🥃 Aguardente de Vinho Lourinhã

Aguardente de Vinho Lourinhã is an EU-protected geographical name for a wine spirit from Lourinhã on Portugal's Atlantic coast. It is distilled from light, acidic local wine, aged in the region in oak barrels of up to 800 L for at least 24 months and sold at 38% ABV or more. It may not be sold without wood ageing.

In Portugal the name has been protected by Law 8/1985 of 4 June 1985; in the EU register it is listed from 13 February 2008. The zone covers 11 parishes of the municipality of Lourinhã and several parishes of Peniche, Óbidos, Bombarral and Torres Vedras. Production is supervised by the Lisbon Region Wine Commission.

The wine is made without sulphur dioxide, with a natural strength of no more than 10% ABV; red varieties are fermented without skins. Distillation takes place in the region by the end of April: in a copper column up to 78% ABV or in a copper pot still of up to 30 hl over an open flame, where the «heart» is at most 72% ABV. The vines must be at least four years past grafting.

The technical file relies on research begun in 1970 by the National Centre for Oenological Research at Dois Portos. The best result came from Portuguese oak, Quercus pyrenaica, with medium or heavy toasting. According to the 1942 cadastre, 76% of the municipality's wine went to distillation. Tasters score on a scale of up to 20 points, with a minimum of 13.

Why this matters to you. The Lourinhã name guarantees at least two years in oak and distillation in the region. Only water and caramel up to 2% are permitted as additions, and quality is often improved by blending several batches. WHO reminds: there is no safe dose of alcohol.