Hello, Luis here. Today we are going to explore something very close to my heart: Portuguese grape varieties.
Portugal has more than 250 indigenous grapes. Many of these you will not find anywhere else in the world. That is part of what makes Portuguese wine so special. Of course, it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin when there are so many names, some of them unfamiliar and hard to pronounce?
The good news is that you do not need to know every single one. If you learn the key grapes, the ones that appear most often on labels and in blends, you will already understand most of what Portugal has to offer. In this guide, I will walk you through those grapes. I will explain how they taste, where they grow best, which foods they work with, and I will share some personal tips from my own experience. By the end, I hope you will feel confident choosing Portuguese wines and inspired to try something new.
Key Red Portuguese Grapes
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Touriga Nacional
Touriga Nacional is often considered Portugal’s flagship grape. It is powerful, bold, and unforgettable.
Flavour Profile
Whenever I taste Touriga Nacional, I find deep colour, firm tannins, and rich flavours of blackcurrant and violet. There is often a touch of spice or a mineral edge that gives the wine complexity.
Where It’s Grown
It is planted throughout the country but shows its best in the Douro and the Dão. In blends, it provides backbone and structure. Bottled on its own, it creates wines that can age gracefully for decades.
Food Pairing
Touriga Nacional is a natural partner for hearty food such as slow cooked lamb, venison, or beef stew.
My Tip
This is the wine I choose when I want to open something impressive. It feels serious and celebratory, which makes it perfect for special dinners or a bottle to keep in the cellar.
Touriga Franca
If Touriga Nacional is the strength, Touriga Franca is the elegance.
Flavour Profile
It is softer and more perfumed, often showing blackberry, plum, and floral notes.
Where It’s Grown
Touriga Franca thrives in the Douro, where it is usually blended with other grapes. Sometimes you will see it bottled on its own, which is always worth seeking out.
Food Pairing
It works beautifully with roast chicken, mushroom risotto, or duck.
My Tip
I suggest Touriga Franca to people who want something silky and aromatic. It is refined and smooth without being overwhelming.
Tinta Roriz or Aragonês (Tempranillo)
This grape is better known as Tempranillo in Spain. In Portugal, it has a slightly different personality.
Flavour Profile
It brings flavours of red cherry, plum, and spice, often with a subtle touch of tobacco. The wines are medium bodied and structured.
Where It’s Grown
In the north it is called Tinta Roriz, particularly in the Douro. In the south, in Alentejo, it is known as Aragonês.
Food Pairing
This grape is perfect with tapas, grilled meats, or a board of charcuterie.
My Tip
If you enjoy Rioja, start with Tinta Roriz. It will feel familiar but with a distinct Portuguese twist.
Baga
Baga is a grape with a strong character. It can be challenging, but it rewards patience.
Flavour Profile
It has high acidity and firm tannins, with bright flavours of cherry and cranberry and sometimes earthy undertones.
Where It’s Grown
Bairrada is its home. Here it produces powerful reds and, interestingly, sparkling wines as well.
Food Pairing
Try it with roast pork or suckling pig, the local speciality, and you will understand why it is so loved in its region.
My Tip
Baga can be tough when young, but after a decade it transforms into something elegant and complex. Collectors adore it for this reason.
Trincadeira
Trincadeira is not always easy to grow, but when it works it gives fascinating wines.
Flavour Profile
Expect red berries with notes of herbs and spice. It can feel a little rustic but in a charming way.
Where It’s Grown
It is particularly common in Alentejo.
Food Pairing
Pair it with game birds, sausages, or dishes that use Mediterranean herbs.
My Tip
If you want something authentic and a bit unusual, Trincadeira is an excellent choice.
Castelão (Periquita)
Castelão, also known as Periquita, is one of Portugal’s most widely planted grapes.
Flavour Profile
It gives fruity wines with red cherry and raspberry flavours. Depending on how it is made, it can be light and juicy or more structured for aging.
Where It’s Grown
Most common in the south, especially the Setúbal Peninsula.
Food Pairing
It pairs easily with pizza, grilled chicken, or pork chops.
My Tip
Castelão is a dependable, great value wine. Many people return to it as their everyday red.
Key White Portuguese Grapes
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Alvarinho
Alvarinho is one of Portugal’s most beloved white grapes and a true summer favourite.
Flavour Profile
It is crisp and zesty, with flavours of peach, apricot, citrus, and delicate floral notes.
Where It’s Grown
The grape thrives in Vinho Verde, in northern Portugal.
Food Pairing
Alvarinho is at its best with seafood. Oysters, prawns, or sushi all highlight its freshness.
My Tip
This is the bottle I recommend most often for warm weather. It is lively, refreshing, and always a crowd pleaser.
Loureiro
Loureiro is often blended with Alvarinho, and together they make wines that are wonderfully fresh.
Flavour Profile
It is delicate and floral, with citrus flavours and a light, easy style.
Where It’s Grown
Also common in Vinho Verde.
Food Pairing
It is a natural match for grilled fish, salads, or light Asian dishes.
My Tip
If you prefer whites that are gentle and elegant, Loureiro is a grape to look out for.
Encruzado
Encruzado is a grape that excites wine lovers who enjoy complexity.
Flavour Profile
Structured and layered, with citrus and stone fruit, sometimes with nutty or spicy notes if aged in oak.
Where It’s Grown
Mainly in the Dão.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with roast chicken, creamy pasta, or even a mild curry.
My Tip
Encruzado reminds me of fine Burgundy. If you are a Chardonnay drinker, you will feel at home here.
Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz is the warm and sunny face of Alentejo.
Flavour Profile
Full bodied and generous, with tropical flavours like pineapple and mango. Oak aging can add a creamy, rich texture.
Where It’s Grown
Especially common in Alentejo.
Food Pairing
This grape is wonderful with roast turkey, risotto, or richer seafood.
My Tip
I often describe Antão Vaz as a holiday in a glass. It feels festive and generous.
Arinto
Arinto is Portugal’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc, with a lively and refreshing style.
Flavour Profile
High acidity, fresh citrus, green apple, and mineral notes.
Where It’s Grown
Planted all over Portugal and often used in blends or sparkling wines.
Food Pairing
Perfect with fried fish, ceviche, or goat’s cheese.
My Tip
If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, Arinto will be your Portuguese match.
Why Portugal Loves Blends
Portugal has a long tradition of blending grapes. In many old vineyards, different varieties grow side by side and are harvested together, a method called field blending.
Blends bring balance. Touriga Nacional gives structure and depth. Touriga Franca adds perfume. Tinta Roriz brings spice. Together, the result is often more harmonious than a single grape on its own.
Another note from me
I often encourage beginners to try blends first. They tend to be rounder and easier to enjoy, while still showing great character.
Regional Expressions of Grapes
Each Portuguese region puts its own spin on these grapes.
Douro: Bold, structured reds and Port, led by Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca.
Vinho Verde: Crisp, light whites made from Alvarinho and Loureiro.
Dão: Elegant reds and complex whites, especially Touriga Nacional and Encruzado.
Alentejo: Ripe and fruit forward wines from Aragonês and Antão Vaz.
Bairrada: Powerful Baga wines, adored by collectors.
How to Choose the Right Portuguese Wine by Grape
Here is a quick top 6 recommendations from me
If you love Rioja, try Tinta Roriz or Aragonês.
If you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon, go for Touriga Nacional.
If you prefer Pinot Noir, explore Baga.
If Sauvignon Blanc is your favourite, swap it for Arinto.
If you like Chardonnay, discover Encruzado.
If you eat a lot of seafood, choose Alvarinho.
Your FAQs Answered
Is Tinta Roriz the same as Tempranillo?
Yes. In Portugal it is called Tinta Roriz in the north and Aragonês in the south.
Which grapes are used in Port wine?
The key ones are Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão.
Which Portuguese grapes age best?
For reds, Baga and Touriga Nacional. For whites, Encruzado.
What is the most famous Portuguese white grape?
Alvarinho, especially from Vinho Verde.
My Final Thoughts
In my opinion you do not need to know all 250 variations. Start with the key ones we have explored here and you will already have the keys to Portugal’s wine heritage.
My advice is simple: do not just read about them, taste them. A bold Touriga Nacional, a refreshing Alvarinho, or a quirky Baga will show you why Portuguese wines are some of the most exciting in the world.
