Luís Seabra Vinhos "Xisto Ilimitado" Branco, Douro Valley, Portugal 2022

FROM OLÉ & OBRIGADO:

THE WINE: 60% Rabigato, 15% Gouveio, 15% Códega, 10% Viosinho. 30-45 year old vines, planted to mica schist at 500-600 m (1,640 -1,968 ft) elevation. 90% fermented in used barrel; 10% fermented in stainless steel. All indigenous wild yeast fermentation. Aged in 90% used barrel and 10% stainless steel with one year of lees contact with no battonage. Xisto Ilimitado Branco pairs beautifully with roast poultry, white fish and seafood, and especially spicier preparations.

THE PRODUCER: For nearly two decades, Luís Seabra has been at the center of a cultural shift in Portuguese winemaking, leading a movement of young, independent winemakers making history by reclaiming historical vineyards, grape varieties, and techniques. After a celebrated career as a soil researcher in Vinho Verde, enology instructor, and producer of world-famous still wines in Douro, Seabra finally launched his own small winery in 2013, Luís Seabra Vinhos. His work is dedicated to proving that fresh, elegant, terroir-driven still wines can be made in this region, despite centuries of byzantine traditions that favor commodity growers, overripe fruit, and massive internationally owned wineries.