggressive young Nebbiolo; tannin is the main red-wine pairing lever.

Sibling descriptors

Opposite descriptors

Nearby on the scale

More in Tannin

Frequently confused with

FAQ

What does chewy mean in wine?
Dense, mouth-filling tannin you almost ‘chew’ through.
Why does chewy matter for pairing?
Youthful Petite Sirah, Tannat, or high-extract Syrah.
What is chewy often confused with?
Tasters often overlap chewy with grippy, muscular. Each descriptor has a distinct place in the wine vocabulary.

See also