A fiery clear spirit distilled from the wild arbutus berries that grow in the Algarve hills. It is made in small licensed stills in Monchique and the Serra do Caldeirão, where the strawberry tree grows on its own.
Distilling is illegal without a licence, and a long pectin-rich fruit ferment produces methanol that only a correct cut removes — which is exactly why the Algarve stills are licensed and inspected.
What goes into it
- medronho — wild arbutus berries
- nothing else
How it is made
The berries are gathered as they fall ripe in late autumn, put into vats and left to ferment on their own sugars for two to three months — a long ferment for a fruit. The mash is then distilled once or twice in a small copper still. The fruit’s high pectin makes the cut particularly important.
How long it takes: two to three months of fermentation, then distilling
How it is eaten
Neat in a small glass after a meal, or with a spoon of honey.
History
Distilled in small licensed stills in Monchique and the Serra do Caldeirão, where the strawberry tree grows wild.
Frequently asked questions
What is Aguardente de medronho?
Aguardente de medronho is a wine & spirit from Portugal: fiery clear spirit distilled from wild arbutus berries in the Algarve hills. Distilled in small licensed stills in Monchique and the Serra do Caldeirão, where the strawberry tree grows wild.
How is Aguardente de medronho made?
The berries are gathered as they fall ripe in late autumn, put into vats and left to ferment on their own sugars for two to three months — a long ferment for a fruit. The mash is then distilled once or twice in a small copper still. The fruit’s high pectin makes the cut particularly important. It takes two to three months of fermentation, then distilling.
Can I make Aguardente de medronho at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. Distilling is illegal without a licence, and a long pectin-rich fruit ferment produces methanol that only a correct cut removes — which is exactly why the Algarve stills are licensed and inspected.
What goes into Aguardente de medronho?
Medronho — wild arbutus berries, nothing else.
How is Aguardente de medronho eaten?
Neat in a small glass after a meal, or with a spoon of honey.
