Rueda highlights the vitivinicultural sector as a representative example of Galician quality and an essential part of a vibrant and productive countryside.
The President of the Xunta, Alfonso Rueda, highlighted the wine sector as a prime example of ‘Galicia Calidade’, and emphasised that it also forms an essential part of a vibrant and productive rural community.
He made these remarks this afternoon whilst attending the awards ceremony for the ‘Catas de Galicia’ competition, organised by the Xunta, which recognises the best wines, spirits and liqueurs from the autonomous community. The Regional Minister for Rural Affairs, María José Gómez, also attended the event.
This year’s competition received 462 entries from 152 companies, the majority of which were wines. More than fifty experts took part in the preliminary tastings and the final tastings, which featured a final panel of 12 highly respected professionals from the world of oenology.
In his speech, Rueda acknowledged the effort and talent of all the participating companies and, in particular, those honoured with awards today. He pointed out that all these products not only represent economic value but also form part of Galicia’s international image, act as a tourist attraction and help to retain the population in rural areas and foster regional cohesion.
The President of the Xunta therefore pledged the regional government’s support for a sector with a bright future. In this regard, he cited the more than €12 million in funding being invested this year in the production and promotion of wine products, and in the modernisation of vineyards; support for designations of origin; and initiatives to boost tourism, such as the Strategy for the Revitalisation of Wine-Producing Regions and the Galicia Wine and Gastronomy Plan.
