What grape variety is Kyoto Tamba Tannat made from?

It is a Tannat-dominant blend (roughly 85-91% depending on vintage), rounded out with a small amount of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in oak — not a single-varietal wine.

How is Kyoto Tamba Tannat different from Kyoto Tamba Pinot Noir Vieille Vigne?

Tannat is a full-bodied, tannic red built for grilled meat and richly seasoned Japanese dishes, while Pinot Noir Vieille Vigne is a lighter, more delicate red from old vines, closer in style to Burgundy and better suited to more subtle food pairings.

What does Kyoto Tamba Tannat taste like?

Deep dark cherry-red in color, with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, ink, and vanilla from oak aging. The palate is full-bodied with firm but smooth tannins well balanced by ripe fruit and bright acidity.

What food pairs best with Kyoto Tamba Tannat?

Red meat and game such as Wagyu steak or venison, as well as soy- and miso-based Japanese dishes like teriyaki chicken and simmered beef (shigureni).

CuvéeKyotoRed

Kyoto Tamba Tannat

京都丹波タナ

Tamba Wine

About Kyoto Tamba Tannat

Style: Red
Grape Varieties: Tannat, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Price Range: ¥5,500-6,050

The flagship red of Tamba Wine's Kyoto Tamba series, built around the rare, deeply tannic Tannat grape grown on the winery's own Kyoto Tamba estate. Each vintage blends roughly 85-91% Tannat with a small portion of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, then ages in oak. Unlike the powerful, rustic Tannat of southwest France, Tamba's cooler, gentler terroir yields softer acidity and notes of blackberry, black cherry, ink, and vanilla, with firm but smooth tannins that stay well balanced against the fruit.

Sommelier's Note

Japan's most convincing Tannat — Tamba tames a notoriously tannic grape into something silky enough to pour with soy-and-miso-glazed dishes.

New to wine?

A rare chance to try Tannat — normally a rustic, tannic grape in southwest France — reimagined as a smooth, food-friendly Japanese red.

Food Pairings

A structured match for red meat and game — Wagyu steak, venison, or teriyaki chicken. The soy- and miso-forward backbone of Japanese cuisine also suits it well.

When to drink it

Dinner featuring grilled or braised meat, izakaya-style Japanese cuisine, special occasions

Terroir & Winemaking

Estate-grown Tannat (approx. 85-91% depending on vintage) blended with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in oak barrels for a smooth, integrated tannin structure. ABV approx. 13%.

About the producer

Tamba WineKyoto's pioneering winery built for Japanese cuisine京丹波町, 京都府 · Founded 1979Visit the producer page →

More wines from Tamba Wine

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Frequently Asked Questions

What grape variety is Kyoto Tamba Tannat made from?: It is a Tannat-dominant blend (roughly 85-91% depending on vintage), rounded out with a small amount of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in oak — not a single-varietal wine.
How is Kyoto Tamba Tannat different from Kyoto Tamba Pinot Noir Vieille Vigne?: Tannat is a full-bodied, tannic red built for grilled meat and richly seasoned Japanese dishes, while Pinot Noir Vieille Vigne is a lighter, more delicate red from old vines, closer in style to Burgundy and better suited to more subtle food pairings.
What does Kyoto Tamba Tannat taste like?: Deep dark cherry-red in color, with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, ink, and vanilla from oak aging. The palate is full-bodied with firm but smooth tannins well balanced by ripe fruit and bright acidity.
What food pairs best with Kyoto Tamba Tannat?: Red meat and game such as Wagyu steak or venison, as well as soy- and miso-based Japanese dishes like teriyaki chicken and simmered beef (shigureni).

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