The Regional Deputy Minister of Common Agricultural Policy and Rural Development, Juan Pedro Medina, visited the first day of wine tastings for the Zarcillo Awards, conducted by an international jury composed of 90 tasters: 52 national and 38 internationals, from 22 countries.

The jury, composed of experienced and renowned professionals, is diverse not only in nationality but also in professional backgrounds. It includes four Masters of Wine, oenologists, sommeliers, specialized journalists, distribution professionals, technical personnel from regulatory councils and institutions, and university professors. Their extensive experience and diversity ensure a reliable evaluation and that the wines awarded are truly deserving of a Zarcillo prize.

The sponsorship of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) and the World Federation of Major International Wine and Spirits Competitions (VinoFed) adds further prestige to the competition.

Before reaching the tasting phase, the wines submitted to the Zarcillo Awards underwent a meticulous review and classification process at the Castilla y León Wine Station. Each bottle is covered and labeled with a unique code to ensure anonymity during the tasting. In the evening before each session, the wines are transported to the tasting venue and stored in cellars at the appropriate temperature.

Each day, tastings follow a plan set by the competition directors. At each tasting table, five jurors sample the assigned wines in three sessions of up to fifteen wines each. Tasters enter their scores on mobile devices, and the data is integrated into the system.

Wines scoring 93 points or higher will advance to the final tasting on Sunday. The top-scoring wines will be re-evaluated by a jury selected by the competition’s executive president, who will decide on the awarding of the Grand Zarcillo Gold prizes.

The Regional Deputy Minister emphasized the prestige of these awards and highlighted the significance of their name. A “zarcillo” (tendril) is the first non-foliar organ that a vine shoot produces, which serves as support and allows the plant to climb. The term symbolizes not only the viticulture sector’s importance as a productive industry but also its role in environmental sustainability, the preservation of landscapes, social cohesion, and the continuation of traditions.