Touriga Nacional

TL; DR

Portugal's most notable grape variety!

So, what is it?--red

Touriga Nacional is a rich, tannic grape that is also blessed with vibrant acidity. This makes it ideal for fortification....and it often is, resulting in the wines we know as Port.

Where does it come from?--aromatic

This powerful grape is indigenous to Portugal where it is often blended with other local red varietals.

Who's famous for it?--racy

Portugal - Douro, Dao

What does it taste like?--aromatic

Touriga is dominated by dark fruits, often a mix of blueberry and blackberry. It's always floral, so look out for notes of violet or lavender. It also takes oak well, so will often have a waft of vanilla over the fruit.

Main styles it's known for?--cellar

Touriga Nacional gained popularity as the main grape of Port, but these days you're just as likely to find it made as a dry wine. So the two best styles would be the complex, spicy fortified wines of Porto, and the complex, powerful and inky — seriously dense, purple, and teeth staining! — styles of the Douro Valley

What foods should you be pairing it with?--plum

Touriga loves a challenge, and can handle most things. The rich fruit and tannins will handle most proteins with ease, and the acidity will cut through any fattiness. Avoid too much chilli/spice, but otherwise, go nuts!

Fun fact--earth

Touriga has very small berries, which means the skin to juice ratio of a Touriga ferment is very high. This accounts for the high levels of tannin and extract, like the intensely deep purple colour we see in the glass!

If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...--wines

Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec