The Oenophile Confraternity of Alentejo presented yesterday, June 25, at the Hotel Mar d'Ar Muralhas, in Évora, the winners of the seventh edition of the contest "Best Wines of Alentejo". This initiative aims to reward not only the quality of wine produced in the Alentejo that reaches levels of excellence, but also to inform consumers of a new generation of oenologists and producers, increasingly well prepared, focused on quality and innovation.
 
This year's Contest presented some changes in the regulation, in order to reinforce the reputation of the wines with the highest score and highlighted by the Jury and consequent distinction and appreciation of the prizes awarded. This year 114 wines produced in the Alentejo and from 40 producers were tested. In this 7th edition, the evaluated wines consisted of 31 whites, 11 rosés and 72 reds.
 
Of these 114 wines, the winners of the gold medal, attributed by category, were: Quintas de Borba - White 2018, Adega Cooperativa de Borba, CRL; Valcatrina by Santos Lima- Rosé 2018, Casa Santos Lima - Companhia das Vinhas, SA; Monte da Caçada - Alicante Bouschet - Red 2017, Casa Santos Lima - Companhia das Vinhas, SA;
 
The Judge of the Oenophile Confraternity of Alentejo commented: "the award-winning wines presented high quality, with a differentiated profile, very balanced with aroma and flavor, with structure, elegance and great longevity. Wines that allow diversity and choice to the consumer more enlightened and demanding, either for immediate consumption or to wait patiently for the perfect moment for their consumption. The quality highlighted by the Tasting Jury commends the real effort that has been made over time by all stakeholders in the sector, especially Wine Producers, who continue to deserve the credibility and recognition of the markets, whether national or International".
 
The Tasting Boards were made up of 'Experienced Wine Tasters', namely tasters of the Portuguese Oenology Association, the Portuguese Scales Association, the University of Évora, the Alentejo Regional Winegrowing Commission (CVRA), the Food Safety Authority and Economics, of the Oenophile Confraternity of Alentejo, winemakers and journalists of the specialty.


 
GOLD MEDAL
Quintas de Borba - White 2018, Adega Cooperativa de Borba, CRL;
Valcatrina by Santos Lima- Rosé 2018, Casa Santos Lima - Companhia das Vinhas, SA;
Monte da Caçada - Alicante Bouschet - Red 2017, Casa Santos Lima - Companhia das Vinhas, SA;

 
SILVER MEDAL
Borba Winery - Premium - White 2018, Adega Cooperativa de Borba, CRL
Herdade de São Miguel - Rosé 2018, Casa Relvas, Ldª
Valcatrina by Santos Lima - Red 2018, Casa Santos Lima - Companhia das Vinhas, SA

 
BRONZE MEDAL
Villa Pias - White 2018, Sociedade Agrícola de Pias, SA
Vidigueira - Antão Vaz - Premium White 2018, Adega Cooperativa de Vidigueira, Cuba and Alvito, CRL
Herdade Paço do Conde - Reserva Red 2017, Soc. Agrícola da Encosta do Guadiana, Ldª.

 
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Quinta do Paral - White 2017, Herdade Tinto e Branco, Unipessoal, Ldª.
Paço do Conde Estate - White 2018, Soc. Agrícola da Encosta do Guadiana, Ldª.
Monte da Caçada - Touriga Nacional - Red 2017, Casa Santos Lima - Companhia das Vinhas, SA
Mingorra - Petit Verdot - Red wine 2015, H. Uva, SA
Herdade de São Miguel - Reserva Red 2017, Casa Relvas, Ldª.
Senses - Alicante Bouschet - Red wine 2017, Adega Cooperativa de Borba, CRL
Reguengos Garrafeira dos Sócios - Garrafeira Red 2014, CARMIM - Cooperativa Agrícola de Reguengos de Monsaraz, CRL
Vidigueira - Alicante Bouschet - Red 2017, Adega Cooperativa de Vidigueira, Cuba and Alvito, CRL
Monte da Caçada - Red 2017, Casa Santos Lima - Companhia das Vinhas, SA
Mingorra - Reserva Red 2015, H. Uva, SA
AR from 1956 - Red Reserva 2015, Adega Cooperativa de Redondo, CRL
Monsaraz - Reserva Red 2017, CARMIM - Cooperativa Agrícola de Reguengos de Monsaraz, CRL
Herdade da Pimenta - Grande Escolha Red 2017, Logowines, SA
Cartuxa - Red wine 2015, Eugénio de Almeida Foundation