Xisto Cru tinto 2022, Luis Seabra

“The top-of-the-range in Douro, the 2022 Xisto Cru Tinto was produced with grapes from two plots of old vines (centenarian) at 450 and 570 meters above sea level planted with the traditional field blend in the region of Cima Corgo—Rufete, Touriga Franca, Tinta Carvalha, Alicante Bouschet, Donzelinho Tinto, Malvasia Preta and others. It fermented by vineyard in open oak vats with 100% full clusters and indigenous yeasts with a shorter maceration time this year, only 22 days. It matured in used 228-liter oak vats where it also underwent malolactic fermentation, for 22 months. It's serious, harmonious, a little backward and shy and has a deep color and a deep nose that is nuanced and insinuating and takes time to open up in the glass. It has contained ripeness and low alcohol for the year (13.5%), keeping exceptional acidity and freshness. The great vineyards behave even in the most extreme years. 7,523 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2024.”