Touriga Nacional
In the northern part of Portugal, there runs a river called the Douro. And, in the area around the Douro River, the viticulturists grow Touriga Nacional.
Why? It's a prized red grape, extremely tannic, and it is the backbone of the wine that Portugal is known for, Port.
Touriga Nacional is a particularly hearty grape, but yield, often measured in tons per hectare is normally very low. The problem is that this grape is prone to very poor souaison or fruit set, the natural process by which the grape turns from the flowering stage to the berry stage. Too much Touriga Nacional simply fails to yield berries.
As a single varietal, expect a wine that even when aged in once-used oak will be big and bold with firm tannins although the tannins should calm rapidly after a year or less in bottle. One characteristic of Touriga Nacional is that it absorbs character from the oak easily and tends to give off notes of vanilla, nutmeg, hazelnut, and s'mores.
Because this grape is primary in Port, this would not be complete without a brief description of those wines, all of which technically must be produced in Portugal and are sweet and fortified.
Ruby Port is the least aged of the major Ports, primarily in concrete or stainless steel, it's dark red in color, drinks young and does not age well.
Tawny Port is aged in barrels and the approximate length of the aging process is indicated by the number of years on the label. Tawny Ports tend to be very nutty, both on the nose and on the palate.
Vintage Port is the most desirable of the group. Produced only in "classified vintages," the wines are made only from the finest grapes in the finest growing years. Not spending significant time on oak, the key is that they will age well and improve seeminly forever in bottles. To find a vintage port that is still quite drinkable and even improving 100 years after bottling would not be surprising. Over time, the younger, raisiny flavors may be expected to mature into cinnamon, black and white pepper, ginger, and clove.
Pair Port wines with caramel desserts, creme brulee, and sharp cheeses like cheddar.
When drinking as a single varietal dry wine, pair Touriga Nacional with a roast, a cassoulet, or andouille sausage.
Why? It's a prized red grape, extremely tannic, and it is the backbone of the wine that Portugal is known for, Port.
Touriga Nacional is a particularly hearty grape, but yield, often measured in tons per hectare is normally very low. The problem is that this grape is prone to very poor souaison or fruit set, the natural process by which the grape turns from the flowering stage to the berry stage. Too much Touriga Nacional simply fails to yield berries.
As a single varietal, expect a wine that even when aged in once-used oak will be big and bold with firm tannins although the tannins should calm rapidly after a year or less in bottle. One characteristic of Touriga Nacional is that it absorbs character from the oak easily and tends to give off notes of vanilla, nutmeg, hazelnut, and s'mores.
Because this grape is primary in Port, this would not be complete without a brief description of those wines, all of which technically must be produced in Portugal and are sweet and fortified.
Ruby Port is the least aged of the major Ports, primarily in concrete or stainless steel, it's dark red in color, drinks young and does not age well.
Tawny Port is aged in barrels and the approximate length of the aging process is indicated by the number of years on the label. Tawny Ports tend to be very nutty, both on the nose and on the palate.
Vintage Port is the most desirable of the group. Produced only in "classified vintages," the wines are made only from the finest grapes in the finest growing years. Not spending significant time on oak, the key is that they will age well and improve seeminly forever in bottles. To find a vintage port that is still quite drinkable and even improving 100 years after bottling would not be surprising. Over time, the younger, raisiny flavors may be expected to mature into cinnamon, black and white pepper, ginger, and clove.
Pair Port wines with caramel desserts, creme brulee, and sharp cheeses like cheddar.
When drinking as a single varietal dry wine, pair Touriga Nacional with a roast, a cassoulet, or andouille sausage.
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