Who Is Tim?
My name is Tim Brinkmann and while I'd prefer to answer your questions in person at my store, you will always have 24-hour access to my wine and spirits knowledge on my Ask Tim page. My background and my passion both lie in the wine and spirits industry, with over 10 years experience as a spirits wholesaler and 9 years in fine wine distribution. I opened Brinkmann's Wine & Spirits because I love to discover new wines and spirits and I have a great appreciation for the evolution, growth, and maturity of existing brands. Please come visit me in the store so we can talk shop, or feel free to interact with me here. Just remember: Good, Better... Brinkmann's!

Updated October 26, 2011

Deborah D. asks Tim:

 

Tim,

I keep hearing the word "tannins" described by wine drinkers. What are tannins and what do they have to do with wine?

Deborah D.

 

Dear Deborah,

Tannins can sometimes be a difficult word to describe. I typically describe it as the "cotton mouth effect." Tannins are a natural organic compound found in the grape skins, seeds and stems that give that puckering sensation in your mouth and the back of your throat. It is an excellent antioxidant and natural preservative that also gives wine structure and texture. Wine makers have the ability to control the tannic structure of their wine by using specific juicing extraction techniques to reduce or increase the amount excreted.

Wines with little tannin should be drunk young as they do not need time to tame, however wines that require aging are typically big, bold, and highly tannic wines that need a few years to mellow out. Through time the tannins become less noticable and a delicate and smooth wine appears.

 

Cheers!

Tim B.