Syrah vs Touriga Nacional
Syrah
A dark, structured red grape with black pepper and violet, closely associated with the northern Rhône and called Shiraz in Australia.
- Black pepper
- Violet
- Firm tannin
Recognize it
Deep color, firm tannin, and medium acidity, with dark fruit, black pepper, violet, olive, and dried herbs. Pepper is more common in cooler-grown examples.
Touriga Nacional
A firmly tannic, deeply colored Portuguese black grape scented with violet and bergamot, central to Port and to the Douro's dry reds.
- Firm tannin
- Deep color
- Violet and bergamot
Recognize it
Deep color and firm tannin with unusually floral perfume for such a structured red. Violet, bergamot and dark berry fruit are common.
How they compare
- SimilarDeep color, firm tannin and full body.
- DifferenceSyrah is more peppery and savory, while Touriga Nacional is more floral.