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Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in Portugal and is an important component in producing the country's famous fortified wines. It is a dark blue-black grape variety with thick skins and small berries, producing wines of intense colour and structure.
Colour, Aromas and Taste Profile
Touriga Franca has a dark blue-black colour and thick skins. Its small berries are high in tannins and acidity, giving the wines a firm structure and good ageing potential. On the nose, aromas of fresh violet, blackberries, spices and coffee are present, while on the palate Touriga Franca wines can be full-bodied, with notes of blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, plums, spices and chocolate.
Regional Features & Food Pairings
Touriga Franca is widely planted in Portugal, where it is primarily grown in the Douro and Dão regions. It is also grown in small quantities in the Azores and Spain. Touriga Franca is a mid to late ripening variety, with a high tolerance for drought. It is susceptible to botrytis but quite resistance to powdery mildew. In the Douro, the vineyards are terraced and the vines are trained as bush vines or on a trellis. Touriga Franca wines are vinified in stainless steel tanks for easier wine styles but some producers also age them in oak barrels. In the Douro, Touriga Franca is used to produce dry, full-bodied red wines, as well as fortified wines. In the Dão, Touriga Franca is used to produce lighter-bodied red wines with floral aromas and bright acidity. Touriga Franca wines are best enjoyed with food. They pair well with barbecued or grilled meats, roasted vegetables and dishes with intense flavours.
Foods to pair with Touriga Franca:
Deep fried
Beef
Game
Sausage
Smoky
Light meat
Fun Fact about Touriga Franca
Touriga Franca is the most widely planted variety in the Douro and is a key component of many of the region's top wines.
Top Wines with Touriga Franca
Mateus The Original Rosé
Mateus
Mateus The Original Rosé is a delightful wine that captures the essence of Portugal's winemaking heritage. This rosé is crafted from carefully selected grapes grown in picturesque vineyards. The unique terroir of the region imparts a distinct character to the wine, with its vibrant acidity and refreshing flavors. The winemaking process involves gentle pressing of the grapes to extract the delicate aromas and flavors, resulting in a light and crisp style. Mateus The Original Rosé is a perfect choice for those seeking a versatile and enjoyable wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes or can be savored on its own.
Read more Food Pairing:
Chicken
Seafood
Salad
W. & J. Graham's 10 Year Old Tawny Port
W. & J. Graham's
W. & J. Graham's 10 Year Old Tawny Port is a premium fortified wine that boasts a rich and complex flavor profile. Produced by one of the most renowned port houses in the Douro Valley, this wine is made from a blend of high-quality grapes grown in the region's finest vineyards. The winemaking process involves aging the wine in oak barrels for a decade, resulting in a smooth and mellow taste with notes of caramel, nuts, and dried fruits. This tawny port is perfect for sipping after dinner or pairing with desserts, making it a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
Read more Food Pairing:
Foie Gras
Pork
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
Cheese
Casa Ferreirinha Papa Figos Douro
Casa Ferreirinha
Casa Ferreirinha Papa Figos Douro is a captivating wine that showcases the best of the Douro region in Portugal. Crafted by a renowned producer, this wine is a true representation of the region's rich winemaking heritage. The vineyards, nestled in the rugged terrain of the Douro Valley, benefit from the unique microclimate and diverse soil types, resulting in grapes of exceptional quality. The winemaking process combines traditional methods with modern techniques, resulting in a wine that beautifully balances tradition and innovation. Papa Figos Douro is known for its elegant style, with vibrant fruit flavors, well-integrated tannins, and a long, satisfying finish. It is a wine that truly captures the essence of the Douro region.
Read more Food Pairing:
Beef
Vegetable
Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny Port
Taylor's
Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny Port is a premium fortified wine produced by Taylor's, a renowned winery in the Douro Valley of Portugal. The wine is made from a blend of high-quality grapes grown in the region's steep terraced vineyards, which benefit from the unique microclimate and soil conditions. The winemaking process involves aging the wine in oak barrels for a minimum of 10 years, resulting in a complex and elegant wine with a rich amber color and a bouquet of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The wine has a smooth and velvety texture, with a balanced sweetness and acidity, making it a perfect accompaniment to desserts or cheese. Taylor's 10 Year Old Tawny Port is a true masterpiece of Portuguese winemaking, showcasing the region's rich history and traditions.
Read more Food Pairing:
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
Nuts
Cheese
W. & J. Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Ruby Port
W. & J. Graham's
W. & J. Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Ruby Port is a delightful fortified wine that showcases the expertise of the renowned Graham's winery. Crafted in the Douro Valley, Portugal, this wine is made from a selection of the finest grapes grown in the region's vineyards. The winemaking process involves traditional methods, including fermentation in granite lagares and aging in oak barrels. The result is a rich and full-bodied ruby port with luscious flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and spice. With its smooth and velvety texture, Six Grapes Reserve Ruby Port is perfect for savoring on its own or pairing with desserts and cheeses.
Read more Food Pairing:
Cheese
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
Nuts