Tannins
Tannins are natural compounds found in wine that create a dry, sometimes bitter sensation in your mouth - similar to when you drink strong black tea. In winemaking, they come from grape skins, seeds, and oak barrels. Understanding tannins is crucial because they affect wine's taste, storage potential, and overall quality. Winemakers manage tannin levels through different techniques like controlling how long grape skins stay in contact with the juice or choosing specific oak aging methods. When someone in wine production mentions tannins, they're talking about these texture-giving compounds that are especially important in red wines.
Examples in Resumes
Developed aging protocols to achieve optimal tannin levels in premium red wines
Monitored tannin extraction during fermentation to ensure consistent wine quality
Conducted sensory analysis of tannins and their impact on wine structure
Typical job title: "Winemakers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Winemakers
Professional Organizations
Industry Networks
Educational Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage tannin extraction during red wine production to achieve specific wine styles?
Expected Answer: A senior winemaker should explain different techniques like cold soaking, pump-over schedules, and temperature control during fermentation. They should also discuss how these choices affect the final wine quality and style.
Q: What strategies do you use to balance tannin structure in premium wines?
Expected Answer: They should discuss methods like barrel selection, aging time, blending decisions, and how different grape varieties contribute to tannin profiles. Should mention experience with both grape and oak tannins.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you measure and monitor tannin levels during winemaking?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic laboratory analysis methods, sensory evaluation techniques, and when to make adjustments during the winemaking process.
Q: What factors influence tannin development during grape growing?
Expected Answer: Should discuss vineyard practices like sun exposure, irrigation management, and harvest timing that affect grape tannin development.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are tannins and why are they important in winemaking?
Expected Answer: Should explain that tannins are compounds that affect wine texture and aging potential, and describe basic sources like grape skins and oak barrels.
Q: How can you recognize different levels of tannins when tasting wine?
Expected Answer: Should describe the sensation of tannins (drying, grippy texture) and be able to distinguish between soft and firm tannins in wine.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of tannin sources in wine
- Ability to conduct simple tannin measurements
- Basic wine tasting skills
- Understanding of basic fermentation processes
Mid (2-5 years)
- Management of tannin extraction during fermentation
- Laboratory analysis techniques
- Oak aging program implementation
- Quality control procedures
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced tannin management strategies
- Premium wine production expertise
- Blending and style development
- Team leadership and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic tannin management techniques
- Lack of practical winemaking experience
- Poor understanding of wine chemistry
- Limited sensory evaluation skills
Related Terms
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