🥃 Aguardente Bagaceira Alentejo

Aguardente Bagaceira Alentejo is an EU-protected geographical name for a grape pomace spirit from the Alentejo in southern Portugal. It is distilled from the pomace of wines of the Alentejo denomination by the end of January of the wine year and sold at 37.5% ABV or more. Ageing is not mandatory, but age statements require years in oak.

In Portugal the name has been protected by a decree-law of 30 September 1988; in the EU register it dates from 12 June 1989. The technical file was submitted by the Alentejo Regional Wine Commission (CVRA), which also certifies the product. The zone coincides with DO Alentejo and its eight subregions, from Borba to Vidigueira.

Distillation is continuous or in batches. Only distilled water to lower the strength and caramel up to 2% for colour are permitted as additions. The statements «Old» or «Reserve» require at least two years in oak barrels, «Very Old» four, and the ageing takes place in the region.

Up to 1 000 g of methanol per hectolitre of pure alcohol is allowed — as in the general EU rules for pomace spirits — and volatile substances must be at least 140 g. A tasting panel assesses nine parameters: clarity and colour, intensity and complexity of aroma, balance, body and aftertaste. The aroma should recall the raw material — the pomace.

Why this matters to you. The label must carry the words «Denominação de Origem Controlada» or «DOC». Without an age statement, bagaceira may be quite young and sharp. For export it leaves only bottled and labelled. WHO reminds: there is no safe dose of alcohol.