Wines Douro Pacheca - Grande Reserva Touriga Francesa - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Pacheca's 2018 Cuvée Grande Reserva Touriga Francesa is a distinguished red wine from the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley. Crafted primarily from the Touriga Francesa grape—a key varietal in both dry reds and Port wines—this Grande Reserva signals careful selection of fruit from mature vineyards. The 2018 vintage benefited from a relatively mild growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while retaining fresh acidity. Typically, a Grande Reserva such as this would have undergone extended maturation in French oak barrels, enhancing its structure, tannic backbone and aromatic complexity. Expect a deep garnet colour, with aromas of ripe blackberries, violets, and subtle hints of spice and cocoa, all culminating in a palate that balances rich fruit with elegance, freshness, and refined tannins.

The Douro Valley, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Europe’s oldest demarcated wine regions. Renowned for its dramatic terraced vineyards, the Douro is defined by schist soils and the winding River Douro, which influences the microclimate. Hot, dry summers and cold winters produce grapes of great concentration, while the region's history is intimately tied to Port production. Over recent decades, however, the Douro has gained acclaim for its robust, structured dry reds, with indigenous varieties like Touriga Francesa lending a mix of floral notes and finesse to powerful blends.

Given its depth and complexity, this Pacheca Cuvée Grande Reserva pairs beautifully with hearty dishes. Traditional Portuguese fare such as slow-cooked lamb stew, grilled Iberian pork, or even a rich feijoada (bean and sausage casserole) would be excellent choices. It also complements hard cheeses like Azeitão or Manchego, and is equally at home alongside roasted game or earthy vegetable gratins.

For optimal enjoyment, open this wine at least an hour before serving to let it breathe and reveal its full aromatic spectrum. Serve at a slightly cool room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. This ensures the wine’s tannins are smooth and the perfume of the Touriga Francesa grape is at its expressive best.