The Rich History and Tradition of Bigode Wine from Alentejo, Portugal

The Rich History and Tradition of Bigode Wine

Wine holds an esteemed place in cultures across the globe, interwoven into traditions, stories, and meals throughout the ages. For the Portuguese, wine is an integral part of their heritage, nowhere more evident than in the storied history of the distinguished Bigode wine. Meaning “mustache” in Portuguese, Bigode pays homage to the mustached founders of the wine produced in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal.

The Birth of Bigode Wine in Alentejo

The arid plains of Alentejo have nurtured grapevines since the Roman era, but Bigode wine as we know it today traces its roots back to the 1890s. With an abundance of robust, full-bodied Portuguese grape varieties like Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, and Alfrocheiro, the region was ripe for crafting intense, complex wines. However, many small producers lacked the resources or expertise to properly vinify the grapes. That is until two visionary mustachioed winemakers, brothers Artur and Emilio Santos, embarked on a mission to help fellow farmers unlock the potential of Alentejo’s vines by producing high quality wine cooperatively.

In a humble underground cellar in the town of Borba, the Santos brothers began making Bigode wine in 1895 under the guiding principles of showcasing the region's finest grapes and upholding exceptional standards. Word of the tantalizing full-bodied reds with layers of ripe fruit, spice and velvety tannins spread quickly. Before long, Bigode became the preferred wine for local restaurants and taverns. The rampant mustaches sported by Artur and Emilio inspired the branding, and thus the name Bigode, Portuguese for “mustache”, was born.

The Evolution of Technique and Branding

Over the following decades, production grew rapidly as more vineyard owners joined the cooperative model. By the 1950s, Bigode had cemented its reputation for quality and stood as a beacon of Alentejo winemaking. The signature “mustache man” adorned the label as a symbol of the wine’s founders and origins.

Advancements in technology and vinification techniques allowed Bigode to uplevel quality and expand distribution in the latter 20th century. Stainless steel fermentation and temperature control yielded ever more polished and complex wines that balanced power and elegance. The brand adopted a more contemporary, streamlined logo in the 1990s while still paying homage to its founders’ mustaches through subtle design elements.

Today, Bigode produces 1.5 million bottles annually across a range of styles including full-bodied reds and whites, rosés, sparkling wines, and brandy. Leadership transferred to the founder’s sons in the 1940s and now fifth and sixth generation family members guide Bigode’s future, blending history with innovation.

Winemaking Philosophy

From the start, Bigode has focused on expressing the nuanced regional and varietal characteristics of Alentejo. The philosophy of minimal intervention prevails in the winery’s approach. Modern techniques assist while maintaining a light hand to allow the fruit to shine. Bigode’s red wines in particular have built a reputation for complexity, balance and cellaring potential.

The winemakers take an active role in monitoring viticulture across the cooperative’s 2,200 acres of vines. With low yields and meticulous care, they ensure optimal ripeness and health of the grapes. Rigorous selection occurs in the vineyard and again at the winery before vinification. Techniques like extended maceration and aging in new French oak shape the wines’ structure while preserving freshness and authenticity.

The Wines of Bigode

The full portfolio of wines encompasses traditional bottlings along with small production blends and limited releases. Core wines include:

• Bigode Reserve Red – A blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Alfrocheiro grapes aged for 12 months in oak, showcasing ripe dark fruit, spice and chocolate notes with velvety tannins.
• Bigode Reserve White – Made from Antão Vaz, Roupeiro and Perrum grapes, an exuberant white with citrus, stone fruit and floral aromas and a fresh, mineral-laced palate.
• Bigode Rose – A dry, food-friendly rosé made from a blend of Trincadeira, Aragonez and Alicante Bouschet grapes with vibrant red berry and watermelon flavors.
• Bigode 10 Year Tawny Port – Aged for a decade in small barrels, this elegant tawny port offers rich nuts and dried fruit complemented by fresh acidity.

Special bottlings allow Bigode’s winemakers to explore new blends and techniques. Offerings like their single varietal Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, and Antão Vaz showcase exceptional examples of Alentejo’s native grapes. The winery also pioneered extended aging Port-style wines in the region including Colheitas dating back over 40 years.

The Future of Bigode

From humble underground beginnings, Bigode now stands proudly as a standard bearer of Alentejo winemaking. The brand continues to evolve, incorporating modern techniques while perpetuating timeless values of authenticity, cooperation and tradition. Staying connected to their roots, Bigode recently moved winemaking back to the town of Borba, mere miles from where the very first Bigode wines were crafted by Artur and Emilio. The new winery integrates cutting-edge production resources with historic winemaking venues. This intersection of old and new reflects Bigode's ethos perfectly as they remain simultaneously rooted in history yet forward-looking.

For over 125 vintages, Bigode has given Portuguese farmers a voice through wine. The brand continues that commitment today, partnering with over 250 family vineyards across Alentejo. By upholding quality and sharing knowledge, Bigode helps local growers thrive. Each bottle tells a story of grape growers working in tandem with nature and winemakers honoring the fruits of the vineyard.

As new generations inherit the land and winery, dedication to showcasing Alentejo endures. The culture, families, and wines continue evolving in parallel under the style of a timeless mustache.

FAQs

Where is Bigode wine from?

Bigode wines are from the Alentejo region in southern Portugal. The brand originated in the town of Borba in Alentejo in the late 19th century.

What grape varieties are used in Bigode wines?

Bigode utilizes top Portuguese grape varieties including Aragonez (Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, Alfrocheiro, Antão Vaz, Roupeiro, and Perrum. Their red wines often blend varieties like Aragonez, Trincadeira, and Alicante Bouschet.

What is Bigode's winemaking philosophy?

Bigode aims to express the character of Alentejo's native grapes and terroirs. They use minimal intervention techniques allowing the fruit character to shine. Meticulous care is taken in both the vineyards and winery.

What types of wines does Bigode produce?

The core range includes red, white, rosé, and tawny port wines. They also produce small lot releases like single varietal wines, limited vintage ports, and special blends.

Is Bigode wine widely available?

Bigode produces 1.5 million bottles annually. Their wines are distributed in Europe and selectively exported to markets like the US, Canada, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.