Where do tannins come from?

Where do tannins come from?

• A. Seeds
• B. Oak barrels
• C. Grape skins
• D. Sugar

Answer: (C)

Tannins are phenolic compounds found mainly in grape skins (and to some extent in seeds) that give structure and astringency to wine. In sparkling wine production, tannins enter the wine primarily through contact with the skins during pressing and any brief maceration, so grape skins are the main source. Seeds also contain tannins but contribute less in typical Champagne styles, and oak barrels would only add tannins if oak aging is used—something not standard for most Champagnes. Sugar has no tannins. Hence grape skins are the correct source.

Tannins are phenolic compounds found mainly in grape skins (and to some extent in seeds) that give structure and astringency to wine. In sparkling wine production, tannins enter the wine primarily through contact with the skins during pressing and any brief maceration, so grape skins are the main source. Seeds also contain tannins but contribute less in typical Champagne styles, and oak barrels would only add tannins if oak aging is used—something not standard for most Champagnes. Sugar has no tannins. Hence grape skins are the correct source.