General Description: Touriga Franca is one of the leading grape varieties in the production of Port and table wines in the Douro Valley of Portugal. It is known for its adaptability to the region’s diverse microclimates, contributing finesse, body, and complexity to blends. Touriga Franca is appreciated for its floral aromas, dark fruit flavours, and well-balanced structure, making it a crucial component in both red wine blends and fortified Port wines. While it may not have the same intensity of aroma as Touriga Nacional, another key Portuguese variety, Touriga Franca often provides a more elegant and approachable character to wines, with a focus on finesse rather than power.
Primary Flavours:
- Blackberry
- Blueberry
- Plum
- Floral notes (especially violets)
- Dark chocolate
- Spice
Taste Profile:
- Sweet-Dry: Dry in table wines, sweet in fortified wines
- Body: Medium to full body
- Tannins: Medium to high
- Acidity: Medium to high
- ABV range: Typically between 13% to 14.5% for table wines; higher for fortified Port wines
Handling: Touriga Franca wines, particularly those destined for ageing, benefit from decanting to soften tannins and open up their complex aromas and flavours. Serve at a slightly cooler temperature than room temperature, around 16°C to 18°C, to best appreciate the wine’s balance and aromatic profile. The ageing potential of Touriga Franca varies with the style of wine; table wines can mature beautifully over several years, developing additional complexity, while vintage Ports, where Touriga Franca is often a key component, can age for decades, gaining incredible depth and nuance.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The versatility of Touriga Franca allows it to pair well with a variety of dishes. Its table wine form complements red meats, game, and hearty stewed dishes, with the wine’s tannins and acidity cutting through the richness of the food. Cheese, especially robust, aged varieties, can also pair well with Touriga Franca, whether in the form of table wine or Port. For sweet styles of Port, consider pairing with chocolate desserts, blue cheeses, or nuts, where the wine’s sweetness and body provide a harmonious match.