Few grape varieties define the identity of the Douro as well as Touriga Franca. Known for decades as Touriga Francesa, this variety is now recognised as one of the great protagonists of Douro wines, both in Port wines and still wines.
Despite its name, Touriga Franca is a native Portuguese grape variety, originating in northern Portugal, with no genetic link to French grape varieties. The name ‘Touriga Francesa’ only appeared in the 1940s and was officially replaced by Touriga Franca in 2000, with the publication of the official list of grape varieties. As Kranemann Wine Estates has been associated with the Douro's history since its establishment, we have chosen to use the classic/historical name.
Very similar to Touriga Nacional, it is now accepted that it is the result of a natural cross between Marufo and Touriga Nacional. Its low genetic variability suggests a relatively recent existence, even though it is deeply rooted in the wine-growing history of the Douro.
The Douro Wine Region is its territory of choice. Here, Touriga Francesa is the most widely planted grape variety, accounting for around a fifth of the region's total vineyard area. It likes poor soils and extreme climates, with hot days and cool nights, developing mainly on the most exposed and dry slopes of the Douro terraces.
Touriga Francesa produces wines with intense colour, dense body and firm structure, supported by a fierce tannin concentration that gives them ageing potential. It is a fundamental grape variety in Douro blends, often associated with Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, but it can also produce expressive single-varietal wines.
Aromatically, it stands out for its floral and fruity profile, dominated by roses, wildflowers, blackberries, raspberries and rockrose, especially in years of higher quality. On the palate, it is enveloping, full and persistent, offering structured, balanced wines that are deeply connected to the Douro terroir.
Essential, reliable and expressive, Touriga Francesa is one of the pillars of the identity of the great wines of the Douro — a grape variety that combines strength and generosity with the elegance of time.
