Since May 1989, the Alentejo wine producing region has been controlled by the “CVRA – Comissão Vitivinícola Regional Alentejana” (Viticultural Commission of the Alentejo Region). This independent inter-professional organisation, recognised and authorised by the Portuguese Government, is responsible for controlling the application of the rules and regulations that discipline regional production and for certifying wines in accordance with the Origin Denomination.
In accordance with EU – European Union - legislation, the Alentejo registered the Controlled Origin Denomination “DOC ALENTEJO” (similar to the French AOC) and GI – Geographical Indication “REGIONAL ALENTEJANO” (similar to the French Vin de Pays). Both these designations are protected by registration and regulated by law.
The certification “DOC ALENTEJO” can be awarded to wines associated with a very well defined and circumscribed region (former Portuguese demarcated region). Apart from the geographical origin, the rules to which they are subject and which are controlled and certified by the CVRA range from the type of soil on which the vines are grown, the grape varieties used, maximum yield, the wine making methods and the profile of the wine. The aim is to guarantee the characteristics of the Alentejo wine, established over many decades. The certification “DOC ALENTEJO” can be identified from the special numbered seal placed on each bottle.
“REGIONAL ALENTEJANO” wine has existed since 1992 (under a different name between 1992 and 1998) and is a Geographical Indication which can be awarded to wines produced in the Region. The area of production coincides with virtually the whole of the Alentejo Region, with the exception of the coastal plains. A broader geographical area and a set of more flexible rules distinguish these REGIONAL wines from the DOC ALENTEJO wines. The certificate “REGIONAL ALENTEJANO” can be identified from the numbered seal placed on each bottle.
