The second edition of the Excellence Award, presented at ENOMAQ 2017, has been awarded to Bodegas Aragonesas, S.L. This award, aimed at wineries operating on the Iberian Peninsula, recognizes innovation and the implementation of practical and original products adapted to the current needs of the wine sector.

Viñas del Vero S.A. also received an honorable mention for its work promoting sustainability and the use of environmental measures that benefit energy savings and the generation of hydrogen for use in various viticultural processes.

Based in Fuendejalón, Zaragoza, Bodegas Aragonesas was recognized, among other reasons, for developing winemaking practices focused on improving grape quality, which is reflected in its various commercial wines. The Zaragoza-based company also stands out for its sustainability through its old Garnacha vineyards and the reduction of phytosanitary treatments.

In terms of innovation, the maintenance and study of minority grape varieties and accessions; the development of oenological techniques for obtaining unique wines already on the market; and the search for high-impact techniques such as the partial dealcoholization of musts/red wines during fermentation and the application of high-voltage electrical pulses, are other aspects that were decisive in the jury's decision.

A distinguished jury comprised the head of the Oenology Unit of the Government of Aragon, Ernesto Calixto Franco; the technical director of the Agrarian Technological Institute of Castile and León, Domingo Carlos González; and the head of the Technological Center and Media Management section of the Government of La Rioja, Juan Bautista Chávarri.

Thus, the ENOMAQ 2017 Excellence Award aims to recognize the hard work carried out by companies on the Iberian Peninsula in support of the sector, through their commitment to innovation, technological development, and environmental stewardship.

The award will be presented during the 21st edition of the International Winery and Bottling Machinery and Equipment Exhibition, from February 14 to 17 at the Zaragoza Trade Fair Center. Bodegas Aragonesas will be the second company to receive this award since its inception in the previous edition (2015), which was awarded to Bodegas Grupo Yllera.