This is what good wine from the Tinta Barroca grape tastes like

Tinta Barroca isn't exactly the best-known grape name, but if you've ever drunk a red Port, chances are you've tasted its juice, since Tinta Barroca is one of the five most important dark-skinned grapes for Port. Tinta Barroca produces soft, firm red wine. Fairly alcoholic, with plenty of red and black fruit.

Tinta Barroca grows in Portugal's Douro valley. Winemakers love it, because it gives a large and reliable harvest. In the past it was only used for sweet Port. In recent years, winemakers from the Douro have increasingly focused on dry wines too, and Tinta Barroca is gratefully used for these as well.

Tinta Barroca is one of the few Port grapes also planted outside Portugal. It has long been grown in South Africa, where it is spelled Tinta Barocca. Several winemakers there make a fortified, Port-style wine from it. A handful press a dry red wine from it.