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Wine press review for Monday February 2 -2026

with:

Wineries, Italian wine producers, and wine news.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Amarone Opera Prima 2021: Assessments, Tastings, and Strategic Vision The 22nd edition of Amarone Opera Prima in Verona concluded with solid results (67 wineries, 400 operators, 1,500 enthusiasts) and a clear picture of the 2021 vintage: balanced, elegant, and promising, despite a challenging climate. The event intertwined wine, Italian Cuisine (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, reinforcing Amarone’s role as a cultural and economic icon of Made in Italy. Ample space was also given to blind tastings and a technical analysis of the vintage.

Montecucco DOC: signs of bucking the trend. The appellation closed 2025 with an 11.1% bottling rate (approximately 800,000 bottles), despite the decline in production during the last harvest. This figure reflects the wineries’ confidence and ability to dominate the market, bucking the overall Tuscan trend.

Cantina Vignaioli Morellino di Scansano: Large-scale retail trade growing. Positive 2024–25 results: 7.3% share in large-scale retail trade and total revenue of €15.7 million. Maintaining market share and the success of the bag-in-box product are key. Exports remain stable in a challenging international environment.

Sémida di Perda Rubia: the pure Semidano of Ogliastra. The promotion of historic Sardinian grape varieties continues with Sémida, a pure Semidano white. An identity project that combines varietal recovery, granite soils, and a contemporary interpretation of the terroir.

LEFFREY: Stefano Minetti’s Aosta Valley project . A tale of micro-territories between Adret and Envers della Dora Baltea. Vineyards managed at high altitude, with extreme exposures and an artisanal approach, yielding crisp, fresh, and profoundly territorial wines.

Wine Notes: Flora Mondello and Gaglio Vignaioli. The story of a Sicilian family since 1910, encompassing agricultural heritage, investments, and a female vision. An example of generational continuity that looks to the future without losing its identity.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

Organic wine: production growth, market weakness. Organic products represent over 20% of Italian agricultural production and 21% of viticulture. However, the issue of shelf recognition remains: higher costs, production risks, and poor recognition in large-scale retail trade are putting pressure on the most virtuous companies.

Wine as a cultural food. From Siena, a reflection that intertwines history, science, and health. Wine is distinct from alcohol in the strict sense: an agricultural product, traceable, associated with conviviality, and to be consumed with awareness and moderation.

Wine stocks at an all-time high. 2025 closes with 59.5 million hectoliters in stock (4.4%). Producers are calling for more effective tools for promotion on foreign markets, while the issue of supply management is once again a central theme.

Viticulture and Biodiversity: The Wine of the Future Research into resistant grape varieties, reduction of pesticide use, and response to consumer demands: sustainability comes from varietal innovation and a new balance between the environment, quality, and the market.

Training: ONAV and the “humanism of the senses” A new approach to tasting: the centrality of human experience, an advanced sensorial method, and nationwide training.

Interview with Sergio Germano: Consumption and Territories From Grandi Langhe, a clear-eyed analysis of the current situation: no shortcuts, just small adjustments, territorial openness, and the ability to reach a wider audience without distorting our identity.

Politics and the sector: the Terre d’Oltrepò case. Parliamentary question on the cooperative’s management by a commissioner. The focus is on transparency of procedures, evaluation of expressions of interest, and protection of territoriality.

INTERNATIONAL

Elton John Zero Blanc de Blancs 0%: Elton John’s alcohol-free sparkling wine makes its UK debut. This product aims to replicate the rituals and style of wine, appealing to the non-alcohol audience with a pop and inclusive style.

Moldova at BIT Milan 2026 The Republic of Moldova presents itself as an emerging wine tourism destination, with wines, typical products and tourism operators on display in Milan.

WINE EVENTS

Vinitaly 2026: NoLo, spirits, and wine tourism. A new area dedicated to zero- and low-alcohol wines, a spirits pavilion, and a focus on experience. A direct response to Wine Paris and ProWein, it captures the evolution of the market.

Turin Wine Fair From February 28th to March 2nd, over 500 wineries and 50 events at the OGR and in the city. A cultural format showcasing wine as an expression of community and territory, with a strong international buyer presence.

Wine&Siena: a confirmed success. Great participation in masterclasses and tastings, particularly on Pievi del Nobile. Growing attention is focused on low-/no-alcohol wines and new consumer segments.

Derthona on Tour – Milan Timorasso arrives in the Lombardy capital with 20 wineries. A grape variety that symbolizes the rebirth of the region and the longevity of Italian white wines.

diVino Roma 2026 On February 7th and 8th, over 100 wineries and 300 labels will be at Villa Piccolomini. Tastings, masterclasses, and direct discussions with producers.

OST – Temporary Starred Restaurant (Casentino) Five four-handed dinners between February and June: Michelin-starred chefs and local tradition to showcase the region through a gastronomic experience.

Verona: Olympics, wine, and culture. In preparation for Milan Cortina 2026, the city showcases itself as a crossroads of sport, history, and food and wine, with a view that extends all the way to Valpolicella.

Prince Albert II of Monaco and local delicacies. An official visit and symbolic tasting of anchovies, truffles, and local wines: taste diplomacy in action.

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See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Sunday February 1 -2026

with:

Wineries, Italian wine producers, and wine news.

Italian wineries

Amarone Opera Prima: the 2021 vintage and the future of Valpolicella. Amarone Opera Prima opens with the 2021 vintage at the center of tastings and discussions. The Valpolicella Consortium reiterates the need to maintain a presence in Asia, Northern Europe, the USA, and Canada, closely monitoring the EU-Mercosur and EU-India agreements. Producers have supported this strategy by increasing their consortium fees by 15%, a sign of a shared vision.

Monte Rossa and Pievalta: a memorable start to 2026. Monte Rossa’s Cabochon Fuoriserie N°025 Brut has been named one of Decanter’s Top 10 Wines of the Year 2025 – Italy, the only Franciacorta wine selected. This recognition strengthens the position of Brescia’s sparkling wines in premium markets.

Siddùra closes out a record-breaking 2025. The Sardinian winery consolidates its awards and financial results. Its first sparkling wine makes a successful debut, while 2026 will focus on new products, technology, and innovation to address evolving consumer trends.

A great Lagrein in just a few bottles from Alto Adige. From Gries, in the agricultural heart of Bolzano, a historic winery presents a Lagrein of the highest expression, a synthesis of urbanity and border viticulture.

Zuliani (Rauscedo): The great DOC Prosecco represents a structural turning point. Affordable pricing, freshness, and low alcohol content remain the keys to success. Prosecco remains the economic pillar of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Declining consumption and high inventories: why uprooting isn’t enough. The 2026 EU Wine Package reopens the debate on 100%-funded uprooting. UIV and FIVI warn: fewer linear cuts, more supply management, quality, and an industrial vision.

The Glera of the future is born. Seven new resistant varieties derived from Glera have been presented, the result of research by VCR and CREA Conegliano. This represents a key step for the “Prosecco world” amid climate change and sustainable production.

Freisa: the second youth of a Piedmontese red. A historic, aromatic, and distinctive grape variety, it returns to prominence with modern interpretations that dialogue with contemporary tastes.

Dolegna del Collio, a land of thresholds. A profound tale of borders, ponca, and vineyard landscapes, where viticulture becomes a cultural as well as agricultural infrastructure.

Wine Defects: Recognizing Them in the Glass A practical guide to the main sensory alterations, combining chemistry and microbiology, useful for professionals and enthusiasts.

Wine as a cultural food. From Confagricoltura Siena, a discussion on history, health, and awareness: wine as a traceable, convivial product tied to the territory.

International

USA: Difficulties yes, but no collapse for Italian wine. Consumption is declining for the fifth consecutive year, but Italy is holding up better than its competitors. The testimonies of top American players call for realism and continued presence.

UIV: Italy better than average in the US market. In 2025, sales of Italian wine will also decline, but with smaller drops than those of US products.

Champagne Bertemès, a journey to the Montagne de Reims. Tasting in Pescara with D’Alesio. Distribution: Artisanal Champagne, long refinements and territorial identity.

Wine events, culture and territories

Wine Paris 2026: Wine looks ahead under the Parisian sky. From February 9th to 11th, Wine Paris 2026 confirms Paris as the global wine hub. Italy is the second largest exhibitor, with a strong presence of European, American, and Asian buyers.

Milano-Cortina 2026: Italian wine ambassador From Cantina Todini’s Rubro to Tenuta Masselina’s dry Albana, the labels selected for Milano Cortina 2026 showcase biodiversity and regional identity at Casa Italia – MUSA.

Art and Wine in Barletta: Places of Beauty 2026. An artistic presentation and tasting in the Ex Cantina Sperimentale Library, exploring culture, territory, and collective memory.

“Nectar of the Gods”: wine becomes a global story. The Apple TV series, spanning France and Japan, brings wine back to the center of pop storytelling, as a cultural and symbolic object.

Less snobbery, more clarity: the producers’ recipe From Grandi Langhe a clear message: simplify the language, enhance the Mediterranean cultural dimension and navigate the markets with pragmatism.

Thanks for listening. Today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT . See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Saturday January 31 -2026

with:

Wineries, Italian wine producers, and wine news.

Terlano Winery: “Rarity 2013” arrives (3,300 bottles) , a Pinot Blanc from a Vorberg parcel (550–600 m) and vines over 50 years old. Released in March, it was also driven by the 100-point reception for “Rarity 1991.” Why it matters: Premium, collectible, and historical narrative = strong leverage for pricing and reputation.

• Cantina San Michele Appiano: Interview with the new kellermeister Jakob Gasser. A technical generational transition and continuity of “uncompromising quality,” with a broad membership base and high-altitude viticulture. Why it matters: Top cooperatives are becoming “precision machines” (brand territory governance).

• Cenatiempo tells the story of Ischia. Terraced vineyards, biodynamic management, volcanic and marine identity, micro-plots, and select suppliers. Why it matters: “unique” territories = real competitive advantage in wine tourism and positioning.

• Querciabella: “French-inspired” elegance in Chianti Classico. History and stylistic choice: territorial identity, international varieties/a more “fine wine” approach. Why it matters: a hybrid model that appeals to premium markets without abandoning the denomination.

• Ruché: the Monferrato grape variety saved by a parish priest. A story of varietal recovery and local identity (Castagnole Monferrato). Why it matters: “Small DOCGs with a true history” work if transformed into a coherent commercial project.

• Cantina Terre d’Oltrepò: proposed leasing of assets to the Venetians of Collis Veneto Wine Group. A “branch lease” solution to guarantee the 2026 harvest and test the reaction of members and the local area. Why it matters: a pragmatic approach (operational continuity as a future option) typical of cooperative relaunches.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

• Prosecco “overtakes” Champagne: historic overtaking and causes. On the one hand, volumes and global lifestyle; on the other, driven premiumization and structural decline (266 million bottles 2025 according to Comité Champagne). Why it matters: The market is rewarding accessibility, frequency of consumption, and range adaptability.

• Langhe Nebbiolo: green light for sparkling wine on the label. A change in regulations (along with the bag-in-box requirement) aims to capture sparkling wine trends without overlapping with Alta Langa; Sergio Germano weighs in. Why it matters: more “product forms” within the denominations = a rapid response to new consumer trends (but it must be managed well).

• Amarone della Valpolicella: not born from a mistake, but from a project of typicity. Archival research debunks the legend of the “accident” and reinforces the idea of a conscious winemaking choice. Why it matters: changing the narrative means changing the perceived value (and therefore the negotiating power).

• The future of Valpolicella “in six wines” Not just Amarone: a vision of the appellation as an ecosystem (including Recioto) presented by JC Viens and the Consortium. Why it matters: diversifying the product pyramid is the only structural defense against saturation and cycles.

• Formats and containers: half bottles, jumbo bottles, cans, tetrapacks. Packaging returns as a strategic theme: service, consumption opportunities, sustainability, and logistics. Why it matters: often, growth isn’t about “more wine,” but “more convenient wine” (and more consistent with the channel).

• Fake Chianti: over 2,500 illegal items online. The Chianti Wine Consortium’s “Online Brand Protection – Overview 2025” report: websites, marketplaces, social media, and domains. Why it matters: Brand protection isn’t bureaucracy: it’s about protecting average prices and reputation.

• “Hold on in the US”: a reading from Colangelo & Partners. Between late 2025 and early 2026, there will be a renewed determination to invest in the US market, despite previous caution. Why it matters: in mature markets, those who stay in place when others slow down often gain market share.

• Torchlight case: friction between Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG and Prosecco DOC. The Olympic sponsorship is not disputed, but the perceived overlap/ambiguity generated by the episode is. Why it matters: “Brand confusion” is an industrial risk: it impacts margins and the ability to differentiate.

International

• USA: Wine consumption to decline again in 2025, Italy better than average. Unione Italiana Vini data from Sipsource: -8.8% volume and -7.2% value; Italy -5.2% volume and -3% value, driven by Prosecco and Tuscan reds. Why it matters: In the US, those who “optimize portfolios” (sparkling strong denominations) and cut out the superfluous are the winners.

• Australian wine exports 2025: value and volume decline, Asia holds firm (but not China). After the 2024 rebound, the restocking effect ends; the UK/USA and global trends in declining alcohol consumption are having an impact. Why it matters: A macroeconomic signal: it’s not a “one-country” problem, it’s a regime shift in consumption.

Wine events, fairs and territories

• Amarone Opera Prima (January 30–31, February 1) A consortium event that brings attention to Amarone and the Valpolicella system. Why it matters: major denominations are rewriting the narrative (not just tasting, but strategy).

• Fieragricola 2026: conference on CAP interoperability (February 5) Focus on PCG and QDCA, digital registers and company data (with Veronafiere, Image Line and Accademia dei Georgofili). Why it matters: those who equip themselves with data reduce friction on controls/payments and speed up agronomic decisions.

• Vinitaly 2026: debut of the No/Low area and new spirits pavilion. Response to trade fair trends and competition: NoLo, spirits, wine tourism. Why it matters: the fair is “expanding the supply chain”: opportunities for technologies, ingredients, and new models.

• “Tasting is discovering”: the Wine Fair returns to the OGR Turin (February 28–March 2). Over 500 wineries and 50 events, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and new generations. Why it matters: the “culture, territory, community” format is increasingly central to wine tourism.

• AIS – Italian Sommelier Association: “Vitae 2026” guide presented in the Aosta Valley. Event in Aymavilles: numbers, territory, and an international perspective. Why it matters: guides function as a reputational infrastructure (also useful for export and hospitality).

• Best wine destinations 2026: three Italian destinations on the podium according to European Best Destinations. Ranking based on overall experience: sustainability, dining, hospitality. Why it matters: Wine tourism isn’t just a side dish: it’s a defensive edge and a brand multiplier.

• Slow Wine Lazio Festival – Eataly Roma Ostiense Focus on regional identity, native grape varieties, and qualitative growth, in the Eataly Fest program. Why it matters: Lazio is in the positioning phase: an opportunity for scouting and “new stories” portfolios.

• Lison Winery: ideas competition to transform Ca’ Rossa into a contemporary boutique winery. Restoration of rural architecture and hospitality landscape (Lison–Pramaggiore). Why it matters: Architecture is becoming part of the product: an experience even before the glass.

Political-regulatory framework (indirect impact on wine)

• Phytosanitary products: Updated January 29, 2026 (SCOPAFF) Voting results on substances and data requirements (renewals/approvals and postponed votes). Why it matters: Technical compliance is now part of the operational risk (and production costs).

• Lollobrigida: €13.5 billion in funding for agriculture. Focus on increasing the Ministry’s PNRR resources and the “excellent state of health” assessment versus tractor discontent. Why it matters: The funds are there, but the real challenge is implementation: access, timelines, bureaucracy, and bankability.

Closing (QUIDQUID operational cut): today the message is twofold and very “directorial”:

  1. bubbles remain the driving force, but they must be managed so as not to lose their identity/value;
  2. Declining US and global consumption require lean portfolios, credible storytelling, and high-margin channels (DTC hospitality), while digital and data become infrastructure, not accessories.

Review offered by WINEIDEA.IT .

Wine press review for Friday January 30 -2026

with:

Italian wineries and wines, wine news.

Italian wineries

Friuli’s wine world says goodbye to Daniela Coser. The Friulian wine world loses a key figure: Daniela Coser, co-founder of Ronco dei Tassi in Cormòns, has passed away. A discreet and decisive entrepreneur, she helped build one of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s leading wineries, combining vision, sensitivity, and daily dedication.

Le Carline, pioneers of organic and resistant grape varieties in Veneto. In Lison-Pramaggiore, Daniele Piccinin has led one of the most advanced sustainability practices for thirty years: organic, PIWI, sulfur-free wines, and experiments in the lagoon. Today, the winery boasts approximately 35 hectares and a solid, consistent production.

Vinchio Vaglio grows against the grain. The Piedmontese cooperative winery records a 20% increase in sales, €11.5 million in revenue, and strong member compensation. Their strategy: consistent quality and “good wine at the right price” in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nizza Monferrato.

Maculan Winery, 50 Vintages of Creativity. In Breganze, Fausto Maculan celebrates half a century of his career with an event-wine that embodies his unpredictable style. A story that intertwines terroir, experimentation, and personal identity.

Three wine postcards from Sicily: Casa Grazia, Ramaddini, and Terre di Entella tell the story of three souls of the island: Gela, Marzamemi, and Contessa Entellina. Different grape varieties, soils, and visions, united by quality and a strong territorial identity.

Cantina Pirata, the path of experimentation in Campania In Guardia Sanframondi, Filippo Mancini produces small, unconventional wines from old vineyards and historic varieties to create wines with a strong personality.

Cantina Produttori Bolzano, the cooperative model that works With Alto Adige Bianco Tal 1930 2022, the South Tyrolean cooperative confirms a model based on quality, sustainability and the valorization of small winemakers.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

The future of Prosecco and Veneto denominations. The annual conference in Godega di Sant’Urbano addresses markets, new sources, and sustainability certifications, confirming its position as a point of reference for regional viticulture.

Producing “clean” and fair wine Slow Food reaffirms the need for a paradigm shift: environmental sustainability, biodiversity protection, and the dignity of labor as the pillars of Italian viticulture.

Amarone, not a mistake but an identity project On the eve of Amarone Opera Prima, it is reiterated that the great red from Valpolicella was born from a precise vision of typicality, not by chance.

Prices, margins, and storytelling: a change of pace is needed. A clear message emerged from the DB Conference in London: without alignment between price and perceived value, wine risks a structural crisis of profitability and appeal.

Bottles from the bottom of Lake Garda : 1,200 bottles aged underwater were recovered: an experiment in alternative maturation that continues to intrigue the market and enthusiasts.

International

USA: A struggling but resilient market. Between tariffs, the euro/dollar exchange rate, and new consumption patterns, the wine market in the United States is slowing but not collapsing. For many operators, it remains a key market, especially for the high-end segment.

New resistant grape varieties from Switzerland Agroscope presents seven new varieties with long-lasting resistance to downy mildew and powdery mildew, the result of over 15 years of research and advanced genetic selection.

Romania, Crama Corbuţ and the Crisana Palatin Reserve Romanian viticulture continues its path of valorization: focus on a small winery of the Crisana DOC and on a red wine made from Cabernet, Merlot and Fetească Neagră.

Chianti debuts in Africa. The Chianti Wine Consortium’s mission to Nigeria is a success: masterclasses and tastings in Lagos open a dialogue with an emerging and curious market.

From Hong Kong to Barolo: A Conversion to Wine A Vinitaly International Academy professor reflects on how to attract new audiences to wine at a time of intense pressure on the industry.

Wine events

Salone del Vino 2026 – Turin From February 28th to March 2nd, Piedmont’s largest “open cellar” returns to the OGR Turin. Two days for the public and one for professionals, with international buyers. The theme: “Tasting is discovery.”

Grandi Langhe 2026: Over 400 wines tasted in the press room in Turin. Focus on the new Barolo and Barbaresco vintages, with particular attention to the 2022 vintage, which was marked by severe drought.

Amarone Opera Prima 2026 From January 30th to February 1st in Verona: over 50 wineries and 100 international journalists. Featured, among others, are Pasqua Vini and Ilatium Morini with their new Amarone vintages.

Drink Let’s Drink South in Rome Southern Italy takes center stage at the Westin Excelsior: anticipation is growing for the Costa degli Dei and the future Calabrian wine denomination.

AIS Veneto: 2026 sommelier courses begin . Training for new wine professionals resumes, in a context where culture and skills are becoming increasingly central.

Milan-Cortina 2026, an opportunity for Italian wine According to Sandro Bottega, the Winter Olympics will be a powerful driving force for the wines of Lombardy and Veneto, with global visibility and a strong economic impact.

Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT. See you tomorrow.