Luis Seabra - Mono A Alfrocheiro 2021
Price: $87.99
Sale Price: $54.99
| Producer | Luis Seabra |
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| Country | Portugal |
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| Region | Dão |
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| Varietal | Alfrocheiro |
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| Vintage | 2021 |
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| Sku | 18590 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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Luis Seabra Description
94 points Wine & Spirits
"It is rare for a winemaker in Dão (let alone an outsider) to make a statement about Alfrocheiro, which is typically used just for blending. Under the thoughtful mastery of Seabra, Mono A allows both the natural charm and aromatics—backed up by the frontal tannin of granite terroir—to come through in a way that shows the promise of this little-known varietal.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Thanks to its aromatic profile and gentle tannins, this wine is excellent on its own, but works wonderfully with mountain fare like mushrooms, meat and vegetable stews, and even earthier game bird preparations.
VINIFICATION AND AGING:
The grapes are harvested by hand, then fermented with indigenous yeast in a 5,000-liter wooden vat. 40% of the fruit is fermented whole cluster. After a 26-day maceration, the wine is racked into a 3,000L tonneaux made from Eastern European oak (just like those used in Piedmont), and it ages there for 14 months. The wine is bottled directly from barrel, with no fining or filtering. The only addition made is a small amount of sulfur at bottling.
LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:
The vineyard is in the Dão region in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela Mountain Range, mainland Portugal’s highest point, and a heavily protected natural area known for its excellent stargazing. Dão’s cool climate is highly regarded for producing wines that are bright, lifted, and elegant. After experiencing a decline in the 1960s, this region was eclipsed by other regions with more international appeal; thanks to the work of vignerons like Seabra, this area is returning to its former glory.' - Ole & Obrigado, Importer
James Suckling: 93 Points
"A pure alfrocheiro with aromas of dried Mediterranean herbs, black cherries and a balsamic touch. The palate is medium-bodied and delicate, with super-polished tannins and an elegant, fruit-driven finish. Drink now."
Wine Advocate: 92 Points
"The balsamic and minty, aromatic and medicinal 2021 Mono A is a varietal Alfrocheiro Preto (the variety known as Baboso Negro in the Canary Islands) from Dão, in the zone of the Serra da Estrela, from vineyards close to the ones used for the white Granito Cru Dão. It has lively acidity and very good freshness, developing more elegant, even floral notes with time. It has a medium to full-bodied palate after fermenting in oak and maturing in 3,000-liter Garbelotto oak vats. It has moderate ripeness and 12.5% alcohol. This fermented with only 40% to 50% full clusters, while the rest of the reds are 100% full cluster. It has abundant, slightly dusty tannins that give it a rustic twist. He does a long maceration with very little work, almost an infusion. This is not an easy grape, and the profile of the wine is very different if you pick it later. There are some 3,800 bottles."
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