TOURIGA NACIONAL

In the world of Portuguese wines, one grape stands out for its nobility, complexity, and ability to create unforgettable wines: Touriga Nacional. Considered the "queen of Portuguese red grapes", it has captivated wine lovers worldwide with its intense aromas, rich structure, and remarkable aging potential. If you appreciate full-bodied, aromatic wines with a strong personality, Touriga Nacional is a grape you must get to know.

Its Lusitanian Roots

Touriga Nacional has its roots in Portugal, more specifically in the Dão region, where it's considered the country's most emblematic red grape. With its rich history and secular tradition, Touriga Nacional is a symbol of Portuguese viticulture and an oenological treasure that delights wine lovers around the globe.

Distinctive Characteristics

Appearance

• Color: The color of Touriga Nacional is intense and deep, ranging from a dark ruby red to a purple hue, depending on the wine's age.

• Grape: Touriga Nacional grapes are small to medium in size, with thin skins and a dark color.

Aroma

• Fruits: Typical aromas include ripe black fruits like blackberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry, as well as red fruits like raspberry and cherry.

• Spices: Notes of spices like black pepper, clove, and cinnamon can also be present, adding complexity to the aroma.

• Other: On some occasions, you might detect nuances of flowers like violet and wild rose, in addition to earthy or herbal notes like rosemary and laurel.

Palate

• Body: Touriga Nacional generally produces full-bodied and structured wines, with firm and present tannins.

• Acidity: The acidity is moderate to high, contributing to a sense of freshness and balance in the wine.

• Finish: The finish is usually long and persistent, with the fruity, spicy, and herbal flavors lingering for a while.

Versatility and Adaptability

Touriga Nacional is a grape that adapts well to different climates and terroirs, which explains its presence in various Portuguese wine regions. It's in hotter and drier climates that it truly shines, producing full-bodied, aromatic wines with great aging potential. It can be used for both varietal wines (made with only one type of grape) and in blends with other grapes, such as Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca.

Featured Regions

• Dão: The Dão is the most emblematic region for Touriga Nacional, where it gives rise to full-bodied, aromatic, and age-worthy red wines.

• Douro: The Douro, famous for its Port wines, also excels in producing Touriga Nacional red wines, which are characterized by their aromatic intensity and tannic structure.

• Alentejo: Alentejo is another Portuguese region where Touriga Nacional is cultivated, producing softer, fruitier, and easy-to-drink red wines.

Pairing

Touriga Nacional is an excellent companion for a variety of dishes, thanks to its structure and flavor intensity.

• Meats: Grilled or roasted red meats, like lamb, veal, and pork, pair very well with Touriga Nacional.

• Cheeses: Aged cheeses, like Serra da Estrela and São Jorge, are great options to pair with the wine.

• Game: Its powerful character makes it a perfect match for game dishes like wild boar and venison.

• Spicy Dishes: Spicy dishes, such as Moroccan tagines and Indian curries, are also good options to pair with Touriga Nacional.