Tinta Francisca

Tinta Francisca is a lesser knwon Portuguese black grape variety that makes port.

Tinta Francisca is a black grape variety that is predominantly grown in the Douro region of Portugal. It produces wines that have aromas of ripe red and black fruits, such as blackberry and plum, as well as notes of spice, mocha and earth. On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured, with medium tannins and a long, spicy finish.

Tinta Francisca is primarily grown in Portugal. It is most commonly found in the Douro Valley, where it is used to make port wine. It is also grown in South Africa for port-style wine. Tinta Francisca is a low yielding grape variety. The thin skin makes it seceptible to powery mildew and botrytis rot. In the Douro Valley, Tinta Francisca is often blended with other native grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca. The resulting wines are full-bodied and well-structured, with intense flavours of dark fruit and spice. Due to port wine's intense fruit flavours and luscious mouthfeel, it pairs well with aged cheeses and chocolate desserts.

The name Tinta Francisca means 'French black", which suggests the variety was introduced from France.