Registrations are open for winemakers to sign up for the ninth Wines of Portugal (Concurso Vinhos de Portugal) contest, which will take place in May and seeks to bring together and award the best wines made in the country.
The first phase of the contest will be held between May 2 and 4 in Santarém where the jury will taste the participating wines. Masterclasses, dinners, tours, and multiple other wine tasting events are also planned, organiser ViniPortugal says in a statement to the press.
The final phase will take place between May 5 and 6 when the jury will get together to decide which wines are worthy of awards. The winners will be announced during a gala dinner.
“Aside from testing the quality of Portuguese wines, the Wines of Portugal contest is a hallmark event for the sector and a meeting point for winemakers, specialists, sommeliers and national and international influences who during these days share experiences amongst themselves,” ViniPortugal says.
The association adds that the event distinguishes the “diversity and excellence of Portuguese wines and strengthens the country’s position as a top wine producer”.
As it points out, the event works as a “platform for international promotion” as wines awarded with the Grand Gold and Gold medals will earn a spot in “internationally-renowned events this year”.
Last year, over 1,400 wines were tasted during the event by a panel of judges that included national and international specialists, from oenologists and sommeliers to journalists, wine educators and others linked to the wine sector.
The title of ‘Best Wine of the Year’ went to Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha da Francisca Red 2018, while the ‘Best Fortified Wine of the Year’ was Porto Kopke Harvest 1966.
The jury voted Grande Rocim Alicante Bouschet, Red 2017 as ‘Best Red Varietal Wine of the Year’ and Falconry Vinhas Velhas White 2018 as ‘Best White Varietal Wine of the Year’.
Other winners included Quinta Vale D. Maria Vinha da Francisca Red 2018 which was named ‘Best Red Wine (Blend) of the Year’; Quinta do Sobreiró de Cima Reserva Branco 2019, awarded ‘Best White Wine (Blend) of the Year’; and Casa de Santar Vinha dos Amores Sparkling Wine Encruzado, hailed ‘Best Sparkling Wine of the Year’.
Winemakers who sign up for the 2022 edition until March 11 will benefit from a €5 discount on each wine, although registrations will remain open until April 3 on the contest’s website.
