Touriga Nacional, often referred to as Portugal’s noble grape variety, occupies a special place in the viticulture of the Douro region. Recognized for its ability to produce high-quality wines with aromatic intensity, complexity and ageing potential, this variety is a true relic on the Portuguese wine scene.
Origin and characteristics
Touriga Nacional has its roots firmly planted in Portugal and is one of the country’s oldest and most respected grape varieties. Although it is grown in various wine-growing regions, it is in the Douro that it finds its maximum expression.
Characterized by small berries and compact bunches, Touriga Nacional produces wines with an intense, deep color. The aromas are generally complex, featuring a combination of black fruits such as blackberry and cassis, with floral notes of violet, as well as hints of aromatic herbs, spices and, with ageing, nuances of tobacco and chocolate.
The Terroir of the Douro
The Douro region, located in the north of Portugal, is famous for its mountainous landscape and terraced vineyards that descend towards the Douro river. This unique terroir, with predominantly schist soils and a continental climate that combines harsh winters and hot, dry summers, creates ideal conditions for Touriga Nacional.
The Douro’s schist soils force the vines’ roots deeper in search of nutrients and water, resulting in grapes with an exceptional concentration of flavors. In addition, the intense sun exposure during the day, followed by cool nights, helps develop the acidity and complex aromas characteristic of wines made from this grape variety.
For example, in Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha do Rio, although the vineyard is a field blend, the presence of the Touriga Nacional grape variety is evident, making the wine more intense and complex, with a higher alcohol and tannin content. On the other hand, Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinhas Velhas, whose vineyards are made up of 41 varieties planted in a field blend, due to the natural interaction of the varieties, softens and modifies the expression of the Touriga Nacional in the final wine, which is smoother and more balanced than the previous one.
Growing and harvesting
Growing Touriga Nacional in the Douro requires special attention. The variety, although robust, has a naturally low yield, which contributes to its high quality. Winemakers in the Douro have adopted sustainable practices to ensure that the vines thrive without depleting the region’s natural resources.
The Touriga Nacional harvest is a crucial moment, usually taking place at the end of summer, when the grapes have reached optimum ripeness. Deciding the exact time of harvest is crucial, as it directly affects the quality of the wine. The grapes are harvested by hand, often in the early hours of the morning, to ensure that they arrive fresh at the winery.
Vinification
In the winery, the Touriga Nacional is treated with the respect it deserves. After destemming and maceration, the must ferments in stainless steel vats or in traditional granite lagares, where the grapes are trodden by foot. This traditional method, still widely used in the Douro, helps to extract color, tannins and aromas in a balanced way.
Touriga Nacional wines from the Douro are often aged in French or American oak barrels, which adds additional layers of complexity. The ageing process allows the tannins to integrate and the fruity aromas to develop, resulting in balanced, elegant wines with great ageing potential.
Outstanding examples
Quinta Vale D. Maria’s red wines are all made from Touriga Nacional and have won national and world recognition over the years. These wines stand out for their solid structure, intense and complex aromas and their ability to age gracefully for years.
Touriga Nacional, when grown in the Douro, represents the pinnacle of Portuguese viticulture. The combination of a unique terroir, careful viticultural practices and traditional winemaking techniques results in wines that are authentic, complex and memorable. For wine lovers, exploring the Touriga Nacional wines of the Douro is a journey through the rich history and continuous innovation of one of the world’s most emblematic wine regions.
