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Wine press review for Thursday December 11 – 2025

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Winemaking news for Italian wineries and wines.

Readers will find a clear, concise, and comprehensive overview: a tool that supports the decisions of those who work—every day—in the wine supply chain.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Cooperativa Ermes acquires Cantine Brusa. Sicilian Cantine Ermes has acquired the historic Cantine Brusa, an Emilian winery that has been processing must since 1888, at auction. This transaction marks a revitalization of the industry and employment for a brand emerging from bankruptcy.

Maso Martis: the mountain bubble of the Advent Calendar (day 11) On the hills of Martignano, Maso Martis celebrates Trentodoc and organic viticulture, now with the contribution of the second generation. A story that intertwines classic method, pioneering courage, and family growth.

Siddùra awarded Ecofriendly 2026. The Gallura winery receives national recognition for sustainability. Water and energy-saving techniques and a clear environmental commitment confirm its leadership in the ecological transition.

Canavese’s finest wines celebrate the Ivrea Carnival. Three iconic wineries—Carema, Serra di Piverone, and Caluso—have combined their labels in a gift box dedicated to the historic 2026 Carnival. This initiative celebrates the region, native grape varieties, and local culture.

Italia del Vino: 2025 Annual Report. The consortium closed the year with a combined turnover of over €1.5 billion , 15,000 hectares of vineyards, and an export share of 15% of the national total. Representativeness is also growing, with 24 companies in 18 regions.

Colli Piacentini Consortium: Close to Closing Its Operations. The consortium will cease operations on December 31st due to a lack of representation, following the exit of the main cooperatives. The Board of Directors will remain active for current management and attempt to relaunch the organization through a new meeting.

Death of Cavalier Falconi, pioneer of Valcalepio. His figure represented the transition from domestic wine to quality-oriented production.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN ENOLOGY

Prosecco: Tests reveal widespread presence of PFAS. The Salvagente investigation reports trifluoroacetic acid levels above the reference values on 15 labels analyzed. The pesticides are found to be within the limits, but the presence of PFAS raises concerns about food safety and the protection of designations.

Altroconsumo: The best white and red wines of 2024. Ratings on over 100 labels to guide consumers ahead of the holidays, with sensory analyses, quality/price, and overall staying power.

Italy of Wine: Market Analysis by Roberta Corrà: More selective consumers, less daily consumption, and a rise in special occasions. Sparkling wines, whites, and rosés perform better than traditional reds.

EU Wine Package: Federvini and UIV’s assessment. The European green light is considered a historic step: simpler rules, continuity in promotional programs, and useful tools for planning investments in a competitive and rapidly evolving environment.

Shipping for You: a new logistics service for wine and oil. Bagheria launches an integrated solution for wineries and wine tourists, allowing for on-site purchases and direct shipping to any destination.

Open Cellars at Christmas The Wine Tourism Movement opens Italian wineries for tastings, visits, and green activities in collaboration with Earth Day Italy.

The perfect pairing: wine and books. “Jomo” was born in Montalcino, a bookstore that combines editorial selection and wine culture, illustrating the conceptual closeness between terroir and narrative style.

Due Passi in Vigna – Rome, December 13th. A tasting event featuring producers from across Italy, to select holiday bottles and meet artisans and winemakers.

INTERNATIONAL

El Celler de Can Roca: the magic that continues A gastronomic and human-sensory experience that remains a point of reference in world cuisine, a symbol of wine and food pairing as a work of art.

Colli Tortonesi in New York: Timorasso will be the protagonist with Javier Bardem at the Walk Around Tasting on December 11th and, the following day, at the UNCA Awards Charity Dinner at the UN, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

OECD: Italian exports beyond Japan. In the third quarter of 2025, Italy ranked fourth in the world for merchandise exports. This result also strengthens wine’s position in the agri-food sector.

CEEV: Opportunities from the USA and Mercosur. Institutional discussions in Brussels on the future of trade agreements with the Americas and the role of the wine sector in the EU’s external relations.

Confagricoltura Assembly: Matteo Lunelli’s appeal: Only quality can defend Italian wine in the face of tariffs. Wine remains a cornerstone of the national agri-food industry and an ambassador of Italian culture.

WINE EVENTS

Fairs and festivals from December 12th to 14th The second weekend of December is packed with events: chocolate fairs, natural wines, regional traditions, markets, and a Christmassy atmosphere throughout Italy.

Vinodabere’s Sardinia in Rome Over 40 wineries and more than 200 labels showcase the winemaking biodiversity of a region that is a true mosaic of winemaking.

Cantina & Maison Rosé opens in Pigneto. A hybrid space combining gastronomy, live music, and a French wine list, with an East Village/Paris feel.

Advent Calendar – Day 10: Tenuta La Torraccia (Umbria) A centuries-old history amid 17th-century olive groves, an excellent olive oil production chain, and a legacy guarded by the Counts Gigli Cervi.

Thank you for following the review. Today’s selection was provided by WINEIDEA.IT . The day continues, and with it the opportunity to read the market with strategic precision.

Wine press review for Tuesday December 9 – 2025

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Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.

A common thread ties everything together: a sector undergoing a transformation, with new strategies, market pressures, stories of places and people, and a calendar of events that continues to energize the wine community.

Italian wineries

Argea and the Risk Game of Italian Wine. The group led by Massimo Romani continues to expand, even in a year marked by tariffs and volatility. After the acquisition of the American importer WinesU and its nomination as Best Importer 2025 by Wine Enthusiast, Argea confirms its mission: to grow in size, solidity, and ability to seize M&A opportunities. The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) decree on the first dealcoholization plant in Italy is pending.

Moncalisse: the new “mountain” winery for Trentodoc is born. Julia and Karoline Walch are launching their own winemaking project in Civezzano, separate from the Elena Walch brand. Located at 600 meters above sea level, it faces south and has an identity that blends terroir and the elegance of the classic method.

Cantina Terre del Barolo celebrates its vineyard workers. An artistic roundabout, two hands—one white, one black—and a bunch of grapes: a clear message in an increasingly international region. A tribute to the foreign workers who keep the Langhe winemaking tradition alive.

Tenuta Argentiera: a dialogue between wine, art, and the land. On the hills overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the estate hosts three works by Giuseppe Bergomi as part of the “Arte Diffusa sulla Costa Toscana” (Widespread Art on the Tuscan Coast) project. A virtuous blend of landscape, culture, and hospitality.

Muzic Winery: A Border Tradition That Continues to Grow In San Floriano del Collio, the Muzic family continues a story that began in 1927. Today, two generations collaborate on quality and sustainability, with an eye to the future.

Taste the Territory – Tenuta San Vito Takes Center Stage. Caffè Centofiori in Montelupo Fiorentino hosts the fourth stop of the initiative dedicated to local wineries. San Vito presents five wines paired with five dishes, revealing its identity amidst Chianti Colli Fiorentini and organic olive growing.

Castello di Gussago shines at the Merano WineFestival Four WineHunter Awards for Animapura 2018, Pomaro 2018, Club Cuvée 2019 and Nobleblanc SA A confirmation of the qualitative strength of Franciacorta production.

Cantina Frentana grows despite tariffs and declining consumption. A positive year for the Abruzzo-based cooperative, which consolidates its merger with Cantina San Giacomo and exceeds 650 members. A sign of cooperative resilience in a challenging environment.

Gaierhof, three sisters and a low-alcohol model that sets standards. In Roverè della Luna, the Togn family is spearheading an innovative, all-female project. A product-focused business that combines family history with new insights into moderate drinking.

Cusumano Brut 700 Metodo Classico 2021 From vineyards at 700 meters, an elegant classic method that celebrates Tenuta Ficuzza: free-run must, refermentation in the bottle and 36 months on the lees.

Tenuta Stella – Reserves for an “alto Collio” Christmas Ribolla Gialla, Friulano and Merlot Riserva make up the Luxury Christmas 2026 Collection : organic, artisanal and profoundly territorial wines.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Prosecco DOC: green light for 6,000 new hectares. Veneto and Friuli have authorized an increase in production potential to meet demand pressure. The total area will reach 30,500 hectares, with growth in two phases.

Kaolin or zeolite? Natural choices for crop health. Both permitted in organic farming, these two minerals offer different functions: kaolin acts as a physical and protective barrier, while zeolite supports moisture management and canopy health.

Grape prices are plummeting: 2025 will be the “year of the collapse.” Prices are down as much as 40% for some appellations. Production is rising, consumption is declining, exports are slowing, and inventories are high: a combination that is crushing winemakers and putting strain on the supply chain.

CMO Wine: EU agreement on simplifications and new labeling. Coldiretti expresses satisfaction: no five-year restrictions for those who uproot vineyards, greater transparency for dealcoholized wines, and more flexibility in support programs.

The taste of moderation: drinking less, drinking better. Stada Health Report and NielsenIQ converge: the majority of Europeans are pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Conscious consumption is gaining ground, and demand for premium wines and guided experiences is growing.

Bringing wine to dinner? A gesture worth rereading. A provocative article overturns a social custom: bringing wine can create unwanted dynamics of reciprocity. If you really want to give something, olive oil is better.

Archè 2020: Francesco Saverio Russo’s glasses are back with free shipping. A collection born during lockdown, now a benchmark for high-end artisanal glassware. A project in collaboration with VDglass.

International

Champagne: Between Perpetual Reserve and Solera, Clarity Is Needed. Alice Paillard clearly distinguishes the two practices: the solera as a closed oxidative system, the perpetual as a continuous evolutionary method. Two different philosophies that are often confused in commercial narratives.

Italy is a superstar in international blind tastings. One in four tastings sees Italian wines win, including in the bulk wine category. This is a sign of widespread quality, not just among the elite.

Denmark: “A Glass of Italy” returns. In January 2026, over 25 Italian wineries will be featured in Copenhagen, with Vermentino masterclasses and tastings open to the public and professionals.

Wine events and local culture

EiM – The Landscapes of Soave: A Hike Through Stone and Vineyards On December 7th, a guided tour of the volcanic hills of Soave, exploring geology, history, and viticulture.

Introductory wine courses in Barberino di Mugello. Starting February 6, 2026, six meetings with tastings will teach you the basics of wine and promote responsible consumption.

Conclusion

Thanks for listening: today’s press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT . The sector continues to move in multiple directions: production complexities, new consumer aesthetics, and industrial strategies that are rewriting the map. Tomorrow brings another chapter to this great story.

Wine press review for Monday December 8 – 2025

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Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Prosecco System: General Assembly between Distinctiveness and Synergies. Over 700 producers gathered in Cimadolmo to discuss the future of Prosecco. Ettore Prandini (Coldiretti) emphasized Prosecco’s role as the driving force of Italian wine in international markets and emphasized the urgency of US tariffs, which are crucial for the leading market for Italian sparkling wines.

Gianluca Tait is the new president of Cantina Rotaliana. The members’ meeting elected Gianluca Tait with 155 votes, succeeding Luigi Roncador after 15 years in office. The company has 301 members and 480 hectares of vineyards, producing 67,500 quintals of grapes.

Cantina Rotaliana, €11.5 million budget and new direction. Tait’s election was also confirmed in the unanimously approved annual budget. This governance structure is consolidated at a time of strategic rethinking for the Trentino cooperative.

Cantina Frentana: Resilience as a Strategy. Amid declining consumption and the winds of war, the Abruzzo cooperative chooses to produce less but better. Carlo Romanelli, 80, a longtime figure at the winery, has been confirmed as president.

Cantina Frentana: growing numbers despite the market . 2025 closes with strong results for the Rocca San Giovanni cooperative, which reaffirms its founding values: cooperation, sustainability, and local roots.

Oniwines inaugurates “ERT1050,” a new winery for Trentodoc. A center of excellence for the Classic Method is being created in Brentonico, with vineyards reaching 1,050 meters above sea level. This project interprets the terroir in a modern, vertical way.

Pucciarella and Trequanda: Growing Territorial Identities From Lake Trasimeno to the Val d’Orcia, two Cariplo Pension Fund companies are leveraging wine and hospitality as strategic development levers. A powerful demonstration of how local, welcoming, and quality can work together.

Pucciarella and Trequanda: a new image to attract tourism and wine tourism. An ambitious revitalization plan for both estates: Pucciarella is valued at €12 million, Trequanda at €18 million. The goal: to consolidate the hotel and restaurant distribution network and offer integrated, contemporary hospitality.

Celebrations on Etna: Christmas and New Year’s Eve at Cantine Nicosia. The winery’s Osteria kicks off the holidays with events dedicated to volcanic wines and Etna cuisine, transforming winter on Etna into a sensory experience.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN ENOLOGY

Why do we choose wine based on its label? Neuromarketing and purchasing decisions: labels trigger complex cognitive processes, where graphics, aesthetics, and storytelling guide consumer decisions much more than technical details.

The “Brunello of the Future”: Market, Wine Tourism, and the Revitalization of the Appellation. Historic voices of Montalcino—from Biondi-Santi to Banfi, from Argiano to Poggio Antico—reflect on the challenges of the future. The Consortium led by Giacomo Bartolommei is preparing a new promotion plan.

Go Wine’s 2026 “Cantine d’Italia” Guide features 911 wineries, 270 “Impronte d’eccellenza” (Imprints of Excellence), and 5,180 wines. Seventeen wine museums stand out, along with nine special awards given to leading wineries from North to South.

Italian food a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Exports approaching €70 billion. Made in Italy agri-food continues to grow, supported by ancient traditions and a globally recognized cultural identity. Wine remains among the driving forces.

The world’s most famous Italian wines: the labels that made history. From elegant whites to revolutionary reds, from popular bubbles to the “rebel” Chianti wines: a journey through the bottles that have rebranded Italian winemaking since the post-war period.

Barolo 2022: a challenging vintage that reflects the climate. Producers and experts analyze a vintage that marks a turning point: challenging conditions, but results that could surprise when the wine hits the market on January 1, 2026.

AIS Vinetia Guide 2026: the best wines of Veneto. Awards were given to the Valdobbiadene Extra Brut by Bellenda (Charmat), the Monti Lessini Durello Riserva by Giannitessari (Classic Method), the Soave Classico by La Cappuccina (White) and the Chiaretto by Albino Piona (Rose).

Winery Visit Cost: The New Standard in Wine Tourism. The 2026 Cantine d’Italia Guide analyzes prices, hospitality models, and services offered. Wine tourism is evolving: visiting a winery is now a professional experience, no longer spontaneous or free.

INTERNATIONAL

La Tour d’Argent opens its cellars to the public for the first time. One of the world’s most prestigious collections—300,000 bottles located in the 5th arrondissement—is now open to visitors via guided tours. A temple of world winemaking finally reveals itself.

Young and bubbly: IWSR captures a global phenomenon. Flavored sparkling wines, crémants, and spritzes dominate consumption among new drinkers in France, the UK, and the US. People are drinking less, but more often and in informal settings.

Italian wines to give as Christmas gifts according to the New York Times Eric Asimov selects some of the best Italian labels for end-of-year gifts: a precious showcase in the heart of the US market.

For the Guardian, the perfect gift is extra virgin olive oil (but not Italian). The British newspaper has drawn up a list of the best oils in the world without including Italian labels: a choice that will cause controversy.

Chenin Blanc Trophy 2025: Falstaff’s Top 29 Wines. A new international ranking confirms the growing attention paid to this French grape variety, currently at the center of a global revival.

WINE EVENTS AND WINE TOURISM

The 2026 “Cantine d’Italia” Guide: an invitation to explore Italy’s wine scene. Wine museums, special awards, and a journey through regions, histories, and territories. Italian wine tourism presents itself with strength and identity.

Alto Adige: Ski instructors become wine experts. Wine ski guides and wine bike guides are born: sport, nature, and wine blend together in an immersive experience. An innovative wine tourism model that appeals to the new generations.

Thanks for reading. Today’s review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT . See you tomorrow, with another look at the world of wine.

Updated wine report with projections for the period December 1 – 2025 – March 31 – 2026.

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Based on the latest news and data available as of early December 2025 — with projections for the period December 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026.

Current situation: global and Italian context.

Production and global market

  • After the production crisis of recent years, global wine production appears to be recovering slightly: volumes are estimated to increase in 2025 compared to 2024, although remaining below the five-year average.
  • However, global demand continues to show fragility: inflation, economic uncertainty and changes in consumption (greater attention to health and lifestyle) are compressing both volumes and spending on wine.
  • In this context, segments such as premium sparkling wines, organic wines, or products with a strong territorial identity are identified as the main opportunities for maintaining value and margins.

Scenario for Italy

  • Italy confirms its world leadership in export volumes, with estimates of approximately 22 million hectoliters exported by 2025.
  • The value of exports remains high: it is estimated to be around 8.1–8.2 billion euros in 2025.
  • Despite this, exports showed signs of weakness in 2025: data updated in July indicate a decline of -0.9% in value and -3.4% in volume compared to the same period of the previous year.
  • At the same time, domestic consumption continues to be weak and in slow but steady decline compared to previous generations, reflecting a change in consumption styles and a less frequent “everyday” wine consumption.

Trends driving the industry – and strategic “guidelines” for 2026

Based on recent data and market evolution, some structural trends emerge that I expect will characterize the period December 2025 – March 2026, and probably beyond:

  • Premiumization and valorization of territorial identity : wines with a strong identity (DOC/DOCG, sparkling wines, white wines, superior quality) maintain better potential than “commodity wines”. In particular, sparkling wines and white wines seem to better capture new preferences.
  • Diversification of offerings and packaging : alternative formats, organic or sustainable wines, and a greater focus on sustainability and perceived value (not just “quantity,” but experience, quality, and storytelling) as a competitive lever.
  • Market polarization and the need to reduce dependence on a few large buyers/areas : as highlighted by overall agri-food exports, geographic concentration (a few countries absorb the majority of Italian wine) remains a vulnerability.
  • Adapting to changing consumer trends : consumers today increasingly seek authenticity, sustainability, and territorial authenticity; “everyday” wine is losing ground, while demand for wine as an experience, a story, and a lifestyle grows.

Implications for wineries and for those of us who offer strategic consultancy

For a winery or for a valorization / acquisition / sale operation, these dynamics suggest:

  • Focus on premium and identity labels : in a market with abundant supply and selective demand, differential value weighs more than volume.
  • Consider geographical diversification of exports : focus not only on traditional large markets but also explore less saturated countries or niches, reducing the risk of dependence on a few markets.
  • Promote sustainability, transparency, and brand history : the modern consumer seeks authenticity and perceived value, not just low price.
  • Integrate the offering with experience and services : wine tourism, storytelling, direct-to-consumer, packaging and differentiated products can increase perceived value and loyalty.
  • Carefully manage inventory, stock, and cash flow : 2025 has shown that production is okay, but the market is selective — rigorous financial and commercial planning will be a competitive advantage.

Forecast 1 December 2025 – 31 March 2026 (continuity line)

  • Italian exports are expected to remain close to 2025 levels, with potential stabilization or slight growth, especially if wineries successfully position themselves on quality and identity.
  • The “mainstream low-price” segment will come under further pressure — opportunities for consolidation, batch selection, and production rationalization.
  • Premium, organic, territorial/sparkling/labels with strong storytelling niches will likely gain relative weight, both in international markets and in the developed domestic market.
  • For those who own wineries or plan mergers and acquisitions, this will be a critical time to select quality assets, enhance brands and reputations, and prepare the ground for a more robust recovery when (or if) the global economy returns to stimulate consumption.