Morning Wine Report for August 26, 2025

Key updates on the world of wine.

Morning Wine Report for August 26, 2025

• Climate crisis in the Mediterranean : winemakers in Greece, Spain, France, and Italy are facing drought, flooding, and extreme temperatures. Strategies adopted: advanced irrigation, new resistant varieties, and changes in altitude.
• Italian exports slightly down : through May 2025, value -0.8% (€3.2 billion), volume -3.8% (852.3 million liters). Markets holding steady: USA (5.7% in value) and Canada; UK, Germany, China, Japan, and Russia are declining.
• Growing inventories : as of July 30, Italian inventories stood at 39.8 million hl, stable on an annual basis (0.5%) but down compared to June (-8.8%).
• Global bulk market slows : weak demand pushes innovation (canned wine, low-ABV, spritz). In Italy, harvest is slow, but the bulk market remains sluggish; Prosecco DOC 5.4% in July; 2024 Pinot Grigio almost sold out.
• US tariff tensions : 15% tariffs penalize Valpolicella and Ripasso, while Amarone has a lesser impact; potential losses of up to €317 million over 12 months.
• Chianti looks to Asia, South America and Africa : in the face of US tensions, export strategies are being pushed towards emerging markets (Brazil, China, Japan, Africa and the Middle East).
• AI and sustainability in viticulture : new studies show how Artificial Intelligence optimizes irrigation, vineyard management, and personalized wine tourism itineraries.

M&A Radar

Currently, no recent M&A transactions in the Italian or global wine sector emerge from the available results.

Mini-box “Prices & Harvest”