Touriga Franca

Touriga Franca is a flavourful and fragrant grape variety that forms a significant part of Portugal’s vinicultural legacy. Hailing from the Douro Valley, it is acclaimed as one of the major grape varieties used in the production of Port, Portugal's esteemed fortified wine.

Despite having "Touriga" in its name, Touriga Franca is not a straightforward lineage of the Touriga Nacional, another famous Portuguese grape variety. On the contrary, it is believed to be a cross between Touriga Nacional and Marufo. Touriga Franca itself has given rise to several offspring, making it instrumental in the genetic diversity of Portuguese viticulture.

This grape variety exhibits high yields, which makes it a favoured choice amongst vineyard owners. Dense and tight clusters of small yet thick-skinned berries characterise this grape, offering it resilience against the intense summer heat and making it less prone to fungal diseases.

Touriga Franca wine is renowned for its deep colour, often appearing violet or ruby. It imparts robust tannins and high levels of acidity, framing the wine’s structure superbly. The bouquet boasts a complex and enticing mixture of floral and fruity notes, which include violets, blackberries, and red fruits, intertwined with nuances of herbs and spices.

Whilst it contributes greatly to blends, it is rare to find single-varietal Touriga Franca wines. Regardless, when expertly handled, it has potential to yield remarkably concentrated yet elegant wines with a good ageing potential.

Although Touriga Franca is predominantly grown in Portugal, particularly in the Douro and Dão regions, it is gradually gaining international recognition. Some wine-growing regions in Australia, South Africa and notably the United States are experimenting with this fascinating grape. Indeed, the Touriga Franca grape is a testament to the unique wealth and character of Portuguese wines, combining adaptability with rich, intriguing flavours.

Buy Touriga Franca wine below.