Touriga Nacional is a grape variety that is widely regarded as the finest of all Portuguese grapes. It is mainly grown in the Douro Valley region of Portugal, where it forms a key component of port wine. Touriga Nacional was traditionally used for producing fortified wines, but its popularity has grown over time thanks to its ability to make rich, spicy red wines.
When compared to other grape varieties, Touriga Nacional bears a striking resemblance to Cabernet Sauvignon. Both grapes share similar characteristics in terms of their tannin structure and acidity levels, making them popular choices for blending.
What Type of wine is Touriga Nacional?
Touriga Nacional is a grape variety that is native to Portugal and is known for producing some of the best wines in the world. This red grape variety has gained popularity over the years thanks to its rich, complex flavors and aromas that make it perfect for making full-bodied, age-worthy wines.
The wine made from Touriga Nacional grapes typically has a deep ruby color with intense flavors of blackberry, black cherry, plum, and violet. The high levels of tannins in the wine give it a firm structure that makes it perfect for aging. With proper cellaring, this wine can develop an earthy character with hints of leather and tobacco that add complexity to its flavor profile.
Touriga Nacional grapes are also used in producing Port wine – one of the most famous fortified wines from Portugal.
What does Touriga Nacional Wine Taste like?
Touriga Nacional wines are known for their deep, dark color and strong tannins, which give them a bold and rich taste. The wine has aromas of blackberry, plum, and spice with hints of floral notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied with flavors of ripe fruit such as blackcurrant and black cherry.
The high tannin content gives the wine a firm structure that balances out the sweetness of the fruit flavors. The finish is long-lasting with lingering notes of vanilla, pepper, and oak.
Wine growing regions
Touriga Nacional is a grape variety that is commonly used in the production of high-quality red wines. This grape variety is indigenous to Portugal, where it has been cultivated for centuries. A number of wine growing regions in Portugal are known for producing some of the best Touriga Nacional wines in the world.
Portugal
The Douro Valley is one such region, and it is considered to be the birthplace of Touriga Nacional. This region is famous for its steep terraced vineyards, which overlook the Douro River. The hot and dry climate, combined with schist soils, creates ideal conditions for growing Touriga Nacional grapes that produce full-bodied and tannic red wines. These wines are characterized by their intense aromas of dark fruit, spice, and floral notes.
Another notable wine growing region for Touriga Nacional wines in Portugal is Dão.
South Africa
The Cape Winelands region in South Africa is known for its diverse range of wineries and vineyards. The hot and dry climate of this region provides ideal conditions for growing Touriga Nacional grapes. Some of the well-known wine-growing regions in South Africa producing Touriga Nacional wines include Swartland, Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Robertson. These areas produce some of the best red wines in South Africa with a distinct flavor profile that ranges from spicy and rich to fruity and elegant.
USA
In California, for example, there are several wineries that specialize in Touriga Nacional wines. These wineries are typically located in warm coastal areas where the grapes can ripen fully and develop their characteristic flavors and aromas. Many of these winemakers use traditional Portuguese techniques to produce their wines, such as foot-treading the grapes or fermenting them using indigenous yeasts.
Another region that has been successful in growing Touriga Nacional grapes is Virginia. This state has a long history of winemaking but only recently started experimenting with this particular grape variety.
Australia
Touriga Nacional is a grape variety that has become synonymous with Portugal, particularly the Douro Valley region. However, in recent years this grape has also been making waves globally, and Australia is one of the countries that have taken notice. Although it’s not yet widely grown in Australia, Touriga Nacional shows great promise in certain regions where the climate and terroir are suited to its requirements.
One such region is the McLaren Vale in South Australia. The warm Mediterranean climate here provides ample sunshine and heat for Touriga Nacional to ripen fully while retaining its acidity. Wines made from this grape here are known for their full-bodied structure and complex flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. Another promising region for Touriga Nacional is Heathcote in Victoria. The red volcanic soil here gives a unique mineral character to wines made from this variety while still maintaining their rich fruitiness.
Argentina
In Argentina, the Mendoza region is known for producing some of the best Touriga Nacional wines. The high altitude and dry climate provide ideal growing conditions for this grape variety. The resulting wines are typically full-bodied with intense aromas of black fruit, spice, and floral notes. Some notable producers of Touriga Nacional wines in Argentina include Bodegas Salentein and Durigutti Winery.
Brazil
Touriga Nacional is a grape variety that originates from Portugal, and it is one of the most widely planted varieties in the country. However, it has also gained popularity in other countries such as Brazil, where it has become a crucial component of their wine industry. The regions of Brazil that are known for producing Touriga Nacional wines are mostly found along the coast, with some located near the border with Uruguay.
One of the most well-known regions for Touriga Nacional wines in Brazil is Serra Gaucha. This region produces high-quality red wines that are characterized by their intense aromas and flavors of black fruit and spices. The climate here is temperate and humid, which creates ideal growing conditions for this grape variety. Another important region for Touriga Nacional wines is Campanha Gaucha, located in southern Brazil.
Blends of Touriga Nacional
Blends of Touriga Nacional wines are gaining popularity in the wine industry due to their exceptional quality and unique taste. This grape variety, native to Portugal’s Douro Valley, is known for producing some of the finest red wines in the world. Touriga Nacional is often used as a primary grape in winemaking but can also be blended with other varietals.
Touriga Nacional blends typically have a deep color and intense aromas of dark fruit, black currants, and violets. Its high tannin content gives it a firm structure that allows it to age well over time. When blended with other grapes such as Tinta Roriz or Cabernet Sauvignon, it adds complexity and depth to the wine flavor profile.
Many winemakers are experimenting with different blends of Touriga Nacional to create unique wines that stand out from traditional Portuguese varietals.
How to serve Touriga Nacional Wines
Touriga Nacional wines are known for their rich aroma, bold flavors, and tannic structure. As such, serving Touriga Nacional wine requires careful attention to detail to ensure that its unique characteristics are fully appreciated.
Decanting
One of the first things you should consider when serving Touriga Nacional wine is decanting. This process helps to separate any sediment that may have formed in the bottle and allows the wine to breathe before pouring it into glasses. Decanting is essential for tannin rich wines to soften the tannins and to make the wine more pleasant.
To decant your Touriga Nacional wine, carefully remove the cork or cap and slowly pour the wine into a clean decanter. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Temperature
To fully appreciate the complexity of Touriga Nacional wines, it is important to serve them at the right temperature. Firstly, it is recommended to serve Touriga Nacional wines slightly cooler than room temperature, between 60-65°F (15-18°C). If the wine is too warm, it can lose some of its fruity aromas and taste overly alcoholic.
However, if served too cold, the flavors may be muted and not as enjoyable. To achieve this ideal temperature range at home, simply place your bottle in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving.
What does Touriga Nacional Pair With?
Toriega Nacional is a grape variety native to Spain, particularly the region of Penedès. It is known for its aromatic and fruity characteristics, making it a popular choice for winemakers all over the world. But what makes Toriega Nacional wines truly special is their versatility when it comes to foodpairing. Whether you’re looking to pair your wine with meat, fish, or vegetables, there’s a Toriega Nacional wine that will complement your dish perfectly.
Meat
When it comes to choosing meats that complement Toriega Nacional wines, red meats such as beef and lamb are natural choices. The bold tannins found in these types of wines can handle the richness and complexity of these meats while enhancing their flavors. Additionally, game meats like venison or pheasant can also be excellent choices due to their earthy and robust flavor profiles.
When preparing your meat dish, consider cooking methods that will enhance rather than overpower the flavors of your wine.
Cheese
A strong cheese will overpower a delicate wine, while a light cheese won’t stand up to a bold red. One of the most popular wines in Spain is Toriega Nacional, which is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor that pairs well with many cheeses.
If you’re looking for a classic pairing with your Toriega Nacional, go for Manchego cheese. This Spanish sheep’s milk cheese has a nutty flavor and firm texture that complements the robust flavor of the wine perfectly. Another great option is Cabrales blue cheese, which has an intense flavor and creamy texture that pairs well with the boldness of Toriega Nacional.
Vegetables
When it comes to pairing these wines with vegetables, there are several options that will complement the wine’s flavors and enhance your dining experience.
One of the best vegetable pairings for Toriega Nacional wines is roasted root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes. These vegetables have a natural sweetness that complements the fruity notes of the wine perfectly. Roasting them brings out their earthy flavors and creates a caramelized texture that pairs well with the silky tannins of the wine.
Another great option is grilled or sautéed mushrooms like shiitake or portobello. The umami flavor of mushrooms enhances the complexity of Toriega Nacional wines’ flavors while also adding depth to any dish you serve them with.
