Xisto Ilimitado tinto 2021, Luis Seabra
Region: Douro
Producer: Luis Seabra
Why we chose this wine
Luis Seabra worked for more than 10 years as an oenologist for Dirk Niepoort and finally went his own way in 2012. The name he gives to his wines is indicative of his vision of wine: Xisto (Schist). He makes very pure wines that reflect their terroir. Luis Seabra sets a new standard in the Douro with his pure wines.
Xisto Illimitado, from the famous Douro winemaker Luis Seabra, is a Portuguese analogue of the idea of a "village-level" Burgundy. A blend of different varieties planted in three sub-areas of the Douro, Illimitado is a study of the appellation's schist terroir. Luis Seabra, has focused his production on the different soil types in the valley, and this latest project shows the extent of the style that is feasible in the region. Bright, concentrated and fresh, Xisto Ilimitado is an excellent introduction to the new Douro.
The vineyards are sustainably cultivated, planted from 1960 to 1980 on schist soils at 400-600 m above sea level. Vineyards located in Cima Corgo. This is a sub-region with extreme highs and lows in terms of temperature, with one of the largest day-night temperature deltas in Portugal.
This wine offers very tonic aromas of red and blue fruits, with a hint of wet stone and violet. The palate is lush, with a lively acidity to balance the red fruits of cherry and pomegranate. Aromas of white pepper, slate and herbs cover the heart of the fruit on a juicy and fresh finish.
Pair with roasted game or poultry, or ratatouille.
Xisto Illimitado, from the famous Douro winemaker Luis Seabra, is a Portuguese analogue of the idea of a "village-level" Burgundy. A blend of different varieties planted in three sub-areas of the Douro, Illimitado is a study of the appellation's schist terroir. Luis Seabra, has focused his production on the different soil types in the valley, and this latest project shows the extent of the style that is feasible in the region. Bright, concentrated and fresh, Xisto Ilimitado is an excellent introduction to the new Douro.
The vineyards are sustainably cultivated, planted from 1960 to 1980 on schist soils at 400-600 m above sea level. Vineyards located in Cima Corgo. This is a sub-region with extreme highs and lows in terms of temperature, with one of the largest day-night temperature deltas in Portugal.
This wine offers very tonic aromas of red and blue fruits, with a hint of wet stone and violet. The palate is lush, with a lively acidity to balance the red fruits of cherry and pomegranate. Aromas of white pepper, slate and herbs cover the heart of the fruit on a juicy and fresh finish.
Pair with roasted game or poultry, or ratatouille.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate: 91/100 (Luis Gutiérrez, April 2024)
| Volume | 75.0 cl. |
| Grape Variety | 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Amarela, 20% Tinta Roriz, 10% Rufete, 10% Tinta Barroca, 5% Malvasia Preta, 5% Donzelinho Tinto. |
| Drinking window | 2026-2032 |
| Alc. | 13.0% |
| Vinification | 100% whole bunches, fermented in concrete and stainless steel |
| Ripening | 15 months, mostly in oak barrels of various sizes |
Waar serveer je ’m bij?
Two vinifications side by side: thirty per cent with the stems in open vats, macerated briefly for eight days, the rest destemmed in steel for twenty-five. That split gives both fresh lift and volume in the mouth. A year of French oak, and young vines that make the wine approachable earlier than the Xisto Cru.
Drie gerechten die werken
Grilled chicken thighs with oregano
Pork ribs from the oven
Salsiccia with cannellini beans and sage
Pork ribs from the oven
Salsiccia with cannellini beans and sage
Vegetarisch
Grilled portobello with garlic and thyme
Minder geschikt bij
Sweet or fruity sauces on meat: they push away the spiced side of the Douro.
Voor de Portugees geïnspireerde kok
Febras de porco preto grelhadas — thin grilled slices of black Iberian pork
Serveren op 15–16 °C
What the critics say
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
91/ 100
Published 04-04-2024
Drink: 2024–2028
Drink: 2024–2028
“The red 2021 Xisto Ilimitado has a clean, expressive, fruit-driven nose that is quite aromatic, almost floral, attractive and elegant. Made from purchased grapes in the Pinhão zone, it was vinified with 100% full clusters in concrete and stainless steel and matured mostly in oak of different sizes for 15 months. The palate is juicy and fruit-driven, with fine and round tannins, a soft mouthfeel and a velvety texture. It has a moderate 12.5% alcohol, contained ripeness and a dry finish. There are some 70,000 bottles of this.”
— Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The producer
Luis Seabra
When Luis Seabra told us in 2012 about his plans to make wine under his own name, we signed up straight away. We had known him for 10 years as a winemaker at Niepoort and knew we could not miss this.
More about Luis Seabra →