TannatEstate-Grown and Bottled at Hiddencroft Vineyards, Lovettsville, VA
Meet Tannat—a bold, robust red wine grape with deep roots in France and a promising future in Virginia. Once known primarily for its intensity and structure, Tannat is gaining a following for its age-worthiness, health benefits, and powerful character. And here in Northern Virginia, it’s finding its stride.
Originally hailing from the Madiran region in the French Pyrenees, Tannat earned a reputation for being deeply tannic—so much so that it was traditionally softened by blending. But when the grape made its way to the New World, particularly Uruguay and now Virginia, winemakers discovered something special: warm climates and careful handling transformed it into a richly textured wine with bold fruit, spice, and long aging potential.
At Hiddencroft Vineyards, we’ve embraced this once-overlooked grape. Our Tannat is 100% estate-grown, crafted with intention, and aged with patience to bring out its full expression.
Tasting Notes
This vintage is a dry red wine with exceptional structure and depth. It opens with dark fruit—blackberry, blackcurrant, elderberry—and finishes with notes of cocoa, spice, leather, and earth. The tannins are firm but well-integrated thanks to extended time in oak barrels, and the finish lingers with confidence.
A wine for serious red wine drinkers, our Tannat commands attention but rewards those who savor slowly.
About the Grape: A Gritty History and a Global Comeback
Tannat gets its name from—you guessed it—its high tannin content, which provides structure and longevity. While it was once considered too bold to stand alone, the grape has undergone a quiet renaissance. It’s now the national grape of Uruguay, where it’s known for smoother styles, and it’s also finding increasing success in Virginia, where our growing season provides ideal ripening.
Bonus? Tannat is one of the healthiest red wines, rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy procyanidins.
Vintage Details – Hiddencroft Vineyards Tannat
- Grapes & Winemaking: 100% estate-grown | Winemaker: Clyde Housel
- Barrel Aged: Extended oak aging for depth and softness
- Bottled: [Insert Date if Known]
- Alcohol: [Insert % if Known]
- Residual Sugar: Dry
- Cellar Potential: 5–15 years
Food Pairing Suggestions
Tannat begs to be enjoyed with richly flavored foods:
- Grilled meats (ribeye, brisket, short ribs)
- Lamb with garlic and herbs
- Charred sausages, barbecue, and smoked pork
- Aged or pungent cheeses like Stilton, Gouda, or blue cheese
Why Choose Tannat Now?
As the wine world rediscovers Tannat, Virginia is stepping into the spotlight. At Hiddencroft, this powerful grape gets the space and care it needs to evolve into something remarkable. If you love reds that are bold, dark, and built to last, don’t miss this vintage.