The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and the Environment welcomed today the outstanding scores awarded to three white wines from Pico by the US magazine "The Wine Advocate" by Robert Parker Jr., one of the world's most influential wine critics.

 On a 100-point scale, the "Arinto dos Açores 2014 by António Maçanita" and “Arinto dos Açores Sur Lies 2014 by António Maçanita" were awarded 92 points, while the "Verdelho O Original 2014 by António Maçanita" was awarded 90 points.

 Luís Neto Viveiros stressed that the distinction of wines produced by the Azores Wine Company contributes to the international projection of the Azores and their products. Once again, it demonstrates the growing quality of Azorean wines and confirms the investment of the Regional Government in the revitalisation of this production and its potential to create wealth and employment. 

 In addition to publicly recognising the investment made by producers, companies and cooperatives and the key role played by the oenologists involved, the Secretary for Agriculture also highlighted the work developed by the technicians of the Agrarian Development Services and the Regional Oenology Laboratory.

 During the current legislative period, the Government of the Azores has implemented an action plan designed to recover, preserve and encourage the harnessing of the full economic potential of vineyard landscapes and wine production in the archipelago.

 This plan embodying the measure "Enhancing the Wine Industry Sector," provided in the Azorean Agenda for Employment Creation and Business Competitiveness. It includes the organisation of training courses in accordance with the needs of each island and the revitalisation of vineyards, through the provision of the planting material of traditional Azorean grape varieties.

 Moreover, the government official recalled the significant support measures for the restructuring of vineyards under the VITIS programme. They are intended to expand the restructuring area that is able to produce Designation of Origin (DO) and Geographical Identification (GI) wines.

 The Government of the Azores has also created a new incentive scheme for the maintenance of traditional vineyard culture landscapes in "currais" (plots protected by stone walls) and terraces, and traditional orchards located in protected landscape areas. It is fully financed by regional funds and covers the entire archipelago.