Luis Seabra Vinhos 'Xisto Cru' Tinto, Douro, Portugal 2021
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
‘Xisto Cru’ is Luis Seabra’s most profound red wine—an old-vine field blend from mica-schist soils in the Cima Corgo subregion of the Douro. A dramatic departure from the opulence often associated with Douro reds, this wine is lifted, mineral, and terroir-transparent. It’s a testament to Seabra’s Burgundian mindset: showcasing place, not power.
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WINEMAKER: Luis Seabra
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FARMING: Sustainable and practicing organic; all fruit is hand-harvested
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VARIETY: Field blend of over 25 native varieties, dominated by Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Rufete, Tinta Amarela, and others
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TERROIR: Two high-elevation parcels (450–600m) in the Cima Corgo—Ervedosa do Douro and Covas do Douro—on mica-schist soils. These ancient terraces are home to vines aged 80–100+ years. The sites are north-facing, contributing to the wine’s freshness, restraint, and phenolic complexity.
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VINIFICATION: Whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts in open-top vats. Gentle extraction with manual punchdowns.
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AGING: Aged 22 months in used 1,000L Stockinger foudres and older Burgundy barrels. No new oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
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TASTING NOTES: Deep but taut, with aromas of crushed blackberry, violet, wild thyme, graphite, and wet stone. The palate is compact, savory, and mineral—featuring black cherry, dried herbs, and iron—with fine tannins and firm acidity. A serious, age-worthy red that speaks more to soil than sun.
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FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb chops, duck confit, mushroom polenta, or roasted eggplant with pomegranate molasses
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SCORES:
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Wine Advocate: 95 – “A stunning Douro red of restraint and focus. One of Seabra’s finest expressions to date."
-
‘Xisto Cru’ is Luis Seabra’s most profound red wine—an old-vine field blend from mica-schist soils in the Cima Corgo subregion of the Douro. A dramatic departure from the opulence often associated with Douro reds, this wine is lifted, mineral, and terroir-transparent. It’s a testament to Seabra’s Burgundian mindset: showcasing place, not power.
-
WINEMAKER: Luis Seabra
-
FARMING: Sustainable and practicing organic; all fruit is hand-harvested
-
VARIETY: Field blend of over 25 native varieties, dominated by Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Rufete, Tinta Amarela, and others
-
TERROIR: Two high-elevation parcels (450–600m) in the Cima Corgo—Ervedosa do Douro and Covas do Douro—on mica-schist soils. These ancient terraces are home to vines aged 80–100+ years. The sites are north-facing, contributing to the wine’s freshness, restraint, and phenolic complexity.
-
VINIFICATION: Whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts in open-top vats. Gentle extraction with manual punchdowns.
-
AGING: Aged 22 months in used 1,000L Stockinger foudres and older Burgundy barrels. No new oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
-
TASTING NOTES: Deep but taut, with aromas of crushed blackberry, violet, wild thyme, graphite, and wet stone. The palate is compact, savory, and mineral—featuring black cherry, dried herbs, and iron—with fine tannins and firm acidity. A serious, age-worthy red that speaks more to soil than sun.
-
FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb chops, duck confit, mushroom polenta, or roasted eggplant with pomegranate molasses
-
SCORES:
-
Wine Advocate: 95 – “A stunning Douro red of restraint and focus. One of Seabra’s finest expressions to date."
-