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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

with:

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.

Wine press review for Saturday December 20 – 2025

with:

Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.

Italian wineries

The new Erbaluce labels that Olivetti would have liked. The Cantina Sociale della Serra is revamping its “Anfiteatro” line with embossed labels depicting the Canavese region: Serra, Lake Viverone, the Dora River, and the morainic amphitheater. This identity project complements the launch of their new e-commerce site and strengthens the connection between members, the local area, and direct sales.

Maculan and solidarity: 300 bottles for the Eye Bank. The Maculan winery is launching a charity auction featuring 300 limited-edition bottles of Santalucia 2024 to benefit the Veneto Eye Bank Foundation . The event will be held at Le Calandre restaurant: by 2025, the goal is to exceed €400,000 raised in 16 years.

La Roccola dei Colli Euganei opens a new store in the Polesine area. The La Roccola dei Colli Euganei winery opens a store in Grignano Polesine dedicated to bulk and bottled wines. This local operation brings quality and a direct relationship with consumers beyond its historic production area.

Tenute Lu Spada: organic rosés shine in 2025. The Tenute Lu Spada winery has won international recognition with its organic rosés, including a silver medal at the International Organic Wine Award in Germany. This project combines native grape varieties, organic production, and international positioning.

Ventiventi: When unity is strength. In Medolla (MO), the Ventiventi winery led by the Razzaboni brothers demonstrates how a new generation can reinterpret Emilian wine with a contemporary vision and a strong corporate identity.

Cantina Tollo: double-digit growth. The Cantina Tollo cooperative closed its 2024-2025 financial year with a turnover of €41.3 million (20%) and a 35% increase in production value. The remuneration of its contributing members also increased.

Terre de’ Trinci: Certifications and Territory The Terre de’ Trinci winery is strengthening its DOC/DOCG, organic, and SQNPI certifications, integrating sustainability, territorial identity, and events as levers of credibility on the market.

Canneddu Winery in Mamoiada: tradition and innovation. Canneddu Winery is investing in technology thanks to OCM Vino funds, aiming to establish a structured presence outside of Sardinia.

Saffirio: Sustainability as a Practice In Monforte d’Alba, Saffirio, led by Sara Vezza, confirms a consistent vision: organic and biodynamic as operational choices, not as slogans.

Torre di Terzolan: Amarone in amphora from the Squaranto Valley. Torre di Terzolan offers an original interpretation of eastern Valpolicella, combining history, biodiversity, and experimentation in amphora.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

The “monasteries of wine”: history and spirituality A cultural journey through Italian wine with contributions by Attilio Scienza , Vittorio Moretti and Renzo Cotarella , including historic abbeys and large estates such as Badia a Passignano and Praglia.

Mattia Vezzola: “Thirty Years of Wine Counterfeiters” The Costaripa owner reflects on the risk of narrative homogenization in Italian wine. A powerful call for authenticity, penned by one of Franciacorta’s key figures.

Savory Panettone and Wine: New Pairings With Motta and Chef Bruno Barbieri ‘s Savory Panettone with Arrabbiata, wine – especially sparkling rosé – becomes the protagonist of a less predictable Christmas.

Alcohol-Free Wine: The Debate. A survey reveals a divided industry: some consumers are open to innovation, while others defend tradition. This is a signal that deserves careful strategic attention.

Does wine always improve with age? An in-depth analysis that dispels common myths: not all reds improve with age, but some whites do. Technical knowledge at the service of drinking choices.

Fire Prevention in Cellars: The Fire Department’s clarifications on Presidential Decree 151/2011 specify that wine under 20% ABV is not classified as a flammable liquid. This is a relevant operational issue for many facilities.

International

Mercosur and wine: a national strategy is needed According to Città del Vino , the EU-Mercosur agreement should not be abandoned but managed with protection and vision, especially in a phase of difficulty on the US markets.

Coface: Structural Imbalance in European Wine Coface ‘s analysis highlights the structural decline in consumption in Europe (-35% since 2000) and the need to adapt the global production model.

Michelin enters the world of wine. The Michelin Guide introduces “Bunches” as a new winery rating system, following its acquisition of Robert Parker – Wine Advocate. A potential new international benchmark.

Wine events

Christmas in the Cellar 2025 in Tuglie Music, nativity scenes and workshops until January 6th at the Peparussu Cellar , with events dedicated to families and children.

Save the date – Veneto Wine Triptych 2025 The final focus organized by Veneto Agricoltura will be held on January 16, 2026 in Legnaro (PD): definitive data on the 2025 harvest and market scenarios.

Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WineIdea.it . See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Friday December 19 – 2025

with:

Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.

ITALIAN CELLARS

Cantine di Verona: 2024/25 revenues of €58.3 million. The cooperative (Valpantena, Custoza, Colli Morenici, Brolo dei Giusti) closed the fiscal year (11 months, ending July 31) with revenues of €58.3 million. On a 12-month basis: 1.57%. Exports accounted for 80% of the total (Scandinavia, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany). Profit was €420,000.

Cantine Riunite & Civ: revenue of €266.5 million, net profit of €1.8 million. Balance sheet as of July 31, 2025: revenue down but profit positive. Shareholders’ equity strengthened to €205 million and net financial position improved. 2025 estimate: consolidated revenue over €650 million, with presence in foreign distribution networks.

Vallepicciola “Best Winery of the Year” according to Le Guide de L’Espresso The Chianti Classico winery (owned by the Bolfo family) consolidates its reputation with the award and with a path made of solid winemaking, national and international criticism, and wine tourism development.

Schmid Oberrautner (Bolzano): Grand d’Or at the 2025 Mondial des Vins Extrêmes The 2022 Lagrein Riserva wins the Grand d’Or medal, a recognition linked to heroic viticulture, with an award ceremony at the Forte di Bard.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN ENOLOGY

“Wine is Europe’s Identity Card”: Gianfranco Ravasi on Culture, Food, and Symbols. A reflection on the value of wine as a European and Italian cultural and identity element, linked to the sense of the table, conviviality, and tradition.

Italian wineries as of November 30, 2025: growing inventories. In the factories: 53.3 million hectoliters of wine, 9.7 million hectoliters of must, 9.5 million hectoliters of VNAIF. On an annual basis: 8.6% wine, 12.5% must. Strong concentration in the North (Veneto in the lead). Shares: 54.6% PDO, 26.5% PGI. 20 denominations out of 526 account for 58.4% of the PGI inventories.

Nomisma: Weak domestic demand, exports more central but more complex. Wine Monitor highlights a slowdown in large-scale retail trade and more cautious consumers. On the US front, tensions over costs, exchange rates, and tariffs, putting pressure on margins and requiring a more structured trade strategy.

Rhetoric and wine: communication is a profession (and must be studied) A “systematic” reading: communication is an economic and reputational lever, but requires specific method and training, which is still not widely available in Italy today.

Wine in 300 words: Erbaluce di Caluso “La Rustìa” 2022 (Orsolani) Focus on a white wine from Canavese: ripe grapes, a fresh and vertical profile, citrus notes and aromatic herbs.

INTERNATIONAL

French Champagne Test: Major Brands Bottom of the Classification In Que Choisir’s test of 32 bottles, none exceed 15/20. Veuve Clicquot (22°), GH Mumm (24°), Moët & Chandon (26°): “Noise” affects perceived value for money.

Selosse: “Italian sparkling wine shouldn’t imitate Champagne.” The winemaker, a symbol of artisanal Champagne, reiterates his anti-standardization vision and focuses on still wines. He criticizes the collaboration with Feudi di San Gregorio on the Dubl project.

From iconic Champagnes to signature Metodo Classico: 15 bubbles for New Year’s Eve. A selection of Champagnes, Metodo Classico wines, and even a non-alcoholic Blanc de Blancs. A spotlight on historic houses (Billecart-Salmon, cuvée Nicolas François) and the theme of “time” as a production style.

“Do you want to be French?”: Christmas menu with French wines available in large-scale retail outlets. A selection of Christmas pairings featuring French wines available in Italian supermarkets (focusing on affordable quality and thoughtful selection).

MARKETS, CONSUMPTION AND TRENDS

Holiday trends 2025 by Partesa: great Italian wines are an international curiosity. For the HoReCa sector: demand for authentic experiences and excellent products. Champagne and American reds are joining Italian brands. There’s also room for beers, grappas, and bitters. The scenario: out-of-home consumption is slightly down, but consumers are more mature.

Vinarius: Premiumization confirmed, fewer bottles but higher value. Wine shops report declining volumes and increasing value. Wines with a distinct identity and a strong territorial identity are growing, along with a focus on low alcohol content and sustainability (green packaging).

Vinarius Trends 2025/2026: Whites and sparkling wines on the rise, with Classic Method leading the way. Confirmation of a changing market: lower-end wines under greater pressure, premium wines more resilient; a preference for freshness and lightness, without abandoning the great classic reds.

No/low-alcohol wines: readers divided. Survey (892 responses, closed December 18): 35% favor it as a health/conviviality compromise; 22% are curious about it, but it doesn’t replace traditional wine; 42% are opposed (“it’s not wine”).

REGULATIONS AND SYSTEM

UIV: Tax decree on dealcohol products still stalled, Italy lagging behind in competitiveness. The Italian Wine Union (Unione Italiana Vini) urges the MEF-MASAF interministerial decree: investments have already been initiated by companies, but regulatory stalemate. UIV reports a competitive advantage abroad that has been established for approximately four years (post-EU Regulation of December 2021). (The three news items on the topic converge on the same point: “conclude by the end of the year.”)

WINE EVENTS

AIS Veneto presents Vinetia: the best Veneto wines for the holidays. Twelfth edition in Venice (Hotel Ca’ Sagredo): prizes for the 7 winners chosen from 21 finalists, with blind tastings and a jury of 40 professionals.

“Foreign Wines” in Verona: ten producers at Osteria Ratafià (December 21) Event dedicated to natural and artisanal wine (ticket €15 including a glass and tastings), with winemakers from various Italian regions and a focus on community and discovery.

Villa d’Este: wine as an experience, a monumental cellar, and high-level hospitality. A Christmas lifestyle story on Lake Como: atmosphere, dining, and the cellar as the narrative heart of the place.

Marche: initiatives on well-being, the environment, and quality supply chains. Focus on regional policies (Law 7/2023) and initiatives: food education, districts, protection of quality products, collaboration with Slow Food, and territorial valorization.

QUIDQUID – Strategic Business Advisor

Where value isn’t talked about: it’s demonstrated. Thanks for listening: today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT . See you tomorrow.

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