Touriga Nacional: Discover the Top 12 Wines You Need to Try (2023 Edition)
Touriga Nacional is Portugal’s pride and joy in the wine world, and let me tell you, it’s a grape you should definitely get to know. Originally from the scenic valleys of Dao and Douro, this grape is no newbie. Sure, it’s the star player in classic Port wines, but have you tried it as a dry red?
If not, mark your calendars for 2023. This grape is about to take center stage and you won’t want to miss it. The flavors are deep yet elegant, and the tannins? So smooth, they’re almost silky. Trust me, Touriga Nacional is on the brink of becoming the next big thing in wine.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: a curated list of the top 12 Touriga Nacional wines you’ll want to uncork, each paired with a dish that makes it shine, and all neatly priced for your shopping ease.
1. Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2017
Tasting Notes: Elegance meets power with bursts of blackberry, violet, and a hint of smoky leather.
Dish Pairing: Braised lamb shanks
Price: Around $45
Why It’s a Top Pick: This wine, hailing from Douro, has an old-world charm with a modern twist, making it a marvelous companion to robust meats like lamb.
2. Pêra-Manca Tinto 2015
Tasting Notes: Dark plum and blueberry come alive, adorned with subtle spicy undertones.
Dish Pairing: Beef tenderloin with a peppercorn crust
Price: Around $100
Why It’s a Top Pick: It’s a sumptuous yet refined wine with the muscle to enhance the flavors of a luxurious beef dish.
3. Casa Ferreirinha, Callabriga 2018
Tasting Notes: Dominant red fruits with layers of mocha and a flicker of mineral zest.
Dish Pairing: Portuguese seafood stew
Price: Around $30
Why It’s a Top Pick: The wine’s fruity yet complex profile is a perfect match for the multi-faceted flavors of a rich seafood stew.
4. Quinta da Romaneira Reserva 2016
Tasting Notes: A bouquet of florals, seamlessly woven into a tapestry of black cherry and cocoa.
Dish Pairing: Duck confit
Price: Around $60
Why It’s a Top Pick: The intricate notes of this wine are harmoniously aligned with the richness of duck, elevating the dining experience.
5. Dona Maria Grande Reserva 2017
Tasting Notes: Notes of ripe figs, a sprinkling of tobacco, and a splash of vanilla.
Dish Pairing: Osso buco
Price: Around $37
Why It’s a Top Pick: This wine’s rich, fruit-forward profile pairs splendidly with the savory depth of Osso buco.
6. José de Sousa 2017
Tasting Notes: A refined tapestry of red currants, fresh herbs, and a trace of smokiness.
Dish Pairing: Grilled chorizo
Price: Around $25
Why It’s a Top Pick: The wine’s herbal notes echo the spices in chorizo, making for an invigorating pairing.
7. Esporão Reserva Tinto 2020
Tasting Notes: Ripe red berries meet earthy undertones, with a lingering finish of black tea.
Dish Pairing: Mushroom risotto
Price: Around $20
Why It’s a Top Pick: This wine’s earthy dimensions harmonize with the umami-rich mushrooms, creating a comfort-food utopia.
8. Meandro do Vale Meão 2018
Tasting Notes: Juicy black cherries, spiced with pepper and a trace of graphite.
Dish Pairing: Suckling pig
Price: Around $40
Why It’s a Top Pick: The wine’s fruitiness and slight mineral edge make it a balanced counterpart to the crisp yet tender suckling pig.
9. Quinta do Vale Meão 2019
Tasting Notes: A complex interplay of dark fruits, floral notes, and hints of espresso.
Dish Pairing: Short ribs
Price: Around $180
Why It’s a Top Pick: This sumptuous wine, with its varied tasting notes, accentuates the unctuous richness of short ribs.
10. Mouchão Tonel 3-4 2011
Tasting Notes: Bursts of blackcurrant, punctuated by sage and mocha.
Dish Pairing: Portuguese sausage and bean casserole
Price: Around $80
Why It’s a Top Pick: The wine’s herbal and mocha notes bring out the smoky, meaty goodness in a traditional Portuguese casserole.
11. Poeira 2016
Tasting Notes: A lyrical blend of red and black fruits, underscored by a vein of minerality.
Dish Pairing: Grilled octopus
Price: Around $35
Why It’s a Top Pick: The wine’s mineral undertones resonate with the oceanic flavors of octopus, creating a pairing of incredible depth.
12. Quinta das Tecedeiras Reserva 2016
Tasting Notes: Luxuriant plum and blackberry, finished with a graceful hint of lavender.
Dish Pairing: Venison with a berry reduction
Price: Around $55
Why It’s a Top Pick: This Douro delight not only stands up to the gaminess of venison but also complements it with its fruit and floral elements.
