Touriga Nacional is the most famous and respected red grape variety of Portugal. It is widely considered the country’s flagship grape and is one of the main grapes used in high-quality Portuguese wines.
Origin
Touriga Nacional comes from Portugal, with its historical roots in the Dão region. Today, it is planted across many Portuguese wine areas, especially Douro, Dão, Alentejo, and Lisboa.
Characteristics
Touriga Nacional produces wines that are deep in color, rich in aroma, and full in structure.
Typical aromas include:
- Black berries
- Blueberries
- Violet flowers
- Herbs and spices
On the palate, the wines are usually:
- Full-bodied
- Firm but elegant tannins
- Good acidity
- Long finish
Use in wine
Touriga Nacional is used both:
- As a single varietal wine, and
- In blends, especially in Port wine and Douro reds.
It adds structure, aroma, and aging potential to blends.
Aging potential
Wines made from Touriga Nacional have excellent aging ability. High-quality examples can age for 10 to 30 years, developing complex notes such as leather, tobacco, and dried fruit.
Viticulture
The grape has:
- Small, thick-skinned berries
- Low yields
- High concentration
Because of this, it is demanding to grow but produces wines of great quality.
International presence
Although native to Portugal, Touriga Nacional is also planted in small amounts in:
- Spain
- France
- Australia
- South Africa
- United States
Outside Portugal, it is usually used for premium or experimental wines.
Style of wines
Touriga Nacional wines are known for:
- Intensity
- Elegance
- Strong identity
- Balance between power and freshness
Importance
Touriga Nacional plays a central role in Portuguese wine culture and is often seen as the grape that best represents Portugal’s wine identity.