Wine press review for Sunday March 8 -2026

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and wine news.

Italian Wineries

Cantina Andriano presents “Peter 1893 Lagrein Riserva 2022”

The historic Andriano Winery in Alto Adige is launching a new label dedicated to Peter Pircher, co-founder of the cooperative. The wine comes from historic vineyards in the Bolzano area, planted on sandy soils enriched with porphyry from the Sarntal Valley, which ensure drainage and aromatic finesse. The label celebrates over a century of work with Lagrein, a grape variety that is a symbol of the local tradition.

Rauscedo Winery: Flavio Geretto Appointed General Manager

The Friulian cooperative begins a new strategic phase with the appointment of Flavio Geretto as General Manager. Founded in 1951, Cantina Rauscedo now boasts approximately 2,000 hectares of vineyards between the Tagliamento, Meduna, and Cellina rivers, in an area characterized by stony soils that have helped define a distinctive viticultural identity.

Monte del Frà and the Cà del Magro 2023

Monte del Frà continues its journey to enhance the moraine hills of Custoza. The company, founded in 1958 by the Bonomo family, now manages 137 hectares spread across Bardolino, Lugana, and Valpolicella Classica, maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and the enhancement of historic terroirs.

Tenuta Roveglia: The Lugana of the Three Sisters

On the moraine hills south of Lake Garda, in Pozzolengo, the historic Tenuta Roveglia continues to produce one of the most prized Luganas in the area. Its origins date back to 1404, but the turning point came in the 19th century with Federico Zweifel, who reclaimed abandoned land and introduced the cultivation of Turbiana.

From the Barolo region to Abruzzo: Alessandro Maestri’s selection

The young Turin entrepreneur Alessandro Maestri decided to start his own winery in Cannosa Sannita, Abruzzo, after an education in Gastronomic Sciences and a childhood spent among the vineyards and family winery in Monferrato.

Italian Wine and Oenology

Too much wine in the cellar: the issue of stocks

According to the Cantina Italia ICQRF report, as of December 31, 2025, Italian cellars held 59.5 million hectoliters of wine , exceeding 70 million when musts and fermenting wines are included . The problem isn’t the harvest, which remained stable at 44.3 million hectoliters , but the slowdown in sales. Prices for ordinary white wines have fallen by an average of more than 10% , while exports outside the EU are estimated to decline by 7% in 2025.

International direct wine sales are growing

Direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales in Europe are becoming a strategic lever for many wineries. In some cases, margins can reach 70% , compared to the average 30% for traditional shelf sales . However, tax and regulatory complexity remains one of the main obstacles to the model’s diffusion.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in excellent health

The Vino Nobile Preview confirms the denomination’s solidity. The region stands out for the multifunctionality of its wineries:

  • 75% agritourism
  • 50% tastings
  • 35% catering

In some businesses, hospitality and direct sales generate up to 90% of turnover .

The best Aglianico del Vulture wines under €20

The Vulture region in Basilicata continues to emerge as one of Italy’s most exciting areas for characterful red wines. Aglianico grown on volcanic soils offers wines with great tannic structure, vibrant acidity, and smoky mineral notes.

Forbes Italia: The 100 Iconic Italian Wineries

Forbes Italia has published its list of the 100 wineries shaping the future of Italian wine . Among the most notable names are Allegrini, Banfi, Bellavista, Ca’ del Bosco, Ceretto, Donnafugata, Ferrari Lunelli, Frescobaldi, Planeta, and Zenato.

“Post-natural” wine

According to philosopher Roberto Frega, author of the book Post-Natural Wine , the natural wine movement has entered a new phase. From a counterculture, it has become a recognized market category, widespread in restaurants and wine bars around the world.

International

Wine and Health: Professor Simon Feldhaus’s Opinion

Swiss physician Simon Feldhaus, a specialist in longevity medicine, argues that the alcohol debate is often driven by an overly alarmist approach. According to the scholar, moderate wine consumption can be compatible with a healthy lifestyle.

Wine Events

Assoenologi Forum “Wine and Youth”

On March 13th, a forum dedicated to the relationship between new generations and wine will be held at Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence . The initiative aims to understand new consumption patterns and promote a responsible approach to wine culture.

Excellence of Tuscany 2026

The 24th edition of Eccellenza di Toscana takes place at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence, with over 450 companies and more than 2,100 wines tasted by 86 AIS sommeliers.

MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2026

The international competition saw 5,500 wines blindly tasted by an international jury. Among the results, 17 Sardinian wines were awarded gold and silver medals. The official ceremony will be held during ProWein 2026 in Düsseldorf .

Garda DOC at ProWein with low alcohol wines

The Garda DOC Consortium will present its new low-alcohol labels (around 9%) for the first time at ProWein, a typology recently introduced into the denomination’s regulations.

Training and Sector Policies

New Agricultural and Viticultural Sciences course at the University of Salento

The university is launching an academic program dedicated to the challenges of contemporary agriculture: climate change, sustainability, technological innovation, and the development of winemaking supply chains.

Wine Investment Call 2026–2027

The regional call for proposals for wine investments under EU Regulation 2021/2115 has been approved. Applications may be submitted via SIAN until May 15, 2026 .

Wine culture

Homage to the scholar Emilio Filieri

The academic volume Verace via , dedicated to the scholar Emilio Filieri, an important figure in the promotion of local culture, was presented at the Oil and Wine Museum in Squinzano.

Investment opportunities in the wine sector

Winery with industrial cellar – Calabria

In the heart of Calabria’s wine-producing region, a 60-hectare agricultural estate is available, with 25 hectares of vineyards and an industrial cellar of over 6,500 square meters with a production capacity of up to 2 million bottles annually . The property is already present on international markets.

Organic Winery – Eastern Hills of Friuli

Prestigious property of approximately 80 hectares with 18 hectares of terraced vineyards , a 1,200-hl cellar, and accommodations with potential for wine tourism development. Average production of 50,000 bottles .

REVOLUTION 20 – Advanced vending machine for wine and water

Technological system installed in a 20′ High Cube container, designed for the automated 24-hour sale of wine, water and soft drinks with total control of flows and stock.

FORBUS – Business Generator for Italian Wineries

A network of professionals created by QUIDQUID Srls to support wine entrepreneurs and investors in strategic transactions: acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures, industrial repositionings, and commercial development.

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See you tomorrow for the latest news from the world of wine.