Known as "strawberry wine" for its fruity aroma, "American wine" is still produced and consumed in rural Portugal, but raises public health concerns.
Made from American grape varieties like Vitis labrusca, its direct sale to consumers is banned in the EU due to food safety and quality risks. The main danger is the potential formation of methanol, a toxic alcohol that can cause severe poisoning, including neurological damage, blindness, or death, particularly in artisanal productions lacking adequate technical control.
Beyond methanol, other worries include microbiological contamination, improper pesticide use, adulteration, and poor preservation. Tradition should not override safety; home producers should seek technical guidance and testing, while consumers should be wary of unlabeled drinks or those with unclear information.
