Touriga Nacional
Portugal’s most prized red grape variety, Touriga Nacional occupies much the same place in Portuguese viticulture as Nebbiolo does in Piedmont or Pinot Noir in Burgundy. Documented in the Douro as early as 1790, it was described as ‘the finest’ by Baron Forrester in the 19th century. After almost disappearing because of its naturally low yields, Touriga Nacional underwent a revival in the 1970s and 1980s, when Port houses invested heavily in the vineyards. Today, it accounts for almost a quarter of the vineyards of the Douro and Dão. Touriga Nacional has an exceptionally intense aromatic profile, combining black fruit – blueberry and blackcurrant – with violet, mint, bergamot and cocoa. The palate is opulent, with powerful yet silky tannins and exceptional ageing potential. At the higher altitudes of the Dão, its floral finesse comes more clearly to the fore. An essential component of Vintage Port, Touriga Nacional also excels in dry red Douro DOC wines. Its small, thick-skinned berries are highly concentrated and naturally low yielding, qualities that make Touriga Nacional an exceptional variety and the undisputed king of Portuguese grapes.
