🥃 Aguardente de Vinho da Região dos Vinhos Verdes

Aguardente de Vinho da Região dos Vinhos Verdes is an EU-protected geographical name for a wine spirit from north-western Portugal. It is distilled in the region from wines suitable for Vinho Verde, no later than March after the winemaking, at 37.5% ABV or more. Sold only in glass up to 1 L with a guarantee seal.

In Portugal the name has been protected by a decree-law of 2 February 1984; the EU register lists it from 13 February 2008. The technical file was submitted by the Vinho Verde Region Viticulture Commission (CVRVV), which also supervises the producers. The zone covers all municipalities of the Braga and Viana do Castelo districts and part of the Aveiro, Porto, Vila Real and Viseu districts.

The distilling plants must be separate from other production and located in the zone. The spirit is clear, colourless or from yellowish to topaz; aged versions labelled Old, Reserve, Very Old, VSOP and XO must be coloured and smell of ageing. Tasters score quality and typicity on a scale, and at least 5 points are required.

The technical file links the freshness of the spirit to the Atlantic climate: about 1 200 mm of rain a year on average, mostly granite soils and nine subregions. A subregion or grape variety name may be shown only with a score of 6 points or more, in a bottle up to 70 cl. The Alvarinho variety may be named only for the Monção and Melgaço subregion.

Why this matters to you. The region's name on the label means wine from there, distillation on the spot and a guarantee seal. If only Alvarinho is stated, the spirit must be 100% from that variety. WHO reminds: there is no safe dose of alcohol.