Luís Seabra Vinhos "Xisto Ilimitado" Tinto, Douro Valley, Portugal 2021

FROM OLÉ & OBRIGADO:

THE WINE: 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Amarela, 20% Tinta Roriz, 10% Rufete, 10% Tinta Barroca, 5% Malvasia Petra, 5% Donzelinho Tinto. Sustainably farmed vineyards planted from 1960 to 1980 in schist soil at 400-600 m (1,232-1,968 ft) elevation. A wine that offers an introduction to the dominant soil type in the Douro valley. Minimal interventionist winemaking. Fresh, mineral driven red that showcases the purity of fruit achievable in the Douro valley.

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.