It is with great pleasure that I am here tonight among wine producers, wine lovers and others involved in the wine sector, at the award ceremony of the 13th Cyprus Wine Competition. An institution that since 2006 has played an important role in the wine events of our country, as its most important wine event. It is generally acknowledged that the modern wines of Cyprus are on an excellent path of rising quality and can stand worthy of international recognition. Tonight, therefore, "Cypriot wine" is being awarded and rewarded, as the culmination of the effort and cooperation of vine growers, wine producers, experts and technocrats, which has led to the great wine progress recorded by our country in recent years.
This year's competition, which was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, based on approved and recognised international standards, was attended by 33 wineries from our region with 178 different wine samples registered in two categories: dry and semi-dry wines and sweet and semi-sweet wines. On the basis of these standards, 30% of the entries from each category have been awarded prizes. As a result, 44 wines have received a gold medal and six wines have received a silver medal in the dry and semi-dry wine category. In the category of sweet and semi-sweet wines, which includes among others the wine of the Protected Designation of Origin 'Koumandaria', three wines have received a gold medal and three other wines have received a gold medal. In addition, special distinctions have been awarded to wines produced exclusively from the indigenous varieties of Cyprus, such as Maratheftiko, Giannoudi, Ntopio Mavro, Xynisteri, Promara, Morokanela and Cinnamon.
In addition to the awards and distinctions, it is important to note that through the process of the Competition, the noble competition for quality recognition among wine producers was fostered and the importance that must be attached by all to the consistent quality, diversity, authenticity and uniqueness of Cyprus wines was established. From a commercial point of view, through the events that accompanied the Competition, the promotion and communication in the various media and social networks, a positive current was created in favour of Cypriot wines of Protected Designation of Origin and Protected Geographical Indication, as well as Varietal Wines. In this way, the recognition of these wines is increased and the wine identity of Cyprus is established in the minds of consumers.
Among the highlights of this year's Cyprus Wine Competition is the demonstration of the continued support of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine for Cyprus, through the presence here of Professor Valeriu Cotea, an internationally renowned oenologist, who served as Chairman of the Jury Committee and supervised the proceedings.
Among the highlights of this year's Cyprus Wine Competition is the demonstration of the continued support of the International Vine and Wine Organisation for Cyprus, through the presence here of Professor Valeriu Cotea, an internationally renowned oenologist, who served as Chairman of the Jury Committee and supervised the proceedings. I would like to take this opportunity to thank again, both Dr. Cotea and the other members of the Jury, for their valuable contribution to the successful completion of the Competition and for their important participation in the Technical Workshop held last Wednesday, in the framework of the Competition events.
As I have just mentioned, I would like to once again express my appreciation to the Commissionaire of the OIV and President of the Jury of Tasters, Professor Cotea, as well as to the other members of the Jury, for their valuable contribution to the success of this Competition and for their participation at the Technical Conference. My special thanks go to my friend the Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Nikos Nicolaides, who has always supported the Competition by providing the hall of the "Panos Solomonides" Cultural Centre for the Technical Conference of the Competition and by contributing to the publicity of this beautiful wine event. I would also like to express my special thanks to the Management and staff of the Department of Agriculture for the exemplary organization of the 13th Cyprus Wine Competition.
I hope you have a wonderful evening enjoying some of the quality wines of our country.
Thank you.
(EK)
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