Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Baga – an introduction to Portugal’s three great grape varieties
Portugal has over 250 indigenous grape varieties – more than almost any other wine country in Europe. Three stand out in particular: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Baga. They are the genetic backbone of the greatest Portuguese red wines – from Port wine to Douro blends to elegant aged wines from Bairrada. Anyone opening a wine like the Souvall Grande Reserva Tinto from the DOC Beira Interior will find exactly these three grape varieties in the glass. It's high time to get to know them better.
What are indigenous grape varieties – and why are they so important for Portugal?
Indigenous simply means "native" – grape varieties that originally grew nowhere else in the world. While France, Italy, and Spain have long worked with the same international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, Portugal has preserved its own unique world.Over centuries, grape varieties have adapted here to the climate, soils, and altitudes that are not found in the rest of Europe. This is why Portuguese wines taste so distinctive – and are so exciting to discover.
What is Touriga Nacional and why is it called the "Queen of Portugal"?
Touriga Nacional is considered the noblest red wine grape of Portugal. It was first mentioned in writing in 1822 in the Dão region – its name likely originates from the village community of Tourigo.What distinguishes them:
- Small, thick-skinned berries with deep blue to black color
- Low yields – few grapes per vine, but concentrated aromas
- High tannins, strong acidity and intense color depth, very suitable for aging
In the glass, they are recognized by aromas of violets, blueberries, blackberries, licorice, and bergamot, often with a spicy note of eucalyptus or pine nuts. In the mid-20th century, the variety was almost eradicated; due to low yields; only decades of clone selection saved it. Today, the cultivation area covers around 14,000 hectares – with a strong upward trend.
Why was Touriga Nacional approved in Bordeaux in 2021?
In January 2021, the French association INAO officially approved Touriga Nacional for cultivation in Bordeaux – as one of only six new varieties, due to climate change. It is heat and drought resistant and ripens later than the classic Bordeaux varieties. Winemakers there are allowed to plant up to 5% of their area with it. When a Portuguese grape variety makes its way into Bordeaux, it speaks volumes about its quality.
What is Touriga Franca – and how does it taste compared to Touriga Nacional?
Touriga Franca is the most cultivated grape variety in the Douro Valley: around 19% of the vineyard area, approximately 13,200 hectares. Despite the similar name, it is a completely different variety. Until the year 2000, it was officially called «Touriga Francesa» – «French Touriga».The French wine lobby found this misleading and filed a lawsuit; Portugal lost the case in 2002 and had to change the designation to Touriga Franca. A DNA analysis from 2011 revealed the true origin: It is a natural cross of Touriga Nacional × Marufo (Mourisco Tinto), thus a direct daughter of the great "Queen."
In direct comparison: Touriga Nacional is powerful, concentrated, almost robust – the tenor voice. Touriga Franca is more elegant, fresher, more refined, with a more intense floral aroma and softer tannins. This is precisely why it is the ideal partner in blends: structure and aging potential from one, elegance, aroma, and drinkability from the other. Practically every great Douro wine and every high-quality Port wine is a variation of this combination.
What is Baga – and why does it need time?
Baga is the great grape variety from the Bairrada, the Atlantic-influenced wine region between Porto and Coimbra. Wine has been cultivated here for over 1,000 years – and Baga dominates the area by over 90%. The name says it all: «Baga» simply means «berry» in Portuguese. The grapes are small, thick-skinned, and deep dark. What makes them special:
- Very late ripening – the Atlantic climate makes this risky
- High acidity and massive tannins, often almost closed in their youth
- Exceptional aging potential of 10 to 20 years
Young Baga wines often appear austere and edgy, with hard, almost closed tannins.Yet over time, a complex aroma of blackberries, black cherries, black pepper, and undergrowth emerges. . Ripe Baga wines are among the most impressive that Portugal has to offer.
Who modernized Baga?
For a long time, Baga was considered rustic and challenging. This changed with the winemaker Luís Pato from Bairrada, nicknamed «Mr. Baga»: He was the first to completely destem the grapes to avoid green tannins, drastically reduced yields, and worked with old vines. In 2010, his daughter Filipa Pato founded the winemaker group «Baga Friends» with Mário Sérgio Nuno, bringing the grape variety back into international conversation. Today, Baga also produces high-class sparkling wines (Espumantes) using the traditional method.
Which Vall'doAido wines showcase these three grape varieties?
To truly understand the varieties, try them as single varietals and in the blend. Four wines from our selection demonstrate the full range – from pure Baga from two regions to the three-variety blend.
Pé de Ganso Reserva Tinto 2022 – pure Baga from Bairrada
The Pé de Ganso Reserva comes from the DOC Bairrada, the historic home of the grape variety. Atlantic climate, clay-limestone soils, and 12 months in French oak result in a powerful wine with 14% alcohol and aromas of ripe wild berries. The name comes from the herb "Pé de Ganso" (goosefoot) that grows in the vineyards. Baga, made as it has been for generations.
Souvall Baga Tinto 2022 – Baga from the Highlands
The Souvall Baga Tinto originates from the DOC Beira Interior, the continental highlands at the Spanish border. The vines are situated at 500 to 700 meters on granite – hot days, cool nights. With 13% alcohol , it appears leaner, fresher, and more mineral than its Atlantic counterpart. Opening both Baga side by side offers more insight into Portuguese wine than any book.
Souvall Grande Reserva Tinto 2021 – all three grape varieties in a blend
The Souvall Grande Reserva Tinto from the DOC Beira Interior demonstrates how the three work together: Touriga Nacional provides structure and aging potential, Touriga Franca floral elegance, Baga the acidity and spiciness.The continental highlands give the wine its tension between ripe fruit and vibrant acidity; 18 months in new French oak bring depth and complexity.
Original Reserva Tinto 2021 – Baga meets Touriga Nacional
The Original Reserva Tinto from DOC Bairrada is a limited blend of only two varieties: Baga and Touriga Nacional . The Baga provides acidity, tannin, and Atlantic freshness, while the Touriga Nacional adds black fruit and elegance. Intense ruby red, ripe forest berry, long finish – perfect with Chanfana (braised lamb in red wine) or classic game dishes.
What do wines from Touriga Nacional, Franca, and Baga pair best with?
These wines are true meal companions, not solo whisperers.You want robust cuisine:
- Braised beef, lamb, and game – the tannins harmonize perfectly with roasted flavors
- Suckling pig (Leitão) – the classic pairing with Bairrada wines
- Portuguese Bacalhau – the acidity cuts through the creaminess
- Hard cheese, especially Serra da Estrela or aged mountain cheese
- Chocolate desserts – especially with Port wine from Touriga Nacional
Serve at 16 to 18 °C, ideally decant one hour prior – especially Touriga Nacional-heavy wines unfold significantly better.
Which dishes pair with Touriga Nacional – and with every other type of Portuguese wine – is detailed in our extensive food pairing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Baga
What is Portugal's most important grape variety?
Touriga Nacional. It is considered the most noble red wine grape of the country, the "Queen of Portugal" – dark, spicy, and age-worthy. The cultivation area is around 14,000 hectares and is steadily growing.
Are Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca the same grape variety?
No. Touriga Franca is a distinct variety – a natural cross between Touriga Nacional and Marufo, thus a daughter of the "Queen." It tastes more elegant, fresher, and more floral than the powerful Touriga Nacional.
Why does young Baga taste so harsh?
Baga has massive tannins and high acidity, along with a very late ripening. When young, it often appears austere and closed. With 10 to 20 years of aging – or an hour in the decanter – it opens up to blackberry, black cherry, and pepper.
What dishes pair well with wines from these three grape varieties?
With hearty cuisine: braised beef, lamb, game, suckling pig, Bacalhau, and mature hard cheese. Best served at 16 to 18 °C and decanted one hour prior.
Where can I buy wines with these grape varieties in Switzerland?
At Vall'doAido in Oberbuchsiten. The selection from Beira Interior, Douro, and Bairrada is stocked in the Swiss warehouse and available for immediate delivery. Free shipping within Switzerland for orders over CHF 250.
Where can I buy these Portuguese wines in Switzerland?
At Vall'doAido, you will find a curated selection of Portuguese wines featuring Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Baga – from DOC Beira Interior through Douro to Bairrada. All wines are in stock at our Swiss warehouse and available for immediate delivery. Shipping is fast within Switzerland, free from CHF 250.
An overview of all wines with these three grape varieties can be found here:
→ Show all wines with Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Baga
Three particularly good starting points:
- Cuvée from all three grape varieties: Souvall Grande Reserva Tinto 2021 – Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Baga from Beira Interior, 18 months in oak barrels.
- Pure Baga from Bairrada: Pé de Ganso Reserva 2022 – the classic, powerful variant.
- Baga and Touriga Nacional as a cuvée: Original Reserva Tinto 2021 – the sleek two-variety combination from Bairrada.
Conclusion: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Baga are not just exotic names on a label. They tell the story of a wine culture that has not succumbed to international varieties – and for this reason, they are among the most exciting in Europe today. Once you understand these three grape varieties, you will see every Portuguese wine with new eyes.