Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional is considered to be Portugal’s best red wine grape variety and is used to blend with ports or table wine. The grape variety produces small grapes with low yields and includes high tannins. In the Douro region, Touriga Nacional vines are grown in hot climates and in steep vineyards with a lot of rocks. The variety tends to require strict pruning and training in order to produce quality wines. The yields produced by this variety are the lowest of any grape variety cultivated for commercial use. Scientists have been trying to clone the variety in order to create vines that produce higher yields and higher sugar levels. The blue-black skinned grapes generate tiny bunches of the fruit, which are used to blend with red wines produced in the Duoro and Dao regions. Typically, the most expensive and high quality wines in the region contain Touriga Nacional. The skin to pulp ratio of the variety allows for a larger amount of extract and creates a strong and aromatic wine. Touriga Nacional variety wines tend to have strong fruit flavors, with floral and tea notes. The aromas of the wine sometimes include dark chocolate, berries, and violet and can be paired with rich meats and cheeses.