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Wine press review for Tuesday December 23 – 2025

with:

Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Consorzio Colli di Conegliano DOCG Isabella Collalto de Croÿ has been elected president of the Consortium. She succeeds Sante Toffoli after 17 years in office. The focus of the new direction: identity, uniqueness, and recognizability on national and international markets.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG closed 2025 with 98 million bottles sold (8% more than in 2024). This result confirms the solidity of the denomination and the strength of the consortium model.

Cantine di Verona Consolidated turnover of €58.3 million (11-month period). Large-scale retail sales are growing (2.5%), with a slight decline in direct sales outlets. Italian market share at 80%, exports at 20%.

Cantina Tollo: Production value up 35%, turnover up 20%. Member compensation improved. Abruzzo cooperative growing despite challenging conditions.

Caviro Group closed its 2025 financial statements at €351 million. Margins improved, EBIT returned to positive territory, and the financial structure strengthened. Bioenergy and supply chain integration remain strategic drivers.

Cantina Marilina has been awarded the Confeserfidi Future Award – Made in Italy 2025 Promotion Prize for sustainability, ethical supply chain, and local impact.

Cà dell’Orsa (Viggiù – Varese) A small classic method winery on the Swiss border. Young producers, a rediscovered territory, and a 90-point entry into the Veronelli Guide.

La Collina dei Ciliegi – Valpantena Prea Rosso Verona IGT 2021 presented. Supervalpantena project that combines oenological research, altitude and study of the terroir.

La Cantina – Alghero (Santa Maria La Palma) Temporary closure starting January 1, 2026 for renovations and a new strategic partnership. Reopening expected in approximately three months.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

Best Italian wine under €10 : A Grignolino del Monferrato wins the quality-price award in Gambero Rosso’s 2026 BereBene guide. A “rediscovered” grape variety that’s making a comeback.

Italian sparkling wines for the holidays The Gambero Rosso selection for the 2026 Italian Wines Guide recognizes high-quality Classic Method and Charmat wines, many under 25 euros, several under 20.

Italy, the leading destination for food and wine tourism. According to the 2025 Italian Food and Wine Tourism Report, Italy is the leading destination for food and wine tourism. International demand and the propensity to return are growing.

2026 Wine Package – Federdoc Strengthened the role of protection consortia: from control bodies to true strategic governance players in the sector.

EU agriculture funds : Fraud alert: 1,433 irregularities in the 2022–2023 two-year period amounting to €138 million. A critical issue for the sector’s credibility and governance.

Wineries and Wine Estates Global investors are increasingly interested in vineyards and estates as real estate and production assets, with increasingly structured management models.

A rural spa in the cellar. The Pratello farm (Lake Garda) integrates wine, architecture, and wellness. Evolving wine tourism as a lever of value.

A glass that tells a novel. “Polvere di Ricordi” is born, a wine inspired by a novel and an integral part of the narrative. Literature and winemaking meet.

Vinology – Pairings Alessandro Torcoli’s new book proposes a rational and non-anxiety-inducing approach to food and wine pairing: method before rhetoric.

INTERNATIONAL

Fine wine under pressure. According to an analysis by Chandra Kurt (Weinseller Guide Journal), wars, tariffs, climate change, and alcohol marketing are holding back markets. Smaller regions are suffering the most. We need to change language and simplify.

Wine-Lister Leagues 2025: The drivers of the future: changing styles (more elegant and light wines) and wine tourism. Protecting the cultural value of wine and conviviality is key.

Collectible Wine Auctions : Wannenes’ “The Wine & Spirits Vintage Auction” nearly raised €350,000, with 70% of the lots sold. Collectibles are holding up, even in difficult times.

WINE EVENTS AND WINE CULTURE

Open Cellars at Christmas 2025 The FVG Wine Tourism Movement’s format combines visits, tastings, and gift experiences throughout December.

Stories about Wine The sixth edition of the Città del Vino literary prize is underway, with the winning stories published nationally.

Orvieto’s Palazzo del Vino: The Municipality confirms direct management of the structure as a strategic hub for promotion, events, and training.

Salone del Vino Torino 2026 From February 28th to March 2nd at the OGR: over 600 wineries, masterclasses and a technical day reserved for operators.

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Wine press review for Monday December 22 – 2025

with:

Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.

Italian wineries

Sansonina, the Lugana that ages in the lagoon. From Garda to Giudecca: the “Sansonina in Laguna” project brings 100 magnums of Trebbiano di Lugana to age for 16 months below sea level. A dialogue between territories and experimentation, led by Nadia Zenato.

Jacùss, the best Italian sweet wine under €20. In the Colli Orientali del Friuli, the Iacuzzi brothers produce a Verduzzo awarded by the BereBene 2026 guide. Family tradition, agronomic renewal, and a new generation in the cellar.

Vi.VO Cantine reports 2025 financial statements reflecting solidity and international development . Aggregate wine revenue of €186.7 million and net profit of €2.8 million. A cooperative model capable of maintaining profitability and the supply chain in a complex environment.

Ca’ Rugate among the Top 100 Wines and Winemakers of Italy 2026. The Verona winery enters the selection curated by Luciano Ferraro and James Suckling, strengthening the territory’s role as the driving force of Italian wine.

Agricola Brandini, two sisters among the youngest producers of Barolo in La Morra, Serena and Giovanna Bagnasco lead a business that combines territorial elegance, family identity, and a contemporary vision.

Marchesi di Barolo, a praise of balance. Davide and Valentina Abbona describe a dynamic tradition: 115 hectares, 1.3 million bottles, and a management that combines agronomy, marketing, and hospitality.

Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara, the hidden Tuscany of wine. Near San Gimignano, the Logi family has created an agricultural and winemaking project that combines history, territory, and artisanal production.

The wine world mourns: farewell to Giuseppe Bonci. The pioneer of Verdicchio in Cupramontana, a key figure in promoting the San Michele cru and the sparkling wine production of the grape, has passed away at the age of 81.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

10 excellent white wines under €20 for Christmas A cross-section of Italian wine: ready-to-drink labels that can evolve, with pairing suggestions also for meat dishes.

Sparkling Wines at Christmas: Which to Choose and How Much to Drink. From Prosecco to Metodo Classico, an informative focus on types, quality, and conscious consumption during the holidays.

Six contemporary red wines to add to your menu and cellar Global consumption of red wines is decreasing, but demand for lighter, fresher, lower-alcohol wines is growing: chillable reds, gentle tannins, and new styles.

Wine in Restaurants: High Markups and Young People on the Run A critical analysis of the “premiumization” of wine out of the home and the risk of alienating new consumers.

Piedmontese Christmas Lunch 2025: Unconventional Pairings From chilled Nebbiolo on appetizers to Barolo with dessert: a guide that invites you to dare beyond the rules.

A rock that cools grapes and protects vineyards has been discovered. A natural Italian solution to heat stress and climate change, with potential implications for viticultural sustainability.

Mattia Vezzola’s philosophy: “If wine isn’t culture, it’s a loser.” Territory, vocation, and quality are the keys to understanding the future of Italian wine.

International

Italy takes center stage at Wine Paris 2026, from February 9th to 11th. Over 6,000 exhibitors and 60,000 visitors attended. Italian wineries grew by 25%, confirming their position as the leading exhibiting country after France.

China: Made in Italy is popular, but we need a system. Simone Pieranni’s analysis of the economic slowdown, domestic consumption, and opportunities for Italian wine in the Chinese market.

Wineries and wine estates increasingly attractive to global investors. Interest in high-quality agricultural assets is growing, with opportunities for lifestyle, income, and structured winemaking projects.

Wine events, culture and territory

Barbera d’Asti and Monferrato Wines Consortium: 2025: Events and Promotion A year of promotion, relationships, and “popular” positioning, understood as accessibility and identity.

Underwater refinement at Lake Nemi The “Caligola – La Dispensa Subacquea” project expands with new labels immersed in the waters of the Castelli Romani.

Wine rewards the 2025 “Caravaggio” exhibition at Palazzo Barberini. Record visitor numbers and economic impact for one of the Jubilee’s cultural events, also celebrated by the world of wine.

Merano Wine Festival, an event that grows every year. Wine, gastronomy, and the region combine to create an experience that goes beyond tasting.

The new frontiers of wine and wine tourism. The vision of the ZONIN1821 group, combining tradition, sustainability, and international presence.

Città del Vino – “Pair it yourself!” The third edition of the Grandi Verticali in Friuli Venezia Giulia is underway: blind tastings of wines and local foods.

DOP and IGP as an economic and cultural protection for rural areas. Irpet analysis of agri-food supply chains between the global market, the CAP, and climate change.

QUIDQUID – Strategic Business Advisor Where value isn’t told: it’s demonstrated.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Sunday December 21 – 2025

with:

Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.

Italian wineries

From the hills of Casciago: the story of Roberto and “Emotion Green” (Chardonnay and Classic Method). A project born from passion outside the area (between Lake Varese and Sacromonte): 4,000 Chardonnay vines and a clear focus on Classic Method sparkling wine. A case study of agricultural micro-entrepreneurship building expertise, a technical network, and an identity.

San Felice (Chianti Classico) enters the vermouth market: a limited edition and partnership with Bordiga (Cuneo). Tenuta San Felice launches its first artisanal red vermouth (1,700 bottles), a bridge between Tuscan wine and the Piedmontese vermouth tradition. A clear signal: premiumization and spirits-adjacent diversification as a positioning lever.

Celli Winery (Bertinoro): Albana and Sangiovese cited by Wine Enthusiast. International recognition: the 2022 “Grillaie Bertinoro Sangiovese” Romagna DOC receives 93 points and a “Hidden Gem” mention. Excellent export driver and storytelling for appellations with excellent value.

Canevel and the “Setàge Protocol”: Prosecco Superiore between supply chain and slow sparkling wine production. Corporate and stylistic profile: integrated supply chain, synergy with the Masi Group, and a focus on fine, persistent bubbles. Distribution in 40 countries and a 40% export share: a concrete example of consistent “territory-method” positioning.

Underwater aging at Lake Nemi: the red “Caligola” along with 14 other labels. The Castelli Romani “underwater cellar” is expanding: an experiment that combines historical and cultural storytelling with process innovation. Excellent for wine tourism and special editions with high perceived value.

Bold: the high-altitude vineyard linked to the vision of Franz Haas. A story of contemporary viticulture in extreme conditions and “climate challenges”: the mountain as a qualitative and identity-building (as well as communicative) laboratory.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG: from subsistence viticulture to global success. Focus on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rive, and the “heroic” nature of Glera, with contributions from producers and the consortium. A useful piece to emphasize the difference between a “sparkling commodity” and a highly recognizable designation.

CMO Wine – Sicily: Final ranking for vineyard restructuring/conversion 2025-2026. Strategic measure for competitiveness: incentives for mechanization, efficiency, aggregation, and quality. Important signal: those who invest in structure and costs/ha today are protected tomorrow.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Not all wine improves with age: what to really keep (even whites and sparkling wines). Myth-busting message: aging doesn’t “save” a mediocre wine. Practical pre-holiday tip: choose bottles with structure, acidity, balance, and a style designed to evolve; the rest… you can drink with joy and without regret.

Franciacorta under €20: two top choices according to Gambero Rosso (BereBene 2026). A “value for money” selection in the Metodo Classico: evidence that the affordable price range can still offer quality and recognition. Excellent choice for wine shops and smart shelf space.

Perfect wines for the holiday table: sharing menus and pairings. A conviviality-focused approach: a “big” bottle makes sense when it becomes a shared experience. An evergreen for Christmas/New Year’s Eve.

Italians often drink Champagne poorly: a mini-guide to drinking it (well). Cultural point: Champagne isn’t just a “toast,” but a gastronomic wine. Key: understand style/dosage/structure and choose the right moment at the table. Also useful for restaurants and wine pairing.

Mechanized vineyard planting: technologies and operational choices. Technical approach: mechanization as a response to labor, soil conditions, and economic sustainability. A hot topic for those who need to reduce costs without sacrificing quality.

Heroic agriculture: three examples beyond income (Mombarone, Vallecorsa, Amalfi). Terraces and extreme territories as “cultural and environmental infrastructure”: slope protection, biodiversity, identity. Strategic value for “origin-driven” products and tourism.

A thousand-year-old oriental grape variety planted outside Florence by a Japanese sommelier. A story of cultural contamination and experimentation: micro-projects that generate media attention and differentiation (even if not always scalable).

When wine heals wounds: Virzì’s film offers a rebirth inspired by Augusta Bargilli. Wine as a social and human narrative: content that speaks to a wider audience, not just experts. Interesting for its communication and value-based brand storytelling.

“Did agriculture arise because we wanted to drink more beer?” Popularization and history: a scientific and cultural provocation on the origins of agriculture and the role of fermented beverages. Engaging content for the web and social media.

A wine shop burglary in Genoa: a bottle worth over €1,600 stolen. News reports highlight the importance of security in retail outlets and the management of high-value products (display windows, traceability, procedures).

International

Italian sparkling wine exports stable: €1.67 billion in September 2025 (-0.5%), volumes growing (2.19%). Sparkling wines remain the “lifeline” of exports: volumes up, average prices under pressure. The US remains stable (€402.4 million; volumes up 2.8%). Operational advice: protect value with positioning and mix, without chasing just the liter.

Europe at a turning point: declining wine consumption and grubbing-up policies. Harsh scenario: EU consumption -35% since 2000, global historic low estimated at the end of 2025. Measures such as grubbing-up (France: €130 million, €4,000/ha) attempt to rebalance supply/demand, but do not resolve the entire structural imbalance.

France: Protests over the wine crisis (Bordeaux and Orange). Social and identity tensions in the supply chain: symbolic protests (Cité du Vin) and mobilizations by students and producers. A sign of real economic pressure and conflict over the “promotion vs. survival” narrative.

Champagne: “Better Together,” a report on impact and social responsibility (Champagne Committee). A supply chain that structures a shared vision of economic, environmental, and social sustainability, with significant numbers (winemakers, maisons, cooperatives). A useful topic also for Italian consortia: governance and measurable objectives.

Wine events

Tropea – IIS “P. Galluppi”: Masterclass on bubbles (Champagne, Prosecco, sparkling wines) Training and technical culture for future HoReCa operators: perfect content for the region and school, and for developing “dining room” skills that make the difference in perceived value.

Villa Sandi Prosecco at the UN Gala in New York: International visibility and the topic of tariffs. A “political-cultural” toast at a high-profile event (with an Italian menu and institutional guests): Prosecco as a global symbol. Background note: US tariffs/duties remain a critical variable, but the strength of the brand and the category holds up.

Regulatory note and system

New “Wine Package” (published in the Official Journal in February 2026): consortia more central to governance. Expected measure: strengthening the role of protection consortia (not just oversight/promotion, but also sector governance). This is a strategic issue for production, territory, planning, and promotion in a complex market environment.

Grants for young farmers: up to €40,000 in non-repayable grants, application deadline: February 9, 2026. Generational turnover measures with lump-sum payments without reporting: a concrete lever for new plantings, takeovers, and initial investments.

2025/2026 Trends (Vinarius): Fewer bottles, higher quality; whites and sparkling wines on the rise. Wine shop network data: volumes declining, value rising; premium wines more resilient, low-end wines more fragile. The trend is confirmed: freshness, lightness, and Metodo Classico are prominent; classic reds are stable but more selective.

QUIDQUID – Strategic Business Advisor Where value isn’t talked about: it’s demonstrated. In wine (and mineral water), there’s no room for improvisation: we guide complex operations—acquisitions, divestments, expansions, and investments—with vision, method, and direction right through to closing.

Thanks for listening, we remind you that today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .

See you tomorrow.

Summary winemaking report for the period December 1 – 2025 – March 31 – 2026

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Based on known industry data and trends and recent dynamics (production, exports, consumption, competitive positioning).

This vision allows us to capitalize on opportunities and manage risks in a complex market phase that offers great potential for those who act with strategic precision.

1) Executive summary

In the international context, wine continues to compete with:

  • global production under climatic and structural pressure ;
  • dynamic but fragmented export markets , with share shifts from mature areas to emerging markets;
  • changing consumption , oriented towards quality, premiumization and sustainability.

In this context, the Italian wine system maintains its leadership in premium export volumes and values , but faces challenges of price/value competitiveness in markets such as the USA and Germany, and opportunities in Asia, non-traditional North America and emerging markets.

2) Production trend

Italy

  • The 2025 harvest was overall satisfactory, with balanced yields and medium-high quality in the main DOC/DOP territories.
  • Areas with extreme weather conditions have shown qualitative variability, increasing the importance of climate management in the vineyard.

Global

  • France and Spain are maintaining stable production, but the overall harvest remains below the historical average of the last 10 years.
  • New World countries (Australia, Chile, USA) show differentiated trends due to seasonal conditions and production cost dynamics.

Operational implications

  • Need to optimize end-of-harvest 2025 stocks with a focus on highly profitable segments.
  • Strengthen climate resilience plans and targeted irrigation in the most valuable vineyards.

3) Export and international markets

Italy

  • Italian wine exports continue to represent a pillar of growth, with a strong contribution from sparkling wines and quality DOCG/DOC wines .
  • Some key markets (USA, Germany) show volatility due to tariff and currency dynamics, pushing towards geographical diversification .
  • Markets such as Canada, the UK, Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia offer room for expansion for premium portfolios and niche segments.

Product Trends

  • Italian sparkling wines (Prosecco and other high-end bubbles) continue to play a leading role in exports in value terms.
  • Rosé and white wines with character are showing growth dynamics in young and urban markets.

Growth strategies

  • Strengthen our commercial presence in high-growth markets with targeted distributor partnerships .
  • Develop value proposition narratives around territorial identity and sustainability to support prices.

4) Domestic market and consumption

Consumption in Italy

  • Slight contraction in volume consumption, with a shift in spending towards quality and premium wines .
  • Growing interest in wine-related experiences (wine tourism, guided tastings, food pairings).

Global behaviors

  • In mature markets, a trend of more selective consumption continues, while in emerging markets, appreciation for European and Italian wines is growing.
  • Alternative formats (half bottles, quality bag-in-box, sustainable packaging) are gaining ground in terms of convenience and perceived sustainability.

5) Structural trends and lines of continuity (Dec 2025–Mar 2026)

Premiumization

The portfolios of Italian producers are increasingly oriented towards premium and premium-luxury segments, with a strong emphasis on storytelling, territory and authenticity.

Sustainability

Environmental and social sustainability becomes a competitive factor, with investments in green certifications, regenerative agronomic practices , and reduced packaging impact.

Digitalization & Branding

Increased digital initiatives dedicated to supply chain traceability, direct e-commerce, and targeted marketing campaigns for emerging markets.

Market diversification

Increased attention to non-traditional Asian markets, Canada and Latin America as levers to offset the economic downturn in Europe and the USA.

6) Operational recommendations for the phase

Human capital & professional coordination

  • Align sales, marketing, and supply chain teams with premium export and inventory management objectives.
  • Coordinate legal/tax advisors to adjust international contracts and structure exchange/tariff risk protection.

Portfolio & pricing

  • Refocusing of product lines with clear segmentation by markets and channels .
  • Dynamic pricing with value leverage (not just cost) and weekly competitive monitoring.

Export execution

  • Dedicated business plans for key areas, with operational KPIs (volumes, price lists, conversion rate).
  • Develop logistics agreements to reduce lead time costs and improve customer service.

Territorial storytelling

  • Investing in narratives that connect local heritage, sustainability, and consumer experience to consolidate premium positioning.

Conclusion

The Italian wine sector enters the December 2025–March 2026 period with a solid production base and evolving markets. Continuing trends indicate that operational and commercial success will derive from:

– strong presence in high-value segments
– targeted and diversified export strategies
– concrete implementation of sustainable practices
– integrated governance of operations and professional relationships

This vision allows us to capitalize on opportunities and manage risks in a complex market phase that offers great potential for those who act with strategic precision.