Touriga

Touriga Nacional is widely regarded as Portugal’s flagship red grape. It is celebrated for its role in crafting some of the world’s finest Port wines and is increasingly recognized for its dry red wines. Touriga Nacional exemplifies the bold and expressive character of Portuguese viticulture, known for its deep colour, concentrated flavours, and firm tannins.

The origins of Touriga Nacional trace back to Portugal, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Historically, it was primarily associated with the Douro Valley, the heartland of Port production. However, its versatility and quality have led to its expansion across Portugal and beyond. During the mid-20th century, plantings declined due to low yields, but modern viticultural practices have revived interest in this noble grape. Today, it’s a cornerstone of fortified and table wines, embodying the rich heritage of Portuguese winemaking.

Touriga Nacional is primarily grown in Portugal but has found new homes in wine regions worldwide. It is planted in warmer regions of Australia, like South Australia and Victoria, and produces rich, fruit-forward wines. It is also found in California and Texas in the United States, where it thrives in warm climates and is increasingly popular in South Africa for its bold flavours and adaptability.

Aromas

The aromatic profile of Touriga Nacional is as bold as its flavours, with floral notes of violet and lavender and fruit aromas of blackberry and cassis. You will find spicy and earthy cinnamon, liquorice, and wet stone undertones.

Flavours

Touriga Nacional produces complex, full-bodied wines with a rich flavour profile of black cherry, blueberry, and plum and secondary notes of violet, black pepper, and clove. Tertiary flavours of tobacco, leather, and dried herbs are found in aged wines.

Tannins and Body

The wine’s high tannins contribute to its robust structure and longevity. It is full-bodied, with a dense and velvety texture.

Cool v Warm climate

Touriga Nacional thrives in warmer climates but can adapt to cooler regions, expressing unique characteristics depending on the conditions:

Cool-climate wines have red fruits like cranberry and raspberry, with floral and herbal accents. Higher acidity results in fresher, more elegant wines and firmer and more pronounced tannins provide a structured, leaner profile. The wines are refined and aromatic, with moderate alcohol levels. You will find these wines in high-altitude vineyards in Dão or cooler subzones of the Douro Valley.

Warm-climate wines have ripe black fruits like blackberry, plum, and fig, with hints of chocolate and spice. The acidity is balanced, complementing the wine’s rich fruit character. The tannins, though still prominent, are softer and more approachable. The wines are bold and concentrated with higher alcohol and a plush mouthfeel. These wines are found in lower-altitude sites in the Douro Valley, Alentejo, or warm New World regions.

Listed below are the wineries that produce Touriga.

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