Touriga Nacional

Kiana Keys, DipWSET

Wine Educator & Translator

Touriga Nacional Overview

Touriga Nacional is widely considered Portugal’s most important red wine grape. It produces deeply colored wines with concentrated fruit flavors, strong tannins, and distinctive floral aromas. The grape plays a key role in the production of Port wine and is also used to make powerful dry red wines, particularly in Portugal’s Douro Valley and Dão regions.

Touriga Nacional Grape Origin

Touriga Nacional originated in Portugal, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The grape is most closely associated with the Douro Valley and Dão regions, where it forms the backbone of many traditional Portuguese wines. Today it remains one of Portugal’s most prestigious grape varieties.

Touriga Nacional Flavor Profile

Blackberry
Black plum
Blueberry
Violet
Bergamot
Licorice
Dark chocolate
Dried herbs
Vanilla and baking spice (oak)

Touriga Nacional Structure

Touriga Nacional is known for its concentration, structure, and aromatic intensity.

Sweetness: Dry

Body: Full

Acidity: Medium to High

Alcohol (ABV): High — 13–15%

Tannins: High

Where Touriga Nacional Grows

Portugal: Douro Valley and Dão

Smaller plantings also exist in Australia and California.

Touriga Nacional Wine Styles

Port wines use Touriga Nacional as one of the key grapes in traditional blends.

Douro red wines are typically powerful, structured, and rich in dark fruit.

Dão wines often show more elegance and floral aromatics.

Oak-aged styles develop notes of chocolate, spice, and tobacco.

Touriga Nacional Fun Fact

Touriga Nacional is one of the key grapes used in Port wine, contributing deep color, structure, and aromatic intensity to many traditional Port blends.