Touriga
Nacional
Touriga
Nacional is the best of the grapes that
are blended for Port. It has been used in Port making as far
back as the 18th century. Touriga Nacional is an early maturing
grape that makes wines of especially deep color, intense fruity
aroma and tannin. This variety grows rapidly and is adaptable
to a wide range of growing conditions including limited rainfall.
It is grown mostly in Portugal.
The Touriga Nacional variety
makes the best of the Ports but its yields are small (less than
1/2 of other key varieties) and it is the most expensive of the
grapes to use. It is used in high percentages only in the
best Ports.
This grape produces wines
with smooth, soft textures that have excellent aging potential.
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