Touriga Nacional

Grape variety	Touriga Nacional
Grape colour	Red grape
History	Touriga Nacional, a grape variety steeped in rich history, hails from Portugal and has been a staple in the winemaking industry since the 18th century. Known for its key role in the production of Porto wines, this grape has gained global recognition and is now grown in various wine regions around the world. Despite being less cultivated due to its low-yielding nature, Touriga Nacional has always been cherished for the quality it imparts to wines, making it a significant player in the Portuguese wine narrative.
Characteristics of the wine	Wines produced from Touriga Nacional are celebrated for their depth of color, rich, concentrated flavors, and remarkable aging potential. They exhibit a unique blend of freshness and tannic structure, offering a soft yet complex palette. The aroma profile is typically floral, often with hints of violets, bergamot and rockrose, complemented by an underlying dark fruit character. While this grape variety is most notably used in the production of Port, it is also integral in creating still red wines that are appreciated globally.
Synonyms	Bical Tinto, Mortagua, Preto Mortagua, Touriga, Touriga Fina, Turiga
Ampelographic features	The Touriga Nacional vine is recognized for its small, darkly pigmented grapes. Its clusters are compact, with thick-skinned berries that are resistant to fungal diseases. The vine prefers dry climates and thrives in well-drained schist soils, demonstrating a remarkable ability to retain its characteristic flavours despite the variation in terroir.