Wine press review for Saturday December 20 – 2025

Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.

Italian wineries

The new Erbaluce labels that Olivetti would have liked. The Cantina Sociale della Serra is revamping its “Anfiteatro” line with embossed labels depicting the Canavese region: Serra, Lake Viverone, the Dora River, and the morainic amphitheater. This identity project complements the launch of their new e-commerce site and strengthens the connection between members, the local area, and direct sales.

Maculan and solidarity: 300 bottles for the Eye Bank. The Maculan winery is launching a charity auction featuring 300 limited-edition bottles of Santalucia 2024 to benefit the Veneto Eye Bank Foundation . The event will be held at Le Calandre restaurant: by 2025, the goal is to exceed €400,000 raised in 16 years.

La Roccola dei Colli Euganei opens a new store in the Polesine area. The La Roccola dei Colli Euganei winery opens a store in Grignano Polesine dedicated to bulk and bottled wines. This local operation brings quality and a direct relationship with consumers beyond its historic production area.

Tenute Lu Spada: organic rosés shine in 2025. The Tenute Lu Spada winery has won international recognition with its organic rosés, including a silver medal at the International Organic Wine Award in Germany. This project combines native grape varieties, organic production, and international positioning.

Ventiventi: When unity is strength. In Medolla (MO), the Ventiventi winery led by the Razzaboni brothers demonstrates how a new generation can reinterpret Emilian wine with a contemporary vision and a strong corporate identity.

Cantina Tollo: double-digit growth. The Cantina Tollo cooperative closed its 2024-2025 financial year with a turnover of €41.3 million (20%) and a 35% increase in production value. The remuneration of its contributing members also increased.

Terre de’ Trinci: Certifications and Territory The Terre de’ Trinci winery is strengthening its DOC/DOCG, organic, and SQNPI certifications, integrating sustainability, territorial identity, and events as levers of credibility on the market.

Canneddu Winery in Mamoiada: tradition and innovation. Canneddu Winery is investing in technology thanks to OCM Vino funds, aiming to establish a structured presence outside of Sardinia.

Saffirio: Sustainability as a Practice In Monforte d’Alba, Saffirio, led by Sara Vezza, confirms a consistent vision: organic and biodynamic as operational choices, not as slogans.

Torre di Terzolan: Amarone in amphora from the Squaranto Valley. Torre di Terzolan offers an original interpretation of eastern Valpolicella, combining history, biodiversity, and experimentation in amphora.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

The “monasteries of wine”: history and spirituality A cultural journey through Italian wine with contributions by Attilio Scienza , Vittorio Moretti and Renzo Cotarella , including historic abbeys and large estates such as Badia a Passignano and Praglia.

Mattia Vezzola: “Thirty Years of Wine Counterfeiters” The Costaripa owner reflects on the risk of narrative homogenization in Italian wine. A powerful call for authenticity, penned by one of Franciacorta’s key figures.

Savory Panettone and Wine: New Pairings With Motta and Chef Bruno Barbieri ‘s Savory Panettone with Arrabbiata, wine – especially sparkling rosé – becomes the protagonist of a less predictable Christmas.

Alcohol-Free Wine: The Debate. A survey reveals a divided industry: some consumers are open to innovation, while others defend tradition. This is a signal that deserves careful strategic attention.

Does wine always improve with age? An in-depth analysis that dispels common myths: not all reds improve with age, but some whites do. Technical knowledge at the service of drinking choices.

Fire Prevention in Cellars: The Fire Department’s clarifications on Presidential Decree 151/2011 specify that wine under 20% ABV is not classified as a flammable liquid. This is a relevant operational issue for many facilities.

International

Mercosur and wine: a national strategy is needed According to Città del Vino , the EU-Mercosur agreement should not be abandoned but managed with protection and vision, especially in a phase of difficulty on the US markets.

Coface: Structural Imbalance in European Wine Coface ‘s analysis highlights the structural decline in consumption in Europe (-35% since 2000) and the need to adapt the global production model.

Michelin enters the world of wine. The Michelin Guide introduces “Bunches” as a new winery rating system, following its acquisition of Robert Parker – Wine Advocate. A potential new international benchmark.

Wine events

Christmas in the Cellar 2025 in Tuglie Music, nativity scenes and workshops until January 6th at the Peparussu Cellar , with events dedicated to families and children.

Save the date – Veneto Wine Triptych 2025 The final focus organized by Veneto Agricoltura will be held on January 16, 2026 in Legnaro (PD): definitive data on the 2025 harvest and market scenarios.

Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WineIdea.it . See you tomorrow.