Welcome to our new website! Discover what's new in our latest article.
rgba(0,0,26,1)
rgba(255,255,255,1)
Discover and bid on unique, highly limited and renowned wines in our online auctions each month.
Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional is a red wine grape variety that is indigenous to Portugal and is considered one of the country's most important wine grapes. It is primarily grown in the Douro region and is known for producing rich, tannic and highly perfumed red wines, and is an essential component in the production of the famous Port wine.
Notable regions
Touriga Nacional is highly regarded in Portugal and is a small but key component in the production of the country's fortified wine, Port. This grape is grown primarily in the Douro Valley region but is also found in smaller quantities in others, such as the Dão and Bairrada. The grape is prized for its small, thick-skinned berries which contribute to the high tannin levels in the wine, giving it structure and longevity. The grape is often blended with other varieties such as Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca to create rich, full-bodied wines with depth and complexity.
The grape is also cultivated in small quantities in New World countries such as the United States and Australia.
Characteristics
Touriga Nacional produces wines with a distinctive, intense flavour profile. It is often described as having dark fruit notes such as black cherry, blackberry, and plum, with notes of spice, such as pepper and liquorice. The grape is known for producing wines with high tannin levels, giving them structure and a firm, tannic grip on the palate.
Touriga Nacional is also known for its aromas, which can range from floral, such as violets, to spicy and herbal, such as cloves and thyme. When aged in oak barrels, the wine can develop secondary flavours and aromas of vanilla, toast, and smoke.