Grape in focus
Touriga Franca: the fragrant backbone of the Douro
Touriga Franca is the most planted grape in the Douro. You find it in almost every red Douro and in most ports. It brings perfume, juicy red fruit and fine tannins, and together with Touriga Nacional it forms the heart of the classic Douro blend.
Touriga Franca at a glance
| Origin | The Douro. It is a natural cross of Touriga Nacional and Marufo. |
|---|---|
| Other names | Formerly Touriga Francesa, although it has nothing to do with France |
| Main regions | Douro, where it covers 29 percent of the vineyards, and Trás-os-Montes. Also spreading to the Beiras, Tejo and Alentejo. |
| Plantings | 15,128 ha (2025), Portugal’s second grape after Aragonez |
| In the vineyard | Reliable yields, but more prone to rot. At its best on hot south-facing slopes and in dry years. |
| Taste | Floral, with rose petals, raspberry and cherry, juicy, with fine, supple tannins |
| Styles | Port, red Douro (almost always in a blend) and rosé |
Read more about the other Portuguese grapes in our overview of Portuguese grape varieties.
A child of Touriga Nacional
DNA research showed that Touriga Franca is a fairly recent, natural cross of two old Douro grapes: Touriga Nacional and Marufo. From Touriga Nacional it inherited its perfume. It is less concentrated and less powerful, and that is precisely its strength: where Touriga Nacional can be too much of a good thing, Touriga Franca brings finesse and juiciness.
Why Douro growers love it
Touriga Franca delivers a reliable harvest year after year, in a region where summers are hot and dry. In the hottest years it can even outperform Touriga Nacional. It loves warm, south-facing slopes, on schist and often on the typical narrow terraces.
Always in company
Pure Touriga Franca is rare. It is the pivot of the Douro blend, together with Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão, and in the old vineyards it grows among dozens of other varieties. That fits how we see Portuguese wine: the finest wines come from blends and field blends.
What to eat with it?
A red Douro with plenty of Touriga Franca is juicy and fragrant. It goes well with leg of lamb with rosemary, duck with cherries, a grilled rib-eye or a beef stew. A young, fruity Douro is also fine with grilled pork or a well-seasoned burger.
Our wines with Touriga Franca
All blends, as is the custom in the Douro. Each bottle shows which grapes it is made from.
Douro
Port
Frequently asked questions about Touriga Franca
Does Touriga Franca come from France?
No. Despite the name, it is a true Douro grape, a cross of Touriga Nacional and Marufo. It used to be called Touriga Francesa.
What is the difference with Touriga Nacional?
Touriga Nacional is more powerful and concentrated, with violets and black fruit. Touriga Franca is lighter and juicier, with roses and red fruit. Together they complement each other perfectly, which is why they share so many Douro blends and ports.
Is Touriga Franca used in port?
Yes, it is one of the most important port grapes. It brings perfume and fruit to the blend.
Plantings: IVV, castas mais utilizadas 2025 (ivv.gov.pt). Background: The Oxford Companion to Wine, via JancisRobinson.com.