AdegaMãe Touriga Nacional 2017

Description

Great example of Portugal’s most famous indigenous grape varietal.

A poor yielding grape which explains the relatively low plantings, Touriga Nacional is nevertheless arguably Portugal’s most important varietal as an integral component in the country’s best Ports. As a grape it is high in tannins, normally giving colour, body and structure to blends so it’s predictable that this single varietal wine is high in all three.

Dark, almost opaque ruby red in colour, the glass is coated in thick, violet tears as you swirl, the nose also thick with morello cherry and damson to the fore backed up by heady floral notes and hints of garrigue and spice. Chewy black fruit dominates the palate with a refreshing acidity and drying tannins supporting layers of black tea, roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate.

Decant this beast for an hour or two in advance and serve up with roast beef or mature cheeses.