🥃 Aguardente de Vinho Alentejo

Aguardente de Vinho Alentejo is an EU-protected geographical name for a wine spirit from the Alentejo in southern Portugal. It is distilled from wines of the Alentejo denomination by the end of April of the same 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 is the whole DO Alentejo territory with its eight subregions: Borba, Évora, Granja-Amareleja, Moura, Portalegre, Redondo, Reguengos and Vidigueira.

The wine for distillation has a natural strength of at least 11.5% ABV for white and at least 12% for red and rosé. It is distilled continuously or in batches. Only distilled water to lower the strength and caramel up to 2% are permitted as additions. The statements «Velha» or «Reserva» require at least two years in oak barrels, «Velhíssima» four, and the ageing takes place in the region.

Methanol is limited to 200 g per hectolitre of pure alcohol, and volatile substances must be at least 125 g. A tasting panel assesses nine parameters, from clarity to aftertaste. The technical file describes a warm, dry land: about 3 000 hours of sunshine a year and 550–650 mm of rain, and the spirit as full-bodied, with notes of flowers, raisins and caramel.

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