Touriga Franca is a long-established grape variety in Portugal, preferred in the Douro region. In specialist literature it is also often mentioned as Touriga Francesa or Touriga Frances. However, although the name might suggest it, the grape variety has nothing in common with France or any French grape variety. It is unclear where the name comes from. DNA analysis has proven that Touriga Franca is a descendant of Touriga Nacional, another very important variety in northern Portugal, and Marufo. It is assumed that there are family connections to the Tinta Barocca variety. The Touriga Franca matures over a medium to long period of time and then produces good, predictable yields. Since it is resistant to most vine diseases, it is also easy to grow. Only the compact grapes can cause concern due to their susceptibility to sour rot. In the Douro, Touriga Franca is an essential part of the port wine cuvée, but it is also used for the production of still wines in Trás-os-Montes, high in the north of Portugal, in Lisboa, in Tejo and also in Alentejo. In California as well as Australia there are small plantings of Touriga Franca, from which port-style fortified wines are made.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Albino de Souza, Esgana Cao Tinto, Esgana Cao, Rifete, Touriga Frances, Touriga Francesa, Tourigo Frances, Tinta Barca
