Grapes Touriga Franca
Grape guide · red
Touriga Franca
The most widely planted grape in the Douro, formerly called Touriga Francesa. Fragrant and fine: the grape that gives a Douro blend its elegance.
Touriga Nacional gets the attention, but the Douro’s vineyards are mostly planted with Touriga Franca. It is reliable, copes well with heat and gives fragrant, fine wine.
It used to be called Touriga Francesa; you still find that name on older labels and in some descriptions. It is the same grape.
At a glance
- Colour
- Red
- Other name
- Touriga Francesa (older name)
- Where
- Mainly the Douro
- Taste
- Red and dark fruit, floral, fine
- Role in a blend
- Perfume and finesse alongside the power of Touriga Nacional
What it tastes like
Touriga Franca gives red and dark fruit with a floral scent, and tannins finer than those of Touriga Nacional. It rarely appears alone: its strength is what it adds to a blend.
Read on
Our wines with Touriga Franca
Eirados Reserva 2023
Two thousand years of wine country. And a little Varna in it.
From the Eirados Varna vineyard: Varna's first own red label, made by Alzira Castro-de Carvalho. Floral aromas, full ripe fruit and silky tannins. A glass worth lingering over.
Availability to be confirmed
Frequently asked questions
Is Touriga Franca the same as Touriga Francesa?
Yes. Touriga Francesa is the older name of the same grape.
What is the difference between Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional?
Touriga Nacional is more powerful, darker and firmer in tannin. Touriga Franca is more fragrant and finer. In the Douro they are often used together.