There are around 40 different grape varieties permitted in the production of Port but the vast majority of Ports are produced from a blend of 5 grapes - Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, and Tinto Cão.
Touriga Nacional: This is the most sort after grape for the production of Port. It is a relatively low cropper in the Douro Valley and has become increasingly popular in the Dao region of Portugal. Its produces deep-coloured, rich wines with lots of tannins. It contributes body and structure to the blend.
Touriga Francesca: Another very important port grape producing softer lighter wines. The wines produced from this variety are more perfumed and exhibit a rich, ebullient fruit.
Tinta Roriz: One of many Portugese names for the famous Spanish grape of Tempranillo and grown widely in the Douro. It contributes good colour and ripeness to the blend due to its high sugar content and low acidity.
Tinta Barroca: A tough old variety which thrives in the higher altitude vineyards of the Douro. It is prized for its delicacy, elegance and soft, sweet gentle fruitiness.
Tinto Cão: One of the top quality Port grapes that is prized for its spicy character. Its lower yields mean it is the least cultivated and therefore least important of the five major varietals. It produces lighter coloured wine with a rich spiciness. Mourisco Tinto One of the lesser port varieties producing red wines relatively light in colour.
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