President of the Government signs protocol to "preserve and enhance" traditional grape varieties - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, signed today, on behalf of the Government, a collaboration protocol with the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation with a view to "preserving and enhancing" traditional grape varieties.

"The commitment we are making to preserving and enhancing our traditional grape varieties in the field of viticulture, such as Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores and Terrantêz do Pico, is essential for us, given the quality we can have based on our tradition and distinctive identity," he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro spoke on the sidelines of the event held this morning at the Ponta Delgada campus of the University of the Azores.

The protocol provides for the allocation of around 65 thousand Euros to implement "a programme to revitalise traditional grape varieties using biotechnological tools, making use of knowledge and technology that has long been implemented in the Region by the Azores Biotechnology Centre."

Wine growing has been historically and culturally associated with the Azores since they were first settled.

In the wine-growing areas of the Azores, the combination of the cultivation system with a genetic heritage made up of unique grape varieties such as Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores and Terrantêz do Pico makes the typical landscape and the wine products an added value with increased importance in the Azorean economy.