The highest percentage increase occurred in the 1st quarter, with a 30.5% increase to 30% in the 2nd quarter and to 7.4% in the third quarter, compared to the same periods of the previous year.

With regard to volume (or quantity), the overall increase of 11.8% in the first nine months of 2017 was achieved thanks to the increases of 19.9% ​​and 20.7% in the first and second quarters, respectively, and despite a decrease of 4.9% in the third quarter.

The average price per liter of Alentejo wines in foreign markets grew by almost 10%, with international importers paying, "on average, over three euros per bottle of DOC Alentejo and 2.14 euros for the Regional Alentejo."

"The growth achieved until September shows that the quality of Alentejo wines is recognized in international markets, with importers and consumers willing to pay more for each bottle," according to CVRA president Francisco Mateus.

He added that "the top 10 markets are all rising in the average price".

Given these data, 2017 may come to "be the best year in export" for the wines of Alentejo.

"With this growth, 2017 is getting closer and closer to being the best export year," adding that "the value reached until September corresponds to 80% of last year's total."

Brazil, Angola, United States of America, Switzerland and France constitute the top 5 ranking in the importing countries of Alentejo wines, representing 57% of the value and 55% of the quantity sold to foreign markets.

"Markets outside European Community are the main buyers and also the ones who pay the best" for each bottle of wine exported by Alentejo wineries, the wine commission said.

Overall, DOC Alentejo and Regional Alentejano wines reach 112 international markets, with the quantity exported doubling in the last 10 years.