Get to know the “Queen” of Portuguese red grapes.
3 minutes read.
When it comes to Portuguese wine, one name stands above the rest: Touriga Nacional Red Grape. As the name suggests, it is the most “national” of all Portugal’s grapes, found from the northern mountains to the sun-drenched islands.
While Tinta Roriz (known to our Spanish neighbours as Tempranillo) might be the most planted, Touriga Nacional is undoubtedly the soul of the country’s vineyards. But behind its royal status lies a fascinating story of survival, science, and world-class versatility.
From the Dão to the World.
History tells us that Touriga Nacional likely originated in the Dão region. Before the devastating Phylloxera plague of the 19th century, it was the region’s undisputed star. In those days, it was known by many names, such as Preto de Mortágua or Tourigo do Dão.
However, the “Queen” almost lost her crown. When growers began grafting vines onto American rootstocks to stop the plague, the Touriga’s yields plummeted by 40%. It became the “black sheep” of the vineyard as too expensive and difficult to produce. It wasn’t until the 1950s and 60s that scientists figured out how to tame its vigour through specific pruning and rootstock selection, restoring its fame as Portugal’s flagship variety.
The “Blue-Blooded” Grape.
What makes Touriga Nacional so special? It all starts with the grape itself.
Built to Last: Thanks to those thick skins, the wine is packed with tannins and phenolic compounds. This makes it a favourite for Port Wine, as it provides the structure and acidity needed for a wine to age gracefully for 30 years or more.
Small but Mighty: It produces small, concentrated bunches (100–200g) with thick, bluish skins.
Sun Protection: That thick skin acts as a natural shield against the scorching sun in places like the Alentejo or the Douro Superior.
The Colour Test: In a blind tasting, the “tell” for a young Touriga is its deep, opaque colour with unmistakable violet hues.
The compact cluster shape of Touriga Nacional. This infographic explores the distinct aromas, flavours, and profiles of Touriga Nacional wines. Image credit: Wine Folly ( www.winefolly.com ).
A Bouquet in a Glass.
Touriga Nacional is a “terpenic” variety, a fancy way of saying it is incredibly aromatic, sharing traits with grapes like Viognier or Muscat. When you put your nose to the glass, prepare for a floral explosion:
Whether it’s aged in French or Hungarian oak to add complexity, or kept in stainless steel for a fresh and elegant profile, this grape is a true chameleon.
A Global Star.
The secret is out! Touriga Nacional is now being planted far beyond Portugal, from the prestigious estates of Bordeaux in France to the sunny vineyards of Victoria in Australia.
Come and meet the grape that is winning hearts (and palates) all over the world. We promise you won’t be indifferent!
Celebrate Portugal’s Flagship Grape! We invite you to discover this extraordinary variety for yourself. Until 22nd February, enjoy a 20% discount on our curated selection of single-varietal Touriga Nacional wines. Find them below!
Wines&Co is a distribution company specialising in representing small and medium-sized Portuguese wine producers, as well as international projects, whose market presence does not extend to large retail chains.
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