What are tannins?
But why tannins produce that sensation of dryness in the mouth when drinking red wine?. This dryness is due to tannins, compounds from the group of polyphenols, which are found in the skin of grapes, and noted for its astringent and anti-inflammatory, react with saliva in our mouth and nullifying its activity precipitating lubricant therefore no spit we were passing the wine around your mouth and our language is completely dry, hence we have that feeling of roughness.
Tannins are water-soluble phenolic compounds easily identified. The sensation of roughness, dryness and bitterness that cause both the language and in the gums is very characteristic. Are perceived, especially in green fruit and that as it matures, its concentration decreases or mask for sweetness outstanding. Tannins have been identified as substances with beneficial health effects, but also may decrease the absorption of some essential nutrients. They tend to accumulate in the roots and bark of plants and fruits, as well as in their leaves, although to a lesser extent. To be able to dry and mucosal inflammation of the intestinal tract, are highly effective in the treatment of diarrhea. The same activity astringent and produce vasoconstriction, aid blood clotting antihemorrágica-action locally. They are also beneficial in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
The tannins are associated mainly with the red wine. They are present in grape skins and are responsible for some of the health benefits of this beverage. Several scientific studies have shown that people in countries who follow the Mediterranean diet and therefore consume wine in moderate amounts have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The skins of red grapes(Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo contain more polyphenols than the rest) contains phenolic acids, flavonoids and resveratrol that have a great ability to protect LDL lipoprotein oxidation.(Inhibit bad cholesterol, oxidized once would become an atheromatous plaque on the wall of the arteries).
Why drinking red wine is left dry and rough language and drinking white wine not? For white wines, the must is not left in contact with the grape skins, tannins so these are not the final wine. Therefore, we know that this event occurs in red wines and white wines.
Although, tannins can also come from the oak barrel, loaning the wine during aging. Therefore, if we take a white wine that has been aged for a period longer or shorter barrel, then IF we notice some dryness on the tongue to drink that wine.
The tannins are fundamental in red wine to give it body, structure and to encourage better development of the wine over time. It is desirable that these tannins are not aggressive or overly drying. That wine has body, big tannic but rounded tannins, polished, smooth, without edges, that at the time of bringing the wine to his mouth did not cause excessive dryness and, therefore, an unpleasant sensation.
Tannins Caution! because they are toxic in large quantities. This toxicity test is the event that ocurrión the late 80s in South Africa, which killed hundreds of antelope. The acacias, base your diet, to be jeopardized by the increasing number of antelope, tannin production multiplied by 250% with fatal outcome for these.
The truth is that the properties of tannins are very interesting. What matters is the dose and have the doctor or specialist advice.