Still not sure what tannins are? They can be an acquired taste. Luckily, there are a few ways to refine your palate.

To train your tongue to identify tannins, first try peeling the skin off an ordinary grape using your teeth. Chew on the grape skin and feel your mouth tissue shrivel up..

Grape seeds are an even stronger source of tannins, but they can be a challenge to chew. That’s why many winemakers go to great lengths to avoid breaking open the seeds when crushing grapes. It's no surprise that ancient winemaking involved stomping the grapes with the soft soles of our feet.

If chewing grape seeds doesn't sound appealing, try sloshing a cup of dark pu erh (普洱茶)tea in your mouth to get a sense of what tannins feel like.

Another way to train your tongue to recognize tannins is to taste a variety of different red wines. With each one, focus on the texture or “mouthfeel” you experience. After taking a sip, rub your tongue against the roof of your mouth and pay attention to the sensation. Is it gritty? Rough? Or does it feel like fine sand? By understanding and appreciating the unique characteristics of tannins, you can start to enjoy red wine in all its complexity.