Tasting Notes
The story
Portugal's wines have really improved over the last ten years or so; forget those astringent, highly tannic wines of the past and welcome, particularly in this example, to a smooth velvety, fruity rich wine. Touriga Nacional, also seen in port, is a tannic grape and the tannins are evident in the dry finish of this wine however they will soften further over time.
The wine
Elegant and smooth would be a good summary of this wine. Cherries and eucalyptus on the nose. Understandably this is reminiscent of port on the palate with rich, complex flavours including red cherries, berries, plums, herbs and sweet spices. The finish is long and velvety smooth.
It is worth decanting and letting this wine breathe for an hour or so before serving;
read more about decanting in my blog. This is drinking
beautifully now and will improve in the bottle for a couple more years yet given the acidity and tannins which will soften further.
Food Pairing
Recommended with red meat dishes - beef, duck, lamb
Producer's Notes
"Churchill’s Estates Touriga Nacional is produced exclusively from Touriga Nacional grapes grown on our Douro Estates. We wanted to show off the indigenous grape variety from Portugal and the Douro valley. This wine has a deep black violet hue colour. On the nose, intense fresh spicy aromas with hints of wild basil and gum cistus. Velvety and well balanced on the palate, combining notes of green peppers and resinous notes with excellent natural acidity."
