Tannins are also present in wine stems and seeds and in the barrels used to age wines. When drunk young, high-tannin wines have a drying effect in your mouth. For wines you intend to drink right away, too much tannin can be harsh. Certain foods, especially ones with a high fat content like blue cheese, can counteract the tannin in wine and make them easier to drink. The fat in the cheese coats your mouth, keeping the tannin compounds from reacting with saliva and sticking to your teeth.
Some people confuse tannin and acidity in wine.
It s easy to tell the difference if you swish the wine between your gums and teeth. Tannin tends to dry your mouth out and put a coating on your teeth, while acid makes your mouth water.