It is a little too tannic for my taste.
'Gusti' — stress on 'GÙS-ti'. 'Tannico' — double 'n': 'TÀN-ni-co'.
Use to express a personal preference politely without criticising the wine. 'Per i miei gusti' makes the comment subjective and considerate.
'Per i miei gusti' = for my taste. This construction is essential for polite wine feedback. Italian wine culture values personal taste — no one will judge you for preferring lighter styles.
Preferisco qualcosa di più morbido.
I prefer something softer.
'Morbido' = soft — the opposite of tannic
Avete qualcosa di più leggero?
Do you have something lighter?
Practical follow-up to redirect the tasting
È un po' astringente per me.
It is a little astringent for me.
'Astringente' = astringent — the drying sensation from tannins
Dolcetto is despite its name a dry, low-acid, low-tannin red from Piedmont. It is the everyday wine of Barolo country — drunk Monday through Friday while the Barolo ages in the cellar.