The Touriga Franca
Grape
One of the leading grape varieties used in the production of Port wine as well as dry red wines in Portugal's Douro Valley. Touriga Franca contributes elegance and structure to blends, with flavors of red and black fruits, floral notes, and a hint of spice. It is appreciated for its balance, finesse, and aromatic complexity.
Touriga Franca
Grape History
Touriga Franca is a red wine grape variety that is native to Portugal and is one of the most widely planted grapes in the Douro Valley, which is known for its production of Port wine. It is believed to have originated in the Douro region, where it has been cultivated for centuries.
Historically, Touriga Franca has been an essential component in the production of both Port wine and table wines in Portugal. It is prized for its deep color, intense aromas, and ability to produce wines with excellent aging potential. The grape is known for its floral and fruity characteristics, often displaying notes of wild berries, violets, and spices.
In addition to Portugal, Touriga Franca is also grown in other wine regions around the world, including Spain, Australia, and the United States. However, it is most commonly associated with the production of Port wine in the Douro Valley.
Touriga Franca is typically blended with other grape varieties in the production of Port wine, such as Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo). In recent years, winemakers have also started to create varietal wines using Touriga Franca, showcasing its unique characteristics and potential as a standalone grape variety.
The future of Touriga Franca looks bright, as it continues to gain recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts worldwide. Its versatility in winemaking, from producing fortified Port wines to elegant table wines, makes it a valuable grape variety for producers looking to create high-quality and distinctive wines.
Overall, Touriga Franca remains a key player in the world of wine, with a rich history and a promising future ahead. Its unique characteristics, versatility, and ability to thrive in various wine regions make it a grape variety worth exploring and appreciating for both its historical significance and its potential for producing exceptional wines.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel