Exports of Alentejo wines grew 28% in value and 17% in quantity in the first half of this year, compared to the same period in 2016.

The average price per liter rose 9% in the same period, with Brazil, Angola, United States of America, Switzerland and France accounting for 57% of the exported value and 55% of the quantity.

Given these data, the CVRA (Alentejo Regional Winegrowing Comission) considered that this could be "the best year" in the export of wines from the region.

"We expect to surpass last year's results, as the second half is stronger, and to close 2017 as the best export year," said Francisco Mateus, president of CVRA.

With the increase observed in the first six months of this year, the organization said, "Alentejo is contributing to the appreciation of DOC (Protected Denomination of Origin) and Alentejo Regional wine exports, reaching higher average prices."

The value achieved in exports, Francisco Mateus said, "is a reflection of the growth of the average price", due to "a greater perception of quality by importers and international consumers."