If you’re a fan of Port, you know Touriga Nacional. But do you know it well? Let’s explore this grape now.
Thanks to Wine Folly, Wine Traveler and Red Wine – The Comprehensive Guide to the 50 Essential Varieties & Styles for their help with this article.
Touriga Nacional
About the Grape
According to Wine Traveler, “If Portugal had a signature grape, it would be Touriga Nacional. It’s admittedly typically blended in with many others for ports as well as for standard table wines, but it’s a workhorse. Touriga Nacional is grown throughout the country and can range from rustic and earthy to more elegant and refined. It also lends depth, color and aroma to blended wines, including ports.”
About 18,000 acres grow across Portugal with approximately 3,500 of those in the Douro. Outside of Portugal, the grape is grown in California, Virginia, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
Because this variety thrives in heat, you can expect deep and dark notes: blackberry, blueberry, currant, and plum fruitiness with intense herbs like licorice and mint. On the palate: slate and violet.
The wine is dry and fully bodied and has a lot of tannins. It also has a nice level of acidity.
Food Pairings
Touriga Nacional wines pair beautifully with roasted lamb and meaty soups and stews. It also goes well with vegetarian bean dishes and tomato-based casseroles.