Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Tinto 2019
$52.00 inc. GST
Xisto Illimitado, by famed Douro winemaker Luis Seabra, is a Portuguese analogue to the idea of a “village” level Burgundy. A field blend of 6 varieties planted across 3 subzones in the Douro, Illimitado is a survey of the schist-driven terroir in the appellation. The Douro is the oldest demarcated appellation in Western Europe, chartered in 1756. Since 1986, the focus has diversified from the early days of fortified wine production in Porto, giving rise to a number of fine table wines that spearheaded the Portuguese wine market in America in the early 2000s. Luis Seabra, former winemaker at Nieeport, has focused his winemaking on the distinct soil types in the valley, and this latest project shows the breadth of style that is achievable in the region. Bright, focused and fresh, Xisto Ilimitado is a great introduction to the new Douro.
Description
30% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Amarela, 20% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), 10% Rufete, 10% Tinta Barroca, 5% Malvasia Preta, 5% Donzelinho Tinto. Sustainably farmed vineyards planted from 1960 to 1980 in schist soil at 400-600 m (1,232-1,968 ft) elevation.
30% fermented in stone lagar with foot pigeage; other 70% in vat, 100% whole cluster. Maceration – lagar for 8 days; vat for 25 days. Racked to neutral barrel for 1 year followed by 5 months in tank. 100% natural yeast fermentation (no cultivated yeasts).
Vineyards located in Cima Corgo. This is a subregion that experiences extreme highs and lows from a temperature standpoint, with some of the greatest day-night temperature delta in Portugal. As such the fruit experiences extended hangtime. Vines planted exclusively in yellow schist soil at 400-600 m (1,232 -1,968 ft.) elevation.
Bright garnet. High toned red and blue fruit aromas, tinged with wet stone and violets. On the palate, lush, but with bright acidity to balance the red cherry and pomegranate fruit. White pepper, slate and herbal aromas overlay the core of fruit on a juicy, fresh finish.
Additional Information
| brand | Luis Seabra |
|---|---|
| size | 750ml |
Reviews / Awards / Ratings
Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Tinto 2018
WINEFRONT: GARY WALSH Posted on 28 January 2021.
Importer: QED
Perfume, raspberry, something like wet leaves, some pepper. Medium-bodied, fine-boned, raspberry and sour-cherry strewn with herbs, fine pumice stone tannin, fresh cranberry acidity, and a lively finish. Lovely. Needs a little more time.
Rated : 93+ Points
Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Tinto 2015 – PREVIOUS VINTAGE REVIEW
On the back label it says: ‘This wine has not been approved by the competent authority of the region because it does not have characteristics corresponding to the region’s wine and presents a non-characteristic defect.’ 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Amarela, 20% Tinta Roriz, 10% Rufete, 10% Tinta Barroca, 5% Malvasia Preta, 5% Donzelinho Tinto. Vines in the Cima Corgo planted from 1960 to 1980 in schist soil at 400–600 m (1,232–1,968 ft) elevation. Very high thermal amplitude. 30% fermented in stone lagar with foot pigeage, the other 70% in vat. 100% whole cluster fermentation. Maceration – lagar for eight days; vat for 25 days. Racked to neutral barrels for one year followed by five months in tank. 100% natural yeast fermentation (no cultivated yeasts).
Deep purple crimson. Lightly floral with a light touch of vanilla sweetness but no strong oak influence. There a rocky character too. Firm but super-smooth in texture, chocolate-like texture without chocolate sweetness. Chewy, sweeter fruited than the Xisto Cru, more blueberry than hedegerow. Quite a definite floral note on the nose at first. Dry and finely textured. Youthfully packed with fruit and finishes full in the mouth but fresh. 17.5++ Julia Harding MW www.jancisrobinson.com
