The Touriga Blend grape is a classic option, renowned for being the principal grape variety used in the production of Portugal's distinguished Port wine. Notably rich and emblematic of Portuguese tradition, it is the result of blending several types of Touriga grapes, most commonly the Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca.
Touriga Nacional, is often celebrated as Portugal's finest red wine grape variety, admired for its intense flavours, robust tannins and deep inky colour. Its resilience to harsh weather conditions and resistance to diseases contributes to its widespread cultivation. However, due to its low-yielding character, it is often blended with Touriga Franca, a more generous grape in terms of production, which adds subtle refinement and complexity to the blend.
The combination of these two grape varieties yields a wine characterised by its high tannin content, concentrated flavours and an ability to age gracefully over time. The Touriga blend is marked by its richness and distinctive flavours of dark fruits, spices, and floral notes - typically violet. Hints of bergamot and rosemary can also be detected.
Furthermore, wines made from the Touriga Blend grape showcase a good structure and dense colour, features appreciated by wine connoisseurs. Over recent years, these grapes have also gained recognition outside of Portugal, especially in new world wine regions such as Australia and South Africa, which have started producing wines with these grape varieties, further enhancing their international reputation.
This iconic blend forms the cornerstone of Portugal's historic contribution to the viticultural world, and its robust, full-bodied character make it a favourite amongst those who appreciate a truly flavoursome wine. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or an occasional wine drinker, a Touriga Blend is undoubtedly a fine choice that promises a memorable wine-drinking experience.
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