Guarda, Portugal, July 2, 2024 (Lusa) - The Beira Interior Regional Wine Commission (CVRBI) awarded 25 gold medals at the region's 17th Wine Competition, an event that aims to recognise wines that stand out for their quality.

According to a statement sent to the Lusa news agency on Tuesday, the initiative honoured Aforista DOC Beira Interior Reserva Branco 2022 as the Best Beira Interior Wine.

Prizes were also awarded for Best Image to 1808 Portugal - Blush Rosé 2023, Best Female Image to Exilado Espumante Grande Reserva Bruto Chardonnay 2016 and Best Female Wine to Pinhel Grande Escolha Síria Branco 2023.

The competition took place on 13 and 14 June and the awards were revealed on Saturday during the Awards Gala held in Sertã, Castelo Branco district.

The CVRBI emphasised that the event aims to choose the wines that stand out in terms of their quality among those in the competition.

CVRBI president Rodolfo Queirós said, "the region has been on an upward trend in quality, which is only possible thanks to the effort and commitment of the producers. Entering the competition is important to demonstrate this".

He emphasised that the awards help to give the region a unique and distinctive character.

"It's not about discrimination, positive or negative, but about rewarding our region's wines, based on more holistic criteria that cover all the particularities of consumers and an ever-changing market," emphasised Rodolfo Queirós.

The CVRBI is based in Guarda and covers wine-growing areas in the districts of Guarda and Castelo Branco, corresponding to an area of 20 municipalities.

EDYG/ADB // ADB.

Lusa