🥃 Orujo

Orujo is a Spanish and Portuguese spirit made from grape pomace. In Spain it is made in Galicia and other northern regions, and in Portugal a similar drink is called bagaceira. It belongs to the pomace brandies.

What is orujo made from? After the juice is pressed for wine, skins, seeds and pulp remain. This pomace is distilled to give a strong clear spirit. It usually contains about 40-50% alcohol. The drink may be young and clear or aged with a golden tint. There are also herbal infusions based on orujo.

In Galicia orujo is tied to the tradition of queimada: in a clay bowl the orujo is set alight with sugar and lemon peel, and then an incantation is read. The drink is served after a meal in small portions. Similar drinks exist in other countries: grappa in Italy, chacha in Georgia. Orujo is part of Spanish and Portuguese winemaking because it uses what is left after wine production. It is strong, so it calls for moderation, like any strong alcohol. Its taste depends on the grape variety and how it is distilled.