Touriga Nacional isn’t widely planted in the United States, perhaps because it is closely identified with sweet Port wine. But dry table wines made from Touriga are growing in popularity in Portugal, a trend that would seem to be a natural for California’s Mediterranean climate. If this beauty from the PasoPort Wine Company is any indication, more California vintners should be planting this grape. The Per Caso is a stunning red that offers layerd aromas of blueberry, boysenberry and black currant, with a subtle note of cedar and graphite and surprisingly smooth, seductive tannins. A platinum award-winner at the 2017 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.
PasoPort Wine Company, Adelaida District (Paso Robles) Touriga Nacional 2013
By Robert Whitley