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Most of us are familiar with tannins in wine, but what are they exactly? The overwhelming dryness all around your mouth and tongue. It’s “not a taste, it’s a tactile sensation.” When you think of tannin, don’t think bitter…think “astringent". Tannins come from the pit, skin, and stem of the grape that’s used to make the wine you’re sipping on. Without getting too science teacher-y, tannins are naturally occurring compounds that are found in natural foods, wood, and leaves. Here are some other familiar foods with tannins: barley, apples, apricots, tea leaves, nuts with skins, and basil and cranberries! Tannins are prominent in red wine, but some whites can be tannic too! Let me explain why. Red wines typically have a higher tannin level because red wines typically ferment with their skins. If you’re drinking a super tannic red wine like Syrah, Nebbiolo, or a Cabernet Sauvignon; it’s because the wine spent a lot of time fermenting with their skins. Another contributor is the oak/wood barrels, that reds typically age in.With that being said, some whites are aged in oak/wood barrels, which would produce a tannic white. Personally, I love a tannic wine. I especially love how special is to pair tannic wine with the right dish. Think of tea and that astringent taste (the tannins). Then add your milk and it’s perfectly balanced (the creamy/fatty dish). Science talk again…tannin macromolecules cut through protein which helps more subtle flavors of the wine and food to emerge. Here is a list of some recommended pairings for you to make at home! · An oaky Californian Chardonnay and a light lemon pasta · Nebbiolo with decadent, bougie take on Mac & Cheese · Napa Valley Cabernet with California Chicken · Sangiovese and a well-marbled steak I’m working on furthering my knowledge, and I will always share helpful links! This is a video from SommTv, which highlights tannins from a Sommeliers point of view. Talk on maceration, white wines with skin exposure, and what it’s like to feel and not taste. https://youtu.be/2YapMa9Olsw Thanks for reading, until next time! #tannin #tannintalk #detroitwine #nebbiolo #sangiovese #californiawine #chardonnay #napavalley #syrah #plateandpairings

Looking to step out and enjoy a bottle at an outdoor heated patio? Or maybe order a selection that you can enjoy at home? Here are 5 wine bars & shops all around the city where I can go and trust that any choice, will be a great choice. Options for pick-up, delivery, indoor retail sales, and even some patios! 1. The Royce (Downtown) This wine shop & bar is located downtown on W Adams! The Royce offers online ordering for pick-up and delivery right now as their indoor space is closed for dine-in, but open for shopping! Excitingly, the team just recently added heated tents on their patio, so you can enjoy your bottle in a warm space. I’m always looking forward to seeing what new, crazy bottle I can pick up. Current hours are: Monday – Closed, Tuesday thru Sunday – 1pm to 8pm. https://www.theroycedetroit.com 2. Cost Plus Eastern Market Wine (Eastern Market) This wine shop near the Eastern Market sheds is a must-stop on a Saturday in Detroit. The store has an insane collection that makes you feel like you just stepped inside a wine library. Bottom to top, dreamy. The inside is open for bottle purchase! Go check them out Tuesday- Friday 9:30am-6pm or Friday 7:30am to 4:30. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cost-Plus-Eastern-Market-Wine-Warehouse/165834496763196 3. Detroit Vineyards (Eastern Market) One of my favorite spots to work on my palate. Detroit Vineyards is located in Eastern Market and open for indoor retail shopping Tuesday through Saturday 1 to 7pm! Not in the mood to venture out? The team can deliver locally. https://detroitvineyards.com 4. Motor City Wine (Corktown) Motor City Wine is always a good vibe, and always impressive with their ever-changing wide selection. Located right on Michigan Ave in Corktown, this wine bar/retail shop is still open for indoor retail sales! Buy a glass to sip on while you shop inside and enjoy the jazz music. Their patio remains open just behind the store if you don’t mind the cold (unheated)! MCW is currently operating Wednesday thru Saturday 1 to 7 pm. http://motorcitywine.com 5. House of Pure Vin (Downtown) House of Pure Vin is centrally located on Woodward in Downtown! The team has partnered with Claudia Tyagi (1 of 3 Master Somms in Michigan) to curate their wide selection of wine and champagne. House of Pure Vin’s current hours are Wednesday thru Sunday noon to five. https://houseofpurevin.com Thanks for reading! What is your favorite wine bar or shop in the city? Did I miss any with any outdoor patio? Let me know! #plateandpairings