Luis Seabra Xisto Cru Douro Tinto 2021

Luis Seabra Xisto Cru Douro Tinto 2021 – A Bold and Refined Portuguese Red

Grape Variety: Rufete, Touriga Franca, Tinta Carvalha, Alicante Bouchet, Donzelinho Tinto
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro (Covas)
ABV: 12%
Producer: Luis Seabra
Case Size: 6 x 75cl Bottles

Wine Description:

The Luis Seabra Xisto Cru Douro Tinto 2021 is a striking Portuguese red that captures the essence of the Douro Valley. Crafted from a unique blend of indigenous grapes including Rufete, Touriga Franca, Tinta Carvalha, Alicante Bouchet, and Donzelinho Tinto, this wine offers an exceptional expression of its terroir.

Aged for 11 months on lees and a further 22 months in older French oak barrels, this wine is beautifully structured and complex, with deep, earthy flavors and a remarkable balance between fruit and tannins. The nose opens with intense aromas of purple and blue fruits—blackberries and plums—complemented by hints of worn leather, wild herbs, thorns, and delicate dried florals. There is a distinctive minerality, a saline edge, which adds to its intriguing depth and character.

On the palate, the Luis Seabra Xisto Cru Douro Tinto reveals a wine that is both bold and refined, with firm tannins that are perfectly integrated into its long, savoury finish. Its structural qualities indicate great potential for ageing, allowing this wine to evolve beautifully over time. Despite its youthful energy, it offers a remarkable smoothness, which will continue to develop as it matures.

With its well-defined acidity (5.4 g/l), dry profile (0.9 g/l residual sugar), and a pH of 3.53, this wine strikes a harmonious balance that will appeal to lovers of traditional, yet modern, Portuguese reds.

Awards:

• Gold Medal – Lisbon International Wine Challenge 2023

• 95 Points – Wine Advocate

• Best Red Wine – Douro Wine Competition 2023

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: Deep purple and blue fruit notes, wild herbs, worn leather, and dried flowers

• Palate: Bold, firm tannins, well-knit fruit, savoury finish with a mineral edge

• Finish: Long, with a clean, dry finish