Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Touriga Nacional is widely seen as Portugal's finest red grape. Both the Dão and the Douro claim to be its home, and it is now planted across the country. Its small berries have thick skins rich in colour and tannin, giving deep, structured wines with floral and blackcurrant-raspberry fruit that age well. It is a key variety in port, and yields are never high.
Characteristics
Red wine grape; Portuguese origin; small bunches with long stalks; small to medium berries; thick, deeply coloured skins; high colour and tannin; floral, blackcurrant and raspberry aromas; moderate vigour; low yields; mid-season, about three weeks after Chasselas
Growing Tips
Touriga Nacional has moderate vigour and a semi-erect habit. It can be pruned long but needs proper training. Avoid very shallow soils. French trials found it little troubled by fungal diseases apart from phomopsis. It ripens mid-season, about three weeks after Chasselas, and its yields stay low.