Alentejo Wines Applaud International Distinction Awarded to José Calado at the OIV Awards

The Alentejo Regional Wine Commission (CVRA) applauds the recognition given to historian José Calado, distinguished at the International Organisation of Vine and Wine Awards (OIV Awards 2025).

This distinction recognises the author’s contribution to the appreciation of the history and identity of Alentejo wines, reinforcing the region’s international projection.

The work “Alentejo de Honra – Uma História do Vinho do Alentejo (Séc. XII-XX)”, by José Calado and published by História e Memória, was awarded the “Special Mention 2025” in the “Monographs & Specialised Studies” category. This international award underlines the relevance of historical research dedicated to Alentejo viticulture and the author’s remarkable contribution to the appreciation of the cultural and identity heritage of the Alentejo.

The OIV Awards 2025 ceremony took place on October 21st at the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne in Dijon, France. This year, 55 entries from 19 countries were evaluated, of which only 13 publications were distinguished: seven with the OIV Award and six with Special Mentions.

The OIV, an intergovernmental organisation based in Dijon, France, is the world’s leading entity dedicated to the scientific and technical knowledge of vines and wine, bringing together more than 50 countries that produce and consume wine. The OIV Awards have recognised the best international publications dedicated to wine culture and science since 1930.

The Alentejo Regional Wine Commission (CVRA) was created in 1989 and is responsible for the protection and defence of the Alentejo DOC and the Alentejo Geographical Indication, certification and control of origin and quality, and the promotion and fostering of sustainability. Adhering to high standards of rigour, transparency, and impartiality, CVRA is a certification body accredited by ISO/IEC 17065:2014, with its physical-chemical and sensory analysis laboratories accredited by ISO/IEC 17025:2018. Furthermore, it holds ISO 14001:2015 certification due to CVRA’s strong commitment to environmental issues.

The Alentejo region is the national leader in certified wines, accounting for approximately 40% of total sales value across 14 wine-producing regions in Portugal. With a vineyard area of ​​23,300 hectares, 30% of its production is destined for export to five main destinations: Brazil, Switzerland, the USA, the United Kingdom, and Poland.

One of only two regions in the world that has been producing Vinho de Talha (clay amphora wine) for over two thousand years, the Alentejo also boasts a pioneering initiative, the “Alentejo Wines Sustainability Program,” which aims to improve practices used in vineyards and wineries, producing high-quality and economically viable grapes and wine.

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