![\"Grape](\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/quinta-da-pacheca-winery-douro-valley.jpg\")
<\/a> Grape vines resting in late December at Quinta da Pacheca.[\/caption]\n\nTraveling through the winding roads and switchbacks throughout the Douro brings one word to mind... majestic. Everything from the scent of the Earth after a fresh rain to the steep terraced grape vines along the winding elegance of the Douro River.\n\nThe Douro is one of 26 \"Denomina\u00e7\u00e3o de Origem Controlada\" <\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span>or \"DOCs\" <\/strong><\/em>-- not including sub-regions<\/em>. However, it's by far the most well known wine region in Portugal with respect to the outside world.<\/span>\nWhat To Expect While Visiting The Douro<\/h2>\nThe River Douro has carved an iconic winding route throughout the region for millenia, ultimately creating the valley we know today. The river continues to leave steep hillsides and cliffs in its wake, which for centuries have been planted on by vintners. We call these plantings today vineyard \"terraces.\"\n\nTraversing the valley by car will give up jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape. You'll probably cross the river a few times, ascend to beautiful hilltop vistas and then back down again to enchanting small villages. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop at dozens of exceptional vineyards for tastings and tours. Sadly, these producers are not yet getting the recognition they deserve outside of Portugal for their wines they're producing. They are world class.\n\nIn a sense, the Douro Valley is the beginning of a beautiful journey for many of the wines it produces. While all wines undergo a fermentation process in the valley, the Douro is best known for growing grapes that produce Port.\nWhat Are Port Wines?<\/h2>\nUnlike other wine regions around the world, some producers in the Douro grow their grapes in the valley and then craft or sell them them to produce something unique -- Port.\n\nPort wines are fortified dessert (sweet) wines. The grapes that make them are grown in the valley and are then fermented to produce typical red wine. These un-fortified reds are then transported to the town of Porto a few hours to the West, near the coast. Here, famous Port houses including Graham's, C\u00e1lem, Taylor's, Sandeman and Ferreira refine it further to produce various forms of Port wines. We'll explore the process of making Port Wine and its various styles in a future post.\n\n![\"Touring](\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/tour-douro-valley-wine-road-rota-do-vinho-do-porto-e1546911885900.jpg\")
<\/a>\nThe Douro Valley and its Wines<\/h2>\nIn terms of its table wines, the Douro is perhaps best known for its dry reds. These are commonly made from the grape variety Touriga Nacional, although many producers blend this grape with others. Including Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca and\/or Tinta Barroca.\n\nOn the white wine front, the most prominant varieties typically include Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, Viosinho and Gouveio.\n\nWhat's interesting to me about the Douro is how some of the vineyards are so old that the grape vines aren't consistent in plantings. It's not uncommon to find a Touriga Nacional vine planted immediately next to Tinta Roriz. Originally, this was done as a way to combat the phlyoxerra. Today it serves as special method of blending to produce world-class wines that can't be found anywhere else in the world.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1253\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/white-red-table-wine-douro-valley-portugal-e1546911945882.jpg\")
<\/a> Enjoying a beautiful dry white wine at Quinta do Bomfim<\/a>.[\/caption]\n\nThe soil composition of the Douro Valley also helps in the creation of exciting wines. It's rocky, mostly comprised of schist. This kind of terroir forces the vines to struggle through the rock for their nutrients. Compounding the demand on the vine, the dry climate and sunlight of the Douro during the growing season also heats up the schist, punishing the vine roots. While all of this may sound painful, these beat up vines end up producing remarkably intense and complex wines.\n\nBy harvest time, the grapes have sprouted in tight bunches, with individual grapes being relatively small yet extremely concentrated with phenolic compounds and sugars. Ultimately, these grapes yield finer, more refined flavors and textures when a wine is produced.\nAs Robertson Davies once said... \u201cExtraordinary people survive under the most terrible circumstances and they become more extraordinary because of it.\u201d<\/blockquote>\nHave you been to the Douro Valley wine region before? Let us know in the comments your favorite stops or if you'd like any recommendations!\n\n
\n\nMore Ways To Explore Portugal's Douro Valley<\/strong><\/h2>\n10 Essential & Authentic Things To Do in Porto Portugal<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\n\n11 Delicious Facts About Port and Fortified Wines<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\n\n
\n\n[jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published.\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]","post_title":"Douro Valley","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"douro-valley","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-28 20:39:37","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-29 00:39:37","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=wine_region&p=5023","menu_order":0,"post_type":"wine_region","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"sub_region":false,"address_1":"estrada nacional EN 323, Portugal","address_2":"","country":{"ID":4805,"post_author":"43","post_date":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_content":"","post_title":"Portugal","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"portugal","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_modified_gmt":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=country&p=4805","menu_order":0,"post_type":"country","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"state":false,"city":"Pinh\u00e3o","postal_code":"323","lat":"41.1872918","lng":"-7.5434316","place_id":"ChIJafJNAklbOw0R8Zz5fIcUrns","tasting_details":"Wine tasting available by appointment.","tasting_price":"","tour_details":"Tour available by appointment.","tour_price":"","reservations_required":true,"reservation_details":"","gallery":[{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/quinta-carvalhas7_318562084534469e3bdef4_1.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/carvalhas-quinta.jpg","title":"","description":""}],"grapes":[{"ID":1920,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_content":"\nEditor's Note: Winetraveler is a reader-supported publication and this article may contain affiliate links. We review and recommend all products independently. When you buy wine through our site, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf Portugal<\/strong><\/a> had a signature grape, it would be Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/span>. It\u2019s admittedly typically blended in with many others for ports<\/strong><\/a> as well as for standard table wines, but it\u2019s a workhorse. Touriga Nacional is grown throughout the country and can range from rustic and earthy to more elegant and refined. It also lends depth, color and aroma to blended wines, including ports.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Taste<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pairings<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Regions<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wines To Try<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ...and more<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>The Tasting Notes of Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince this is a variety that thrives in heat, expect deep and dark notes. On the nose, it shows blackberry, currant, and plum fruitiness with intense herbals like licorice and mint. On the palate, there tends to be a slate note running through its core, as well as surprising violet florality. Because Ports are blends, Touriga Nacional won\u2019t be immediately recognizable but it certainly donates heft and fruit to these after-dinner favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although non-fortified Touriga Nacionals are higher in alcohol \u2013 usually weighing in around 14% or so \u2013 they are usually not jammy. It tends to yield wines perfect for Zinfandel<\/strong><\/a><\/span> or Syrah<\/a><\/strong><\/span> lovers who are looking to experiment without breaking the bank. And, since Portuguese wines are generally less expensive than their French counterparts, Touriga Nacional wines are a great way to start an affordable wine collection because they have remarkable aging potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Food Pairing Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor pairings, Touriga Nacional works best with dishes bold enough to stand up to its fruit and muscle. Portuguese cuisine is seafood-heavy, but Touriga Nacional works well with francesinha (a smoked meat sandwich), tripas de moda do porto (tripe stew), and even grilled octopus. And for those of us who don\u2019t have Portuguese culinary chops at-the-ready, think grilled meats, barbecue, or even earthy winter stews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/strong>Wine Growing Regions for Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTouriga Nacional can be found throughout Portugal. It is thought to originally be from the D\u00e3o<\/strong> or the Douro Valley<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 each region claims it as its own \u2013 but has more recently spread through Alentejo, Algarve,<\/strong> and Set\u00fabal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDespite its success in Portugal, Touriga Nacional is only grown in limited areas outside of its homeland for now. In California, growers in the Central Coast and Sierra Foothills AVAs have begun to produce some award-winning wines made from the grape, though its usually part of blends in both areas. Similarly, it can be found as part of port-like blends in South Africa and Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If current climate trends continue towards hotter and drier summers, it will be interesting to see if more growers plant Touriga Nacional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/strong>Order these Touriga Nacional wines and Touriga Nacional-based blends: <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Herdade do Rocim<\/a><\/strong>, Alentejo, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quinta do Passadouro<\/strong><\/a>, Douro, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Casa Relvas<\/strong><\/a>, Herdade do S\u00e3o Miguel, Alentejano, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- FitaPreta Vinhos A Touriga Vai Nua<\/a><\/strong>, Alentejo, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adelaida, Twenty Three Twenty, Adelaida District, Central Coast, California<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nChardonnay<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nChenin Blanc<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nCinsault<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nGrenache<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nMalbec<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>\nThe Douro Valley and its Wines<\/h2>\nIn terms of its table wines, the Douro is perhaps best known for its dry reds. These are commonly made from the grape variety Touriga Nacional, although many producers blend this grape with others. Including Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca and\/or Tinta Barroca.\n\nOn the white wine front, the most prominant varieties typically include Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, Viosinho and Gouveio.\n\nWhat's interesting to me about the Douro is how some of the vineyards are so old that the grape vines aren't consistent in plantings. It's not uncommon to find a Touriga Nacional vine planted immediately next to Tinta Roriz. Originally, this was done as a way to combat the phlyoxerra. Today it serves as special method of blending to produce world-class wines that can't be found anywhere else in the world.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1253\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<\/a> Enjoying a beautiful dry white wine at Quinta do Bomfim<\/a>.[\/caption]\n\nThe soil composition of the Douro Valley also helps in the creation of exciting wines. It's rocky, mostly comprised of schist. This kind of terroir forces the vines to struggle through the rock for their nutrients. Compounding the demand on the vine, the dry climate and sunlight of the Douro during the growing season also heats up the schist, punishing the vine roots. While all of this may sound painful, these beat up vines end up producing remarkably intense and complex wines.\n\nBy harvest time, the grapes have sprouted in tight bunches, with individual grapes being relatively small yet extremely concentrated with phenolic compounds and sugars. Ultimately, these grapes yield finer, more refined flavors and textures when a wine is produced.\nAs Robertson Davies once said... \u201cExtraordinary people survive under the most terrible circumstances and they become more extraordinary because of it.\u201d<\/blockquote>\nHave you been to the Douro Valley wine region before? Let us know in the comments your favorite stops or if you'd like any recommendations!\n\n
\n\nMore Ways To Explore Portugal's Douro Valley<\/strong><\/h2>\n10 Essential & Authentic Things To Do in Porto Portugal<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\n\n11 Delicious Facts About Port and Fortified Wines<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\n\n
\n\n[jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published.\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]","post_title":"Douro Valley","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"douro-valley","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-28 20:39:37","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-29 00:39:37","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=wine_region&p=5023","menu_order":0,"post_type":"wine_region","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"sub_region":false,"address_1":"estrada nacional EN 323, Portugal","address_2":"","country":{"ID":4805,"post_author":"43","post_date":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_content":"","post_title":"Portugal","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"portugal","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_modified_gmt":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=country&p=4805","menu_order":0,"post_type":"country","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"state":false,"city":"Pinh\u00e3o","postal_code":"323","lat":"41.1872918","lng":"-7.5434316","place_id":"ChIJafJNAklbOw0R8Zz5fIcUrns","tasting_details":"Wine tasting available by appointment.","tasting_price":"","tour_details":"Tour available by appointment.","tour_price":"","reservations_required":true,"reservation_details":"","gallery":[{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/quinta-carvalhas7_318562084534469e3bdef4_1.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/carvalhas-quinta.jpg","title":"","description":""}],"grapes":[{"ID":1920,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_content":"\nEditor's Note: Winetraveler is a reader-supported publication and this article may contain affiliate links. We review and recommend all products independently. When you buy wine through our site, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf Portugal<\/strong><\/a> had a signature grape, it would be Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/span>. It\u2019s admittedly typically blended in with many others for ports<\/strong><\/a> as well as for standard table wines, but it\u2019s a workhorse. Touriga Nacional is grown throughout the country and can range from rustic and earthy to more elegant and refined. It also lends depth, color and aroma to blended wines, including ports.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Taste<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pairings<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Regions<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wines To Try<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ...and more<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>The Tasting Notes of Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince this is a variety that thrives in heat, expect deep and dark notes. On the nose, it shows blackberry, currant, and plum fruitiness with intense herbals like licorice and mint. On the palate, there tends to be a slate note running through its core, as well as surprising violet florality. Because Ports are blends, Touriga Nacional won\u2019t be immediately recognizable but it certainly donates heft and fruit to these after-dinner favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although non-fortified Touriga Nacionals are higher in alcohol \u2013 usually weighing in around 14% or so \u2013 they are usually not jammy. It tends to yield wines perfect for Zinfandel<\/strong><\/a><\/span> or Syrah<\/a><\/strong><\/span> lovers who are looking to experiment without breaking the bank. And, since Portuguese wines are generally less expensive than their French counterparts, Touriga Nacional wines are a great way to start an affordable wine collection because they have remarkable aging potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Food Pairing Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor pairings, Touriga Nacional works best with dishes bold enough to stand up to its fruit and muscle. Portuguese cuisine is seafood-heavy, but Touriga Nacional works well with francesinha (a smoked meat sandwich), tripas de moda do porto (tripe stew), and even grilled octopus. And for those of us who don\u2019t have Portuguese culinary chops at-the-ready, think grilled meats, barbecue, or even earthy winter stews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/strong>Wine Growing Regions for Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTouriga Nacional can be found throughout Portugal. It is thought to originally be from the D\u00e3o<\/strong> or the Douro Valley<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 each region claims it as its own \u2013 but has more recently spread through Alentejo, Algarve,<\/strong> and Set\u00fabal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDespite its success in Portugal, Touriga Nacional is only grown in limited areas outside of its homeland for now. In California, growers in the Central Coast and Sierra Foothills AVAs have begun to produce some award-winning wines made from the grape, though its usually part of blends in both areas. Similarly, it can be found as part of port-like blends in South Africa and Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If current climate trends continue towards hotter and drier summers, it will be interesting to see if more growers plant Touriga Nacional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/strong>Order these Touriga Nacional wines and Touriga Nacional-based blends: <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Herdade do Rocim<\/a><\/strong>, Alentejo, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quinta do Passadouro<\/strong><\/a>, Douro, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Casa Relvas<\/strong><\/a>, Herdade do S\u00e3o Miguel, Alentejano, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- FitaPreta Vinhos A Touriga Vai Nua<\/a><\/strong>, Alentejo, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adelaida, Twenty Three Twenty, Adelaida District, Central Coast, California<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nChardonnay<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nChenin Blanc<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nCinsault<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nGrenache<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nMalbec<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
More Ways To Explore Portugal's Douro Valley<\/strong><\/h2>\n10 Essential & Authentic Things To Do in Porto Portugal<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\n\n11 Delicious Facts About Port and Fortified Wines<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\n\n
\n\n[jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published.\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]","post_title":"Douro Valley","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"douro-valley","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-28 20:39:37","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-29 00:39:37","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=wine_region&p=5023","menu_order":0,"post_type":"wine_region","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"sub_region":false,"address_1":"estrada nacional EN 323, Portugal","address_2":"","country":{"ID":4805,"post_author":"43","post_date":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_content":"","post_title":"Portugal","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"portugal","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_modified_gmt":"2018-09-19 14:15:23","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=country&p=4805","menu_order":0,"post_type":"country","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"state":false,"city":"Pinh\u00e3o","postal_code":"323","lat":"41.1872918","lng":"-7.5434316","place_id":"ChIJafJNAklbOw0R8Zz5fIcUrns","tasting_details":"Wine tasting available by appointment.","tasting_price":"","tour_details":"Tour available by appointment.","tour_price":"","reservations_required":true,"reservation_details":"","gallery":[{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/quinta-carvalhas7_318562084534469e3bdef4_1.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/carvalhas-quinta.jpg","title":"","description":""}],"grapes":[{"ID":1920,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-08 16:52:08","post_content":"\nEditor's Note: Winetraveler is a reader-supported publication and this article may contain affiliate links. We review and recommend all products independently. When you buy wine through our site, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf Portugal<\/strong><\/a> had a signature grape, it would be Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/span>. It\u2019s admittedly typically blended in with many others for ports<\/strong><\/a> as well as for standard table wines, but it\u2019s a workhorse. Touriga Nacional is grown throughout the country and can range from rustic and earthy to more elegant and refined. It also lends depth, color and aroma to blended wines, including ports.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Taste<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pairings<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Regions<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wines To Try<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- ...and more<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>The Tasting Notes of Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince this is a variety that thrives in heat, expect deep and dark notes. On the nose, it shows blackberry, currant, and plum fruitiness with intense herbals like licorice and mint. On the palate, there tends to be a slate note running through its core, as well as surprising violet florality. Because Ports are blends, Touriga Nacional won\u2019t be immediately recognizable but it certainly donates heft and fruit to these after-dinner favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although non-fortified Touriga Nacionals are higher in alcohol \u2013 usually weighing in around 14% or so \u2013 they are usually not jammy. It tends to yield wines perfect for Zinfandel<\/strong><\/a><\/span> or Syrah<\/a><\/strong><\/span> lovers who are looking to experiment without breaking the bank. And, since Portuguese wines are generally less expensive than their French counterparts, Touriga Nacional wines are a great way to start an affordable wine collection because they have remarkable aging potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Food Pairing Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor pairings, Touriga Nacional works best with dishes bold enough to stand up to its fruit and muscle. Portuguese cuisine is seafood-heavy, but Touriga Nacional works well with francesinha (a smoked meat sandwich), tripas de moda do porto (tripe stew), and even grilled octopus. And for those of us who don\u2019t have Portuguese culinary chops at-the-ready, think grilled meats, barbecue, or even earthy winter stews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/strong>Wine Growing Regions for Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTouriga Nacional can be found throughout Portugal. It is thought to originally be from the D\u00e3o<\/strong> or the Douro Valley<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 each region claims it as its own \u2013 but has more recently spread through Alentejo, Algarve,<\/strong> and Set\u00fabal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDespite its success in Portugal, Touriga Nacional is only grown in limited areas outside of its homeland for now. In California, growers in the Central Coast and Sierra Foothills AVAs have begun to produce some award-winning wines made from the grape, though its usually part of blends in both areas. Similarly, it can be found as part of port-like blends in South Africa and Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If current climate trends continue towards hotter and drier summers, it will be interesting to see if more growers plant Touriga Nacional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/strong>Order these Touriga Nacional wines and Touriga Nacional-based blends: <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Herdade do Rocim<\/a><\/strong>, Alentejo, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quinta do Passadouro<\/strong><\/a>, Douro, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Casa Relvas<\/strong><\/a>, Herdade do S\u00e3o Miguel, Alentejano, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- FitaPreta Vinhos A Touriga Vai Nua<\/a><\/strong>, Alentejo, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adelaida, Twenty Three Twenty, Adelaida District, Central Coast, California<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nChardonnay<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nChenin Blanc<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nCinsault<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nGrenache<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nMalbec<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
If Portugal<\/strong><\/a> had a signature grape, it would be Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/span>. It\u2019s admittedly typically blended in with many others for ports<\/strong><\/a> as well as for standard table wines, but it\u2019s a workhorse. Touriga Nacional is grown throughout the country and can range from rustic and earthy to more elegant and refined. It also lends depth, color and aroma to blended wines, including ports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since this is a variety that thrives in heat, expect deep and dark notes. On the nose, it shows blackberry, currant, and plum fruitiness with intense herbals like licorice and mint. On the palate, there tends to be a slate note running through its core, as well as surprising violet florality. Because Ports are blends, Touriga Nacional won\u2019t be immediately recognizable but it certainly donates heft and fruit to these after-dinner favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although non-fortified Touriga Nacionals are higher in alcohol \u2013 usually weighing in around 14% or so \u2013 they are usually not jammy. It tends to yield wines perfect for Zinfandel<\/strong><\/a><\/span> or Syrah<\/a><\/strong><\/span> lovers who are looking to experiment without breaking the bank. And, since Portuguese wines are generally less expensive than their French counterparts, Touriga Nacional wines are a great way to start an affordable wine collection because they have remarkable aging potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For pairings, Touriga Nacional works best with dishes bold enough to stand up to its fruit and muscle. Portuguese cuisine is seafood-heavy, but Touriga Nacional works well with francesinha (a smoked meat sandwich), tripas de moda do porto (tripe stew), and even grilled octopus. And for those of us who don\u2019t have Portuguese culinary chops at-the-ready, think grilled meats, barbecue, or even earthy winter stews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Touriga Nacional can be found throughout Portugal. It is thought to originally be from the D\u00e3o<\/strong> or the Douro Valley<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 each region claims it as its own \u2013 but has more recently spread through Alentejo, Algarve,<\/strong> and Set\u00fabal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite its success in Portugal, Touriga Nacional is only grown in limited areas outside of its homeland for now. In California, growers in the Central Coast and Sierra Foothills AVAs have begun to produce some award-winning wines made from the grape, though its usually part of blends in both areas. Similarly, it can be found as part of port-like blends in South Africa and Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If current climate trends continue towards hotter and drier summers, it will be interesting to see if more growers plant Touriga Nacional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a>The Tasting Notes of Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Food Pairing Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/strong>Wine Growing Regions for Touriga Nacional<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/strong>Order these Touriga Nacional wines and Touriga Nacional-based blends: <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n