Xisto Ilimitado Tinto 2021

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Since I have started working directly with wine that I have been having the privilege of being in some of the premium locations around Hamburg listening to really interesting people talking about what Germans often define as "the most beautiful drink in the world".
This is quite a privilege, I have to admit. I have been learning about wine in ways that I have never expected, definitely enlarging my horizons. 
Still,  I have to admit that having been born in the middle of one of the biggest wine producing regions in Portugal (the second, according to 2020 reports ) where wine is cheaper than beer,  puts me in a position that most northern Germans envy, as wine is seen as something "normal" for me and not the result of an accurate training or learning procedure. This does not mean, in any way, that I am more skilled or qualified than any of the people I have came across lately. Most of the times it is the other way round as I tend to rely on my natural instincts instead of deeply researching the subjects I am talking about. I know this is quite a painful confession on my behalf that puts me in a slightly fragile position, but that's what it is. 
I have to say that managing to pronounce Portuguese wine grapes properly does help in certain situations as well as knowing the traditional styles from the different regions. That has saved me in some tastings or given me enough space to choose what kind of information I would offer next.
But there are surprises. And Portugal has been changing its wine scene in such a speed that it is not too unexpected to come across wines like Xisto Ilimitado. With only 12,5% alcohol and some not so well-known grapes (like Donzelinho or Malvasia Preta), it reveals itself tremendously attractive with red fruits and a strong minerality, making me remember more the style of a Burgundy wine rather than a typical Douro resembling Rioja. In the mouth there is an incredible freshness which makes it very attractive to more delicate kinds of plates such as mushrooms and poultry.
I can only recommend it and I am looking forward to keep on recommending it to further customers!
 


17/20
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro
Grapes: Rufete, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet, Malvasia Preta, Donzelinho Tinto
12,5%
Winemaker: Luís Seabra

Website: https://luisseabravinhos.com/en/detalhes_vinho/2/xisto-ilimitado/2014
Location: Hamburg, Germany

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