DAN'S WINE BLOG- THIS WEEK'S WINE REVIEW

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This week I am talking about a cracking Touriga Nacional wine. Touriga Nacional is a native Portuguese red variety, which many people consider to be Portugal’s finest red variety. Ranked only fourth in volume out of the red varieties grown, behind (in order) Tempranillo, Touriga Franca and Castelao, at 12,000 hectares out of a total 199,000 hectares of vines, it is far from predominant, unlike Malbec in Argentina or Shiraz in Australia. However, it plays a big and important role in the finest Port wines. It is now starting to stand out and becoming more noticed amongst Portugal’s big, deep, inky red wines, which are usually a blend of three to five varieties. It is characterised by strong dark fruits such as blueberry and blackberry, richness, big tannins and high acidity.

Here in Australia there are currently close to 70 Touriga Nacional growers, with a number having very old vines which were planted up to a century ago, to be used in the production of Fortifieds that we used to call Ports.

?Today’s superb example of an Aussie Touriga Nacional comes from Mudgee (NSW). The Heslop Wines 2019 Touriga Nacional, is a cracking wine made from vines planted in 1984, which have reached their peak and are producing superb quality grapes which were open fermented. The wine is a lovely purple/red in colour, has complex aromas of dried herbs, spices and a hint of raisins. The palate is medium-bodied with lashings of flavours which include plums, spice and a smidge of chocolate. The finish is silky-smooth making this wine UTTERLY DIVINE!

?This wine is well worth seeking out and the website below includes a number of other excellent wines such as their outstanding Vermentino and Fortifieds.?Cheers, Dan T.

?Website Link:?www.heslopwines.com.au