Luis Seabra 2022 'Xisto Ilimitado' Branco, Douro DOC
Item Number: 20252
UPC: 5-600790052088
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro
Sub Region: Douro
Appellation/AVA: Douro DOC
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vintage: 2022
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 12
Winemaking Notes: A field blend of four varieties planted across three subzones in the Douro, Ilimitado is a survey of the schist-driven terroir. The vineyards are 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 deltas in Portugal. As such the fruit experiences extended hang-time. 90% of the blend is fermented in used barrel and 10% is fermented in stainless steel, all with indigenous wild yeast. The wine is then aged in 90% used barrel and 10% stainless steel with one year of lees contact and no battonage. This is minimal interventionist wine-making.
Tasting Notes: An extremely expressive peppery, lemony, and stony nose. The palate is dense, yet minerally and bright. Ripe pear and salted macadamia nuts; fresh flowers and flinty stone; this wine is hefty, yet balanced and bright.
Pair with a plain hamburger, buttery whitefish, or pasta with loads of olive oil and lemon zest.
90 pts Wine Advocate 4/4/2024
The 2022 Xisto Ilimitado Branco was not approved by the Douro appellation, but it's from Douro grapes, from the zone of Meda in the south of Douro Superior, close to Beiras, from purchased grapes, mostly Rabigato. It has the Seabra signature of cleanliness, definition, balance, elegance and quality oak. It has 12.5% alcohol and a round palate. All of the whites go through 100% malolactic, and in this case, some 20% of the wine was unoaked. 2022 is a year with more fruit, rounder, with mellow acidity.