At a glance

Producer

Misty Crown

Region

Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Grape variety

Touriga Franca

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25 - $40

Tasting profile

Dark cherry and blackberry fruit with floral and herbal undertones, subtle spicy oak influence, supported by firm tannins

Evolution: Developing complexity with secondary notes of leather, earth, and dried herbs over the next 5 years

At peak: Complex bouquet combining ripe dark fruits, floral perfume, and balanced savory tannins with lingering finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, balanced

Tannins

Medium to firm, well-integrated

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

10-15 years from vintage depending on storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2023 to 2032

Current status

Approaching peak drinkability

Current condition

Good condition, showing developing tertiary notes with vibrant fruit

Touriga Franca is a medium to full-bodied varietal known for good acidity and firm tannins, allowing it to age gracefully for 10-15 years. The 2019 vintage in Hawke's Bay was favorable, producing well-structured and ripe fruit, which supports extended aging and gradual flavor complexity development.

Food pairing

Pairs well with lamb, game meats, roasted poultry with herbs, mature cheeses, and dishes featuring Mediterranean spices.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — Decanting helps soften tannins and allows aromatic complexity to emerge

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Misty Crown employs sustainable vineyard management including water conservation and reduced chemical inputs; uses lightweight bottles to reduce packaging weight

While no formal organic or biodynamic certification is present, the producer adopts sustainable vineyard practices focusing on resource efficiency and environmentally considerate viticulture, complemented by relatively low carbon transportation footprint due to regional distribution. Packaging is optimized to reduce weight and environmental impact.