Luis Seabra Xisto Cru Douro Branco 2024

Produced by Luis Seabra in the Douro Valley, Xisto Cru Branco is a refined and terroir-driven white wine that captures the unique identity of the region’s historic vineyards and schist soils. After many years working alongside Dirk Niepoort and helping shape some of Niepoort’s most acclaimed wines, Luis Seabra created his own project with a clear philosophy: to produce wines that express vineyard, soil and vintage with as little interference as possible. The Xisto Cru range focuses on the distinctive character of Douro schist, with wines sourced from old vineyards planted on this ancient, mineral-rich geology. The Douro’s dry continental climate, dramatic landscape and challenging mountain vineyards create wines with remarkable concentration, freshness and ageing potential.

Made from a traditional old-vine field blend of indigenous Douro white grape varieties, Xisto Cru Branco reflects the diversity and heritage of the region’s historic vineyards. Rather than focusing on a single grape variety, the wine expresses the complexity that comes from vines planted with multiple traditional varieties adapted to the Douro terroir. The grapes are carefully harvested and vinified with a restrained approach, allowing the character of the vineyard and schist soils to take centre stage. The wine reveals aromas of lemon zest, white flowers, orchard fruit and fresh herbs, layered with notes of wet stone, smoky minerality and subtle saline nuances. On the palate, it is precise and elegant, combining vibrant acidity with a silky texture, impressive depth and a long, mineral-driven finish. A serious and age-worthy Douro white, it pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled fish, shellfish, fresh cheeses, roasted poultry and refined Mediterranean cuisine.