Grape variety and grafted vine plant Touriga Francesca (Touriga Franca): all the secrets

Touriga Francesca (Touriga Franca)

This variety is native to the north of Portugal and it is one of the most planted varieties in the Douro region. It has also found excellent diffusion in the centre and the South of the Country.

CULTIVATED AREA IN PORTUGAL

YEAR	1989	2000	2011
HECTARES	7.439	13.200	11.117

Budburst period: medium-early.
Ripening period: medium.
Yield: rich.

Ampelographic characters:

the bud has an open whitish-green apex with light and diffuse anthocyanin pigmentation. The leaves are medium-sized, round, not lobed, with high villi, a closed V-shaped petiolar sinus and short teeth. The cluster is medium-large in size, conical and compact, with a medium and round berry.

Cultural aptitude:

vine of medium-high vigour and semi-upright growth habit. It prefers not-too-fertile and humid soils, as well as warm and well exposed environments.

Training system and pruning:

adaptable to different training systems and pruning, including short pruning.

Susceptibility to diseases and adverse conditions:

normal, a little susceptible to botrytis. In general, a quite rustic variety.

Enological potential:

it produces balanced wines with tannins and fruity aromas with light, delicate and lightly balsamic floral hints. Suitable for both young consumption and long aging. It produces maximum results in warm environments, provided its productivity is controlled.