Touriga Nacional Archives - It Must Be Wine O'clock

A smooth, expressive red wine from the Douro, Portugal

Feuerheerd Reserva Douro 2020 (Portugal)

Though this wine comes in a bottle wrapped in thick grey paper and has a label tied round the neck with string, don’t be misled by the gimmicky packaging!

The Feuerheerd Reserva Douro 2020 is an expressive red wine, aged in carefully selected old oak barrels, and is a very good example of the high-quality, good value red wines produced by Feuerheerd, a renowned Port producer.

A blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz grape varieties, the wine is a smooth, elegant, well-balanced wine with medium tannin, medium acidity and a long, silky finish.

With plum, cherry and vanilla on the nose, and blackberry, chocolate, liquorice and a touch of spice on the palate, this is an excellent match for a grilled or roast meat dish, or with roasted vegetables. It will also go well with a strong cheese.

Available from Sainsbury’s (£11)

A refreshing regional wine from Lisbon

Porta 6 2020 (Portugal)

Portugal has an abundance of local grape varieties which bring a note of difference to its wines. This Vinho Regional (Regional Wine) from the Lisbon area is a case in point. It is a blend of Tinta Roriz (50%), Castelão (40%) and Touriga Nacional (10%), and is a smooth, silky wine with balanced acidity and a lengthy finish.

With aromas of blackberry, cherry and vanilla on the nose, and flavours of cherry, plum and a pleasant spiciness on the palate, this is an attractive wine offering excellent value for money.

This is a wine to enjoy by itself, or as a perfect accompaniment for lamb or a pasta dish.

Available from Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Tesco (£7-£8)

A taste of Lisbon

Portugal has a wealth of indigenous grape varieties which distinguish its wine from other Mediterranean wine-producing countries and make it an interesting area to explore. This Porta 6 Reserva (2018) is a Regional Wine (Vinho Regional) from the Lisbon area and is a real treat for the taste buds.

Made from a blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional and Castelão grapes, this is a rich, bold wine, with smooth tannins, medium acidity and a long finish.

It has aromas of bramble, blackberry, plum and warm spice on the nose, and flavours of black fruits, chocolate and spice on the palate. A very appealing wine which pairs very well with grilled or roast meat dishes.

Available from Majestic (£11.99, Mix Six £9.99)