Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional is a Portuguese, high quality grape variety, widely known for its role in producing some of the country’s most iconic wines. It is also used for producing fortifed wines, especially in the Douro Valley.

Touriga Nacional is a deep, dark blue colored grape variety that produces a deep-coloured wine. The variety is known for its intense, rich aromas such as blackberry, blueberry, violets, and even some spice. On the palate, Touriga Nacional offers a complex and full-bodied flavor profile with high levels of tannins and acidity.

Touriga Nacional is widely planted in Portugal, especially in the Douro Valley and Dão regions and is widely considered to be the country’s most important red grape variety. It is also planted it Spain, the USA, Australia and to some extent in Argentina and Brazil Touriga Nacional is considered to be a fertile, robust and vigorous variety. Touriga Nacional is mid ripening and susceptible to powdery mildew and, to a lesser extent, to downy mildew. It benefits from extended maceration and oak aging, which helps to soften the tannins and enhance the aromatics of the wine. The Douro Valley is the most famous region for Touriga Nacional, producing powerful, age-worthy red wines that are deeply coloured, full-bodied and tannic. The Dão region is known for producing lighter and more fruit-driven wines. It is either blended with other red varieties or comes as a single varietal wine. Touriga Nacional pairs well with hearty dishes such as stews and grilled meats. Fun Fact: Touriga Nacional wines can be a great way to start an wine collection because they have remarkable aging potential and are affordable in price.