Touriga Franca
Touriga franca is an extremely important grape in Portuguese winemaking. You’ll see I have included the Douro wine map for where it grows, however, this is not the only place it grows. But, it is the most widely planted grape variety in the Douro region, consisting of 1/5 of all plantings. Plus, it is believed that it originated in the Douro, so, it earned the map space on my graphic. You’ll find touriga franca is planted throughout the country, but is an important grape in Douro, Trás-os-Montes, Beira Interior, Dão and the Alentejo regions.
Like quite a few Portuguese grapes, touriga franca has a few names throughout the wine regions. It can also be called albino de souza, esgana cão, rifete, touriga, touriga frances, touriga francesa and tourigo francês. The grape is a cross between two Portuguese grapes, touriga nacional and marufo (also called mourisco tinto).
Touriga franca ripens mid to late season and has medium sized very compact bunches and thick skins. The grape is resistant to disease and pests, of course this makes it a very desirable grape to grow. It’s also a very aromatic grape that sometimes in warm climates can take on jammy or baked fruit characteristics. Despite the grape having thick skins, it is very delicate, and it's aromatic qualities can be muted if it does not ripen fully.
Single varietal touriga franca wines are not usually what the grape is grown for. It is typically blended into port and other still and sparkling wines. However, if you can find one you need to give it a try. I highlight a few below. It’s important to port blends for a few reasons. It brings elegance, structure, floral aromas, firm tannins and red fruit aromas to the blend. It also is a grape that grows well in the sometimes harsh climates of the Douro, which means it also brings a bit of consistency.
Highly recommend