Touriga Nacional

Species: 

• Vitis vinifera

Type:

• Noir

Origin:

• Portugal.

Parents:

• Unknown.

Principal Regions:

• Portugal (northern Dao and Douro), Australia, US

Viticulture:

• A generally low-yielding vine with small, concentrated and thick-skinned berries.
• Can be a vigorous vine that needs severe pruning to keep it under control.
• Grows well in warm to hot climates.
• Shows some resistance to fungal diseases.

Sensory Characteristics:

• Bold and lush full bodied red.
• High tannin, medium-high acidity
• Notes of blueberry, blackberry, plum, violet, spice, cocoa, tobacco, leather, slate.

Food Pairings:

• Steak, BBQ beef, cheeses, chocolate or custard tarts.

History:

• Touriga Nacional was much more widely planted Iberian Peninsula before the phylloxera infestation but was replaced with higher yielding varieties.

Notes:

• A relative newcomer to the Texas wine portfolio but quickly gaining popularity.
• Commonly thought of as Portugal’s answer to France’s Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Has good aging potential.
• Commonly used for blending in port wines.

Other names:

Azal, Azal Espanhol, Bical, Bical Tinto, Carabunera, Mortagua, Mortagua Preto, Preto Mortagua, Tinta Mortagua, Toiriga, Touriga, Touriga Femea, Touriga Fina, Tourigao, Tourigo, Tourigo Antigo, Tourigo Antiguo, Tourigo Do Dao, Tourigo Nacional, Touringa, Touriva, Turiga