Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional is a highly regarded grape variety indigenous to Portugal, often considered the country's flagship red grape. Known for its intense aromas and flavours, the wines typically feature dark fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, and plums, along with distinctive floral notes like violets and hints of spices, herbs, and chocolate. These generally have high tannin levels, good acidity, and deep, dark colour, contributing to their structure and ageing potential.

Touriga Nacional vines have low yields, often resulting in more concentrated flavours. The grape thrives in the hot, dry conditions of the Douro Valley, a region known for its poor soils and steep, rocky terrains. Its resilience and adaptability to these harsh conditions make it valuable for Portuguese winemakers.

Touriga Nacional is crucial in wine blends, especially in Port wine production. Its robust character and high tannin content make it ideal for creating fortified wines that can age for many years. Additionally, it is increasingly used in dry red table wines, often blended with other Portuguese varieties such as Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), and Tinta Barroca to create complex and balanced wines.

Globally, Touriga Nacional is gaining recognition and being planted in other wine regions, including Australia, South Africa, and the United States. Winemakers appreciate its potential for producing high-quality wines with great depth, complexity, and ageing potential.