Grape Varieties
Touriga
Known as Touriga by Aussies but as Touriga Nacional in its native Portugal, this grape variety creates fashionable New World wines. The grapes produce robust and full-bodied wines that feature deepening flavours of dark fruits like blackberries, mulberries and plums.
Where is Touriga grown?
Touriga is one of Portugal’s signature grapes and grows in vineyards across the country. A vigorous grape variety that likes growing in hot and dry climates, it has also gained popularity among winemakers in Australia, California and South Africa.
Australian wine regions that champion Touriga include:
- Adelaide Hills
- Barossa Valley
- McLaren Vale
- Langhorne Creek
Touriga wine style and character
With their bold intensity, Touriga grapes are commonly used in port blends and fortified wine. They’re often blended with other grapes, such as Tempranillo, to balance the intense flavours.
Wine made using Touriga grapes tends to be full-bodied, dry reds. High tannins mean Touriga wines can improve with ageing. When aged, the tannins soften, and the wines develop chocolate, leather and liquorice notes.
Our best Touriga wines
Tasting notes
Touriga grapes create rich wines with intense flavours of fruits like blueberries, plums and black cherries. The variety also leaves wines with a floral aroma and violet tones. On the nose, expect Touriga wines to have herbal hints of liquorice and mint.
Food pairings
Given their muscle, Touriga grapes create wines that match rich foods like thick-cut steaks, burgers and earthy stews.
Perfect food pairings include barbecued meats, steaks and lentils. Touriga wines are excellent served alongside a summer barbeque party, a winter roast dinner or a casserole.
How to serve
Like most bold reds, Touriga wines are best served slightly below room temperature at 15-20°C. Opt for an oversized glass for serving, as the wide opening allows for a smoother taste.
