HISTORY

The 'Zarcillo Awards' were born in 1991 on the initiative of the regional government, Junta de Castilla y León, with the commitment to hold a national wine contenst in order to promote and defend the quality of Spanish wines. The name Zarcillo is related to viticulture and oenology, as the tendril is the first non-leaf organ that the vine shoot emits, helping the vine to climb and acting as a support to expand.

During the first years, the awards were held at national level and on an annual basis, but, due to its growth, both in number of samples and in recognition in the sector, in 1999  the Regional Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of the Junta de Castilla y León decided to take the leap and open the contest to international participants, and held it biannually.

Since then, the Zarcillo international awards have become the most important national contest for Spanish wines and one of the most prestigious international contests. At this meeting, the most experienced tasters and the most select palates in the world are in charge of evaluating and determining the winning wines.

This year, the contest reaches its XX national edition and its XII international edition, remaining faithful to its goals and objectives:

• To boost superior quality wines production as well as their moderate consumption.
• To promote the characteristic wines produced in different wine producing areas.
• To increase the technical and scientific level of the wineries and experts taking part.
• To act as a meeting point for the best wines in the world.
• To contribute to the expansion of the culture of wine.

The Zarcillo Awards are sponsored by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (O.I.V.) and are integrated into the World Federation of Major International Wine and Spirits competitions (VinoFED). The protection of these international organizations has been crucial to consolidate the image of the Contest.

The contest rules have been prepared according to the OIV rules for international wine contest. An expert appointed by this Organization with the support of the Oenological Centre of Castilla y León will ensure compliance with the rules.

The organization of the Zarcillo International Awards also has an advanced computer system allowing the management of the complex system for samples receipt and a rigorous control of the data supplied by the juries during the tasting sessions. All this, to ensure a proper treatment of the information that allows rewarding the best wines.

Over four days, the best tasters in the World will meet; the most demanding palates on the planet will be responsible for deciding which wines are the best for the Contest. The rule is that all producing countries of the world can participate in it, according to the definition adopted by the OIV. Samples will be grouped into seven categories: white, rosé, red, semi-sparkling, sparkling, liquor and aromatic varieties. Furthermore, the following distinctions: Great Golden Zarcillo, Golden Zarcillo and Silver Zarcillo will be awarded.

Summary of the previous editions of Premios Zarcillo