At the end of the 2013 wine harvest, Uruguayan wineries, with the support of INAVI (National Institute for Vine and Wine) participated in two of the most important wine competitions in Europe, right at the very beginning of the year. Vinalies Internationales in Paris and Bacchus in Madrid. These competitions receive the backing of the OVI (International Organization of Vine and Wine). The result was a picking of 18 medals, one of them a double gold, four gold and the remainder silver.
One of the most respected competitions in the world was held in Paris from 1st to 5th March, the Vinalies Internationales organized by the Union des Œnologues de France.
This competition, started in 1993 since when Uruguay has been participating aims at recognizing high quality wine production around the world and is supported by the OIV (International Organization of Vine and Wine), which is an intergovernmental organization that promotes good quality wines, their responsible consumption as a cultural heritage and the best information to consumers about the availability of wines and spirits in different countries.
Eight of the medals won by Uruguayan wines were for the Tannat variety, two were blends, which included Tannat and a further two for white wines.
The competition by the Union des Œnologues de France is certified to ISO 9001 standards and it is governed by the OIV rules for wines in international competitions.
The XI Bacchus Wines International Competition took place between the 15th and 19th march and was organized by the Spanish Wine Taster’s Union (UEC) where 1 559 wines competed from 18 countries. It is the only competition in that country overseen by the OIV.
The jury was composed of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, wine critics, journalists, enologists and 80 wine tasters from 23 countries. Uruguay won six medals at this event.
