Touriga Nacional
- pdsfernandes
- Dec 25, 2025
- 3 min read
= TOURIGA NACIONAL =
Touriga Nacional is a Portuguese grape variety whose origin is a matter of debate between the Dão and Douro regions. Studies of genetic variability show that it is highly prevalent in both regions. In 1881, the Viscount of Vila Maior associated the variety with the Douro, comparing it to high-quality international varieties. By the end of the 19th century, it represented 90% of the vineyards in the Dão region. Many Dão producers argue that the variety originated in the Dão region because there is a place called "Tourigo" there, and that this name is believed to be the origin of the variety.
Its production was dominant at the end of the 19th century, but due to the devastation caused by the phylloxera plague, it was practically extinct. After the application of the first grafting techniques, particularly using the Aramon rootstock , the variety responded negatively with low yields, becoming an economically unsustainable variety.
Later, after using suitable rootstocks and introducing rational training techniques, it became an excessively productive variety and, in some cases, the practice of bunch thinning is resorted to.
Currently, Touriga Nacional is being tested in the French region of Bordeaux as an alternative to the region's native grape varieties due to rising temperatures caused by climate change.
Generic characteristics:
Touriga Nacional has a thick skin and a bluish color; among non-dye grape varieties, its berries achieve higher levels of color and total polyphenol content than other Portuguese grape varieties.
Touriga Nacional gained fame for being a grape variety of choice for Port wine blends, to enhance its floral aromatic characteristics and add texture, volume and density, due to its tannic component.
Aromatically, it is characterized by its floral component (violets and orange peel). When planted in warmer climates, it can also reveal its balsamic side.
Also present are ripe wild berries and berries, such as blackberries and blueberries. As it ages, the flavors mature, resulting in a more delicate and elegant wine, but without losing its intense expression.
It is considered by many to be the best grape variety for producing Port wine, but it is also suitable for producing high-quality sparkling and rosé wines.
In addition to Portugal, it is also present in North America (in the regions of California, Washington State and Virginia), Australia (Barrosa Valley) and South Africa (Allesverloren, Boplaas and De Krans).
HARMONIZATION:
It pairs best with red meat dishes (smoked or grilled).
Port wine made with Touriga Nacional pairs easily with coffee, chocolate, nuts, and blue cheeses. Rosé and sparkling wines go well with cheeses, salads, light fish, and white meat.
(Check out our technical specifications at the link below)
WRITTEN BY:
Pedro Fernandes
Pedro Fernandes is a Portuguese winemaker who has been involved in viticulture since he was 11 years old, where he started making his first wines with his father and doing tasks such as pruning.
Since then he has never stopped and in 2018 he decided to dedicate himself to the wine sector, starting by doing "everything backwards". He began by taking wine specialization courses such as WSET (Direct Wine) and Wine Expertise (ISAG) in 2018/2019. Then he graduated from the University of Nebrijia in Madrid, obtaining an MBA in Oenology (2020). In 2021, at the age of 39, he decided to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Oenology (UTAD), and against all odds, he finished the course in 2024.
Along the way, he created his first personal wine brand - Chãos - and completed an internship at the prestigious Chateau Latour (in Bordeaux).
Currently, he works as a consultant in the wine sector, where he plays a role not only as an oenologist, but also in creating business strategies for wine producers, with a current vision of the market, which includes resources from Digital Marketing and Wine Tourism.
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