Luis Seabra changed the way we view the wines of the Douro. In the hands of a master, its steep slate slopes of ancient vines are capable of far more than Port. Seabra’s wines define... Read More

Luis Seabra changed the way we view the wines of the Douro. In the hands of a master, its steep slate slopes of ancient vines are capable of far more than Port. Seabra’s wines define elegance, nuance and finesse. Unfortunately, this singularity has made them nearly impossible to obtain these days. Which is why we didn’t hesitate for an opportunity to taste wines of “the New Luis Seabra”: Carlos Raposo.

Both winemakers were “discovered” by the great Dirk Niepoort. Seabra was head winemaker at Niepoort, where he revolutionized still wine production in the Douro. Raposo took over when Seabra left to start his own winery.

A mischievous kid, Raposo's parents shipped him off to winemaking school at 16. All that rambunctious energy filtered into a passion, boarding on obsession. He gained several degrees (a bachelors in Burgundy, a masters in Bordeaux), and worked at Château Malescote, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, and Robert Craig in Napa.

After 7 years at Niepoort, it was time to go home and start his own project. Except Carlos' home is the Dão, referred to by many as the “Burgundy of Portugal” for its balanced, elegant wines. If Burgundy is shorthand for high acid, low alcohol, concentrated minerality, and succulent just-ripe fruit, these wines are it. But they are also more than that. Their character is uniquely Dão if their structure is classic.

Raposo uses only organically or biodynamically farmed fruit. No vines are younger than 30, and many are 100+. Some are traditional field blends and others are single varietal, but all are indigenous and characterful. The winemaking is downright boring: raised and aged in used French oak and concrete vessels, with nothing added, and they are blended to perfection.

The wines are not boring. And while these are the first to hit the states, they by no means will be the last. World Wild Wines will eventually encompass wines from around the globe, to express the great terroir and the meaningful connections he’s made on his travels. Carlos Raposo is going to change the way we view wine.