Touriga Nacional

Red wine Touriga Nacional DOC – Portugal's pride in a glass

Touriga Nacional – A variety with a long history

Touriga Nacional is one of Portugal's most important grape varieties. As a red grape variety from Portugal, it is particularly widespread in the Douro Valley and the Dão region in the north of the country. The Douro Valley is considered the most important growing area for Touriga Nacional and is located in northern Portugal, where the Dão region also plays a central role. In addition to these northern regions, the Alentejo is another important growing area for red wines and Touriga Nacional in Portugal. Its deep dark colour, intense aroma and ageing potential make it the queen of Portuguese red wines. Touriga Nacional is often used for wines with great ageing potential.

Nacional is an indigenous grape variety of Portugal

Touriga Nacional is an indigenous red grape variety native to Portugal, where it has been cultivated for centuries. It probably originates from the Dão region, where it may have been named after the village of Tourigo.

In recent decades, the area under cultivation and vineyard area of Touriga Nacional in Portugal has increased significantly, underlining the importance of this variety for wine production. The vine variety is of central importance to the Portuguese wine industry, as it is present in many important wine regions. Due to its low yields, Touriga Nacional produces particularly concentrated and aromatic wines of high quality.

Today, it is one of the pillars of Portuguese wine production and is also indispensable in port wine cultivation, as it plays a key role in the production of port.

Red grape variety from Portugal with international distribution

Although Touriga Nacional has its roots in Portugal, it has long been known beyond the country's borders. It is now also grown in Australia, South Africa and the USA. This development underlines the growing international interest in this red wine grape variety, whose origins remain closely linked to the Douro.

In an international context, Touriga Nacional is also known by synonyms such as Bical, Bical Tinto and Preto Mortagua. It is also closely related to other Portuguese grape varieties such as Tinta Barroca, which together characterise the diversity and quality of the wines from this region.

Touriga Nacional DOC red wine: structure, depth and aromas

A Touriga Nacional DOC red wine is characterised by a strong structure, a dense body, a pronounced tannin structure and a remarkable fullness of flavour. The complex aroma profile includes the most common notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, cherry, eucalyptus, rosemary and often floral elements such as violet. These aromas develop further with age, demonstrating the remarkable ageing potential of this grape variety.

Production in the Douro and beyond

Production is concentrated in classic regions such as the Douro and Dão. This demanding variety requires careful cultivation and reduced yields to deliver the highest quality. In many cuvées, it is blended with other grape varieties such as Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and others to promote complexity and structure. The products made from Touriga Nacional, especially high-quality port wines and red wines, are characterised by their great ageing potential and exclusivity.

Culinary pairing – Touriga Nacional and food

The powerful wines of this variety are excellent with meat dishes with character and other dishes. They harmonise particularly well with:

• Lamb loin with herb crust
• Braised beef with red wine jus
• Game ragout with cranberries
• Mature hard cheeses such as Manchego or Sbrinz
• Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content

Port wine made from Touriga Nacional is also a perfect accompaniment to blue cheese or a dark mousse dessert.

Synonyms and related grape varieties

There are a few synonyms for Touriga Nacional, but they are rarely used. It is closely related to Tinta Roriz, another widely grown Portuguese red wine variety. The connection between these varieties enhances the diversity of Portuguese viticulture.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Touriga Nacional wine

What does Touriga Nacional taste like?

Touriga Nacional has an intense fruity flavour with aromas of dark berries, floral notes, spicy herbs and powerful tannins.

What does Touriga Nacional go well with?

This grape variety is ideal with strong meats such as lamb, game or beef, but also with mature cheese or dark chocolate.

What flavours does Touriga Nacional have?

Typical flavours are blackberry, violet, rosemary, liquorice and sometimes a smoky depth.

What is the difference between Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional?

Touriga Nacional is more powerful, structured and aromatic. Touriga Franca is softer, fruitier and is often used to round off cuvées.

Where does Touriga Nacional come from?

The grape variety originates from the Dão region in Portugal and has become particularly established in the Douro Valley.

Is Touriga Nacional an indigenous red grape variety?

Yes, Touriga Nacional is an indigenous red grape variety from Portugal. This means that it originated in the country and has been native there for centuries. It probably originated in the Dão region, but became particularly well known in the Douro Valley and is now one of Portugal's most important grape varieties for high-quality red wines and port wines.