Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional (Portuguese: [toˈɾiɣɐ nasjɔˈnaɫ]) is a red grape variety from Portugal, regarded as the country’s most important native grape for quality wines.[1] It is especially associated with the Douro Valley and the Dão region, where it forms the backbone of both fortified Port wine and premium dry reds.
Background
Touriga Nacional has long been cultivated in northern Portugal, with historical roots in the Dão region before achieving prominence in the Douro.[2] Its reputation grew through its central role in Port production, where it was valued for its colour, tannic structure, and aromatic contribution. Despite its qualities, the variety was once in decline due to naturally low yields, though renewed interest in the late 20th century restored its status as Portugal’s flagship red grape.[3]
While still concentrated in Portugal, plantings have also appeared in small quantities in countries such as Australia, South Africa, and the United States, often used in Portuguese-inspired blends.[4]
Characteristics
Touriga Nacional is characterised by very small berries with thick skins, leading to deeply coloured wines with high tannins and natural acidity.[5] Despite its low yields, the grape provides concentration and aromatic intensity, often described with notes of dark fruits such as blackberry and blueberry, alongside distinctive violet and floral tones. Secondary flavours can include spice, resin, and occasionally herbal elements.
Viticulturally, the vine is vigorous but produces small bunches, making it a demanding variety to cultivate in terms of yield management.[6] Its resilience and capacity for structure have made it a cornerstone for blending.
Use in winemaking
Touriga Nacional is indispensable in the production of Port wine, where it contributes colour, tannin, and aromatics to blends that also include Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and other traditional Douro grapes.[7] In addition, it has become increasingly prominent in high-quality dry reds from both the Douro and the Dão, often blended but also increasingly bottled as a varietal wine.
The grape’s concentration and capacity to age make it a favourite for premium winemaking. Outside Portugal, varietal expressions are rare but emerging, particularly in Australia, where it is used for both fortified and dry reds, and in experimental plantings in California and South Africa.[8]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Stevenson, The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, 5th ed., DK, 2011.
- ↑ Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho (IVV), “Castas portuguesas: Touriga Nacional”, ivv.gov.pt. (Portuguese original)
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Stevenson, The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, 2011.