Xisto Ilimitado Tinto 2018

Xisto Ilimitado Tinto is like Doctor Who’s TARDIS. Compact, elegant and diminutive from the outside, but when you get inside it’s expansive and offers a galaxy of possibilities. So hop in and let it transport you to the Douro Valley…

Genius Luis Seabra spent a decade as head winemaker at the legendary Niepoort. In 2012 he broke free to realise a dream to do his own thing and make wines that are “true and honest, raw and pure.” And that perfectly encapsulates this red blend of Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Roriz, Rufete, Tinta Barroca, Malvasia Preta and Donzelinho Tinto, sourced from 30 to 60-year-old vines grown on schist soils. The name Xisto Ilimitado translates roughly as endless schist.

Unfeasibly fresh, juicy and energetic, it’s light as a feather but pops with sour cherry, cassis, cranberry, blueberry, blackberry, plum, chocolate, vanilla, Russian Caravan tea, dried herbs and tar. This dainty hand grenade of a wine explodes in the mouth like its pin has been pulled. Stand back and ready yourself to be blown away. Pair with burgers, barbeques, ratatouille, tapas, portobello mushrooms or enchiladas.