The commitment to excellence and wine diversity is reinforced this year with the second edition of the ARGRAF Award for the Best Sommelier of the Other Rioja. In collaboration with Bodegas Familiares de Rioja, this competition tests the knowledge and precision of professional sommeliers, who must demonstrate their mastery of Rioja areas and varieties in a demanding blind tasting.
An event celebrating the diversity of wine
After the success of the first edition, in which numerous professionals from the sector participated, the competition returns with the aim of continuing to highlight the richness of the different geographical areas and winemaking styles of Rioja. Organised at the Delicatto restaurant in Logroño on 31 March, this event coincides with the traditional presentation of the new vintage of Bodegas Familiares de Rioja, making it a key meeting point for the sector.
The mechanics of the tasting
Under the direction of Pedro Salguero, former overseer of the Control Board, the blind tasting will test the aspirants with seven wines from different geographical areas of Rioja. Participants will have to identify the area of origin, grape variety and winemaking style, accumulating scores according to their degree of accuracy. The competition will be divided into two preliminary rounds during the morning, from which the ten best classified will enter the grand final to be held in the afternoon.
A recognition of excellence
The ARGRAF Award will have a total prize of 5,000 euros, distributed as follows: 3,000 euros for the winner, 1,000 euros for the runner-up and two runners-up prizes of 500 euros each. This competition not only rewards the talent of sommeliers, but also promotes the knowledge and dissemination of the wines of the Otra Rioja, an initiative that reinforces the value of small family wineries and their role in the region’s wine-growing wealth.
With this event, ARGRAF reaffirms its commitment to the world of wine and to the professionals who, day after day, transmit the essence and uniqueness of Rioja through their passion and knowledge.
For registration and further information, visit www.laotrarioja.com.