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Wine press review for Monday, August 10, 2026

with:

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Tenuta San Guido tops the list of Italy’s most profitable wineries.

Profitability is particularly strong among the large Tuscan wineries. According to the latest Unione Italiana Vini Observatory, Tenuta San Guido , producer of Sassicaia, has an EBITDA/sales ratio of 63.2% , having remained above 60% for four years.

Jermann , owned by Marchesi Antinori, follows with 50.5%, while Marchesi Antinori reached 50.2% with a turnover of €263 million. The results demonstrate how company size, brand strength, and efficient management can coexist with particularly high margins.

Nunzia De Girolamo: From Politics to Viticulture

Nunzia De Girolamo talks about her bond with wine and the land, which began during her childhood and became an entrepreneurial project in 2016 with Passo delle Tortore , a winery in Pietradefusi, in the Taurasi area.

The venture involves the De Girolamo family and winemaker Francesco De Pierro and represents a return to the agricultural roots of a personal journey that has also crossed national politics.

Moncalisse: A new generation and a new project for the Walch family.

Carolina and Julia Walch, the new generation of the South Tyrolean Walch winemaking family, have opened Moncalisse , a new winery on the slopes of Monte Calisio, near Trento.

The project combines family continuity, contemporary architecture, and territorial development, marking a new phase in the family’s long entrepreneurial history.

Giustini focuses on Negroamaro rosé

With Costiero Rosato Salento IGP 2025 , obtained from Negroamaro, the Giustini company of San Giorgio Ionico offers a wine characterized by freshness, flavor and immediacy.

The project interprets an increasingly common trend in the market: developing contemporary and accessible wines while maintaining a strong connection to the territory and its grape varieties of origin.

Castiglion del Bosco strengthens its winemaking project

Castiglion del Bosco, owned by an international Middle Eastern family office since 2022, has 64 hectares of organic vineyards and produces around 180,000 bottles .

The Montalcino estate has embarked on a new production journey with winemaker Giuseppe Gorelli. Among the new creations is Undici 2024 , a Toscana IGT Bianco from Incrocio Manzoni, aged for six months in ceramic vats.

Vinicola del Sannio: 65 years of production and local history

For 65 years , Vinicola del Sannio in Castelvenere has been a point of reference for numerous suppliers in the Campania region.

Alongside its production for large-scale retail trade, the company is promoting lesser-known local varieties, such as Sciascinoso, and investing in communication through the “Essenze Sannite” project, which links wine, history, culture, gastronomy and local traditions.

Bolgheri: Fornacelle invests in wine tourism

The historic Fornacelle winery inaugurates La Vinoteka in Bolgheri, a new space dedicated to hospitality, tastings, and knowledge of the local area.

The initiative reflects the evolution of Italian wine tourism: a visit to a winery is no longer just a tasting or purchase, but an experience that brings together wine, territory, people, and history.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest: More Wine in the Cellars and an Early Harvest

The 2026 Italian grape harvest is starting early in many areas due to high temperatures.

According to ICQRF data, as of June 30, 2026, there were 46.5 million hectolitres of wine in Italian wineries, 6.7% more than in June 2025.

The situation is pushing several denominations to intervene on yields and supply management to avoid further pressure on prices.

Tuscany and Abruzzo reduce yields to defend value

Faced with high inventories and weak consumption, several areas are adopting production containment strategies.

Reducing yields, storage, and harvest reserves become tools to avoid oversupply and protect the value of the denominations.

A similar strategy concerns Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi , where the yield limit has been extended to 110 quintals per hectare compared to the 140 foreseen by the regulations.

Sicily: Excellent grape quality, but cellars still full

The 2026 Sicilian harvest presents positive qualitative prospects, favored by water reserves and the good phytosanitary condition of the vines.

The problem, however, concerns inventory levels. The analyzed material indicates large quantities of wine still in cellars and an increase in inventories, with consequent pressure on companies’ liquidity and prices.

Cooperative organizations are calling for extraordinary interventions, including crisis distillation , while the Region is evaluating resources dedicated to reducing stocks.

Friuli Venezia Giulia: Harvest brought forward by the heat

In Friuli Venezia Giulia, the harvest began before mid-August, with a particularly early start in the Collio and Eastern Hills.

Temperatures that reached 40 degrees and drought conditions accelerated the ripening of the grapes, forcing many companies to bring forward operations.

Umbria: Promising quality, quantity to be verified

The 2026 harvest is also coming early in Umbria. Initial assessments indicate potentially interesting quality, while in some areas yields could decline by 5-10% due to water stress.

At the same time, the regional sector is calling for a more structured strategy to address market transformations.

Hailstorms in the Alto Novarese area: vineyards severely damaged

A violent meteorological phenomenon with hail, wind and rain hit the areas of Ghemme, Fara, Barengo, Cavaglio d’Agogna and Briona , causing serious damage to the vineyards.

In some companies, the bunches of grapes close to harvest were destroyed and the plants severely damaged.

The episode brings to the forefront the problem of Italian viticulture’s exposure to extreme weather events.

New MASAF funding for sustainable vineyards

The “Investments for the sustainability of vineyards” initiative, envisaged in the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan, will begin in the 2026/2027 wine season.

The measure supports investments in technologies such as drones, sensors, and innovative equipment aimed at environmental sustainability, climate change management, and production improvements.

The national deadline indicated for the first annual payment is November 30, 2026 .

PIWI Research: New Resistant Varieties

Italian research on PIWI grape varieties and varieties resistant to the main grapevine diseases continues.

The genetic selection work led to the registration in the National Register of four new varieties: Termantis, Nermantis, Charvir and Valnosia .

The research also uses molecular markers to more quickly identify resistance characteristics to powdery mildew, downy mildew and black rot.

Italian wine also awarded in the skies

Two Italian wines won important awards in the international “Wines on the Wing” competition.

Alta Mora-Cusumano’s Contrada Guardiola Etna Rosso 2020 was awarded among the red wines served in First Class, while Astoria Lounge Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry received recognition in the Premium Economy sparkling category.

Casa Bottega Millesimato Brut also on the podium.

“Caro-calice”: high prices and risk of reduced consumption

The review material reports a significant increase in the price of wine by the glass in Italian tourist destinations.

Prices are reported between 8 and 14 euros , with higher levels in the main art cities, and a consequent tendency among some consumers to replace wine with other drinks.

The phenomenon sparks a reflection on the relationship between the marginality of the restaurant industry, the accessibility of wine, and the sector’s ability to maintain occasional consumption.

Italian agriculture: fewer farms and greater concentration

According to ISTAT data reported in the review, between 2010 and 2023 Italy lost 30.3% of its agricultural holdings , while the Utilized Agricultural Area decreased by 4.4%.

In 2023, there were 1,130,358 active agricultural companies , with 12.3 million hectares of UAA.

This structural transformation directly affects viticulture and raises the issue of company size, competitiveness, and generational turnover.

Luigi Veronelli: Wine as a culture of the land

On the centenary of Luigi Veronelli ‘s birth, the volume “Ode to Wine and Anarchy” brings the thoughts of one of the most important interpreters of Italian food and wine culture back to the fore.

For Veronelli, wine couldn’t be separated from its territory, its producers, and the people who cultivate the land. This belief remains relevant in a market where identity, authenticity, and the story of a territory are increasingly important.

Paolo Mieli: the wine that symbolizes Italian identity

According to journalist and essayist Paolo Mieli , wine represents one of the main symbols of Italian identity in the world.

The international success of Prosecco is cited as an example of the ability of Italian agricultural products to generate notoriety, tourism, and international recognition.

Wine tourism: simple tasting is no longer enough

Italian wine tourism is moving from traditional visits and tastings to more structured experiences.

Territory, history, culture, gastronomy, and family stories become an integral part of the offering.

The Marsala area is a significant example of this evolution, with companies such as Cantine Florio, Marco De Bartoli, Pellegrino, Caruso & Minini, and Paolini committed to the overall development of the area.

WINE EVENTS AND WINE TOURISM

Chalices of San Lorenzo – The Magic of Barbarano

August 10, 2026

Magia di Barbarano offers an evening dedicated to wine, food, and music on the night of shooting stars.

Tastings of the company’s wines, local products, and a DJ set will accompany the event from 6:30 pm to midnight.

Valtidone Wine Fest – Emilia

September 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2026

The 17th edition of the Valtidone Wine Fest will guide the public on a discovery of the Piacenza Hills through four Sundays of tastings, food, markets, and entertainment.

The protagonists are Ortrugo, Malvasia and the sparkling wines of the area.

Etruscan Wine – Tarquinia

August 20-23 and 27-29, 2026

The twentieth edition of DiVino Etrusco will see 53 wineries as protagonists.

The event will showcase the territories of the ancient Etruscan Dodecapolis and will also open the debate to the productions of Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia.

Chianti DOCG in Canada

August 31 – Toronto September 1 – Montreal

The Chianti Wine Consortium continues its international activities with two masterclasses dedicated to Canadian importers, professionals, journalists, and operators.

Canada is listed as the fourth largest destination market for Italian wine and one of the most important non-EU markets.

Franciacorta Experience Milano Marittima

August 28, 2026

Milano Marittima will host over twenty Franciacorta wineries in an event dedicated to the appellation’s main expressions.

Among the announced companies are Bellavista, Ca’ del Bosco, Barone Pizzini, Contadi Castaldi, Monte Rossa, Antica Fratta and Castello Bonomi .

Festival in the Village – Calatabiano

August 24, 2026

The medieval Sicilian village of Calatabiano will host the first edition of Festà in Borgo , a widespread food and wine festival dedicated to Sicilian cuisine, local specialties, and the promotion of the historic center.

Franciacorta Festival in the Cellar

September 18-20, 2026

The Franciacorta in Cantina 2026 Festival aims to bring wine back to the center of the wine tourism experience.

Tastings, visits, meetings with producers, and educational activities will explore the production method, terroir, history, and identity of the denomination

Wine press review for Saturday August 8 -2026

with:

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.

Good morning,

The Italian wine sector is entering the 2026 harvest amidst a complex landscape: heat and drought are bringing forward the harvest, while high inventories and slowing demand are pushing several denominations to reduce yields.

At the same time, many wineries are reacting by focusing on quality, sustainability, innovation, the Classic Method, wine tourism, communication and new segments such as No/Low Alcohol wines .

ITALIAN WINERIES

Venturini: Amarone between respect for the land and tradition

In San Pietro in Cariano, in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica region, the Venturini family continues to focus on tradition, paying particular attention to vineyard management and the drinkability of their wines.

The winery has approximately 12 hectares of vineyards , almost 90% of which are hillside, and produces approximately 120,000 bottles a year , half of which are exported. Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara represent the winery’s varietal heritage, and it also owns 40-60 year-old vines.

Serena Wines 1881 diversifies towards Classic Method and No-Alcohol

The historic Conegliano company, led by the fifth generation of the Serena family, produces over 30 million bottles and is particularly present in the Prosecco DOC and DOCG sectors and in the Horeca channel.

The company’s future strategy focuses on diversification and premium positioning. At Vinitaly 2026, Audace , the company’s first Metodo Classico, was presented. Serena is also looking into the alcohol-free segment and expanding its portfolio with a Champagne.

Berlucchi brings forward the harvest to 4 a.m.

To counteract the particularly high temperatures, Berlucchi decided for the first time to begin harvesting the grapes destined for Franciacorta at 4 in the morning .

Harvesting at night improves working conditions in the vineyards and simultaneously brings fresher, better-preserved bunches to the cellar.

A choice that highlights how climate change is also concretely modifying the organization of wineries.

Braida engages consumers through a digital quiz

Braida, a historic Piedmontese winery in Rocchetta Tanaro, is leveraging digital communication to connect with wine enthusiasts and younger generations.

The company, which has around 70 hectares of vineyards and produces around 600,000 bottles , has created the digital quiz “Play with Braida”, dedicated to learning about the company, Barbera and its wines.

Librandi awarded for sustainability and agroecology

The Calabrian winery Librandi received the “Ambassador of the Territory” award at Festambiente for its commitment to environmental sustainability and agroecological innovation.

The company was also awarded for its “glyphosate-free” approach and for the strategies adopted for the sustainable management of the vineyards.

Valtidone Wineries: Very early harvest, but quality grapes

The first 900 quintals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have arrived in Borgonovo.

The heat significantly accelerated ripening, but at the same time limited mold and disease. Initial assessments indicate healthy grapes and very good quality, particularly in the more mature vineyards.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Veneto: harvest brought forward by 8-10 days

The 2026 harvest in Veneto should remain overall close to the quantities of 2025, when approximately 14.7 million quintals were harvested, albeit with some territorial reductions.

The quality of the grapes is indicated as good to excellent .

The heat and water shortage brought forward the harvest by about 8-10 days .

The most critical situations concern Treviso, Vicenza, and especially Verona. For Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, decreases of up to 10-12% are expected.

The situation in Padua and Rovigo is improving thanks to greater irrigation availability.

The phytosanitary situation is also positive: the reduced rainfall has limited downy mildew and powdery mildew.

Sardinia: Harvest brought forward by up to two weeks

Temperatures above 40 degrees are pushing several wineries belonging to Confcooperative Cagliari to bring forward the harvest by up to two weeks .

The goal is to preserve the quality of the grapes and protect workers from extreme temperatures.

If the heat continues, however, there could also be a reduction in production.

Puglia: Over 5 million hectoliters of unsold wine

One of the most delicate situations comes from Puglia.

According to data reported by Cantina Italia-Masaf, there are over 5 million hectolitres of unsold wine in Apulian cellars, of which more than 3 million belong to the IGP and DOP categories.

The region has approximately 94,000 hectares of vineyards and represents between 16% and 18% of national wine production.

The problem therefore does not appear to be productive, but above all commercial.

Rising costs, declining consumption, export difficulties, and changing consumer preferences are squeezing companies’ profitability.

Tuscany: a vintage and a half of wine in the cellars

Tuscany is also facing high inventories.

According to the information reported, the cellars contain the equivalent of approximately one and a half years of production .

The Region has therefore accepted requests from several Consortia, including Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Chianti and Toscana IGT, aimed at reducing yields.

The goal is to rebalance production and demand, support prices, and protect company profitability.

2026 Harvest: More and More Appellations Reduce Yields

Supply management is becoming one of the central themes of Italian wine.

Following Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto, Marche and Abruzzo are also adopting measures to limit production.

Yield reduction and storage are used to avoid further inventory growth and realign production with actual demand.

The strategic theme is increasingly evident: produce less when necessary to protect the value, prices and profitability of the supply chain .

Wine Consortia: New Skills Coming Soon

The sector awaits the new “consortium decree,” intended to implement EU Regulation 2024/1143 and some of the indications contained in the “Wine Package.”

The Consortia will be called upon to take on a broader role in the protection, promotion, valorization, consumer information, supervision and management of the denominations .

The discussion should continue with the Regions after the summer break.

Attilio Scienza: Rethinking grape varieties and denominations in the face of climate change

Professor Attilio Scienza offers a profound reflection on the future of Italian wine.

The system built on denominations and historic grape varieties has contributed enormously to the success of Made in Italy, but climate change and evolving consumption patterns could make greater flexibility necessary.

The point is not to abandon the DOCs, but to allow viticulture to evolve as the climate, environment, and market preferences change.

Water and vineyards: attention to resource sustainability

In the Treviso DOCG area, the problem of unauthorized withdrawals of drinking water intended for vineyard irrigation has emerged.

According to reports, over 2,800 cubic meters were removed per day for approximately a month.

The case highlights how water management is becoming strategic for viticulture, especially in years characterized by high temperatures and drought.

Italian rosés: an increasingly autonomous category

Rosé wine is gradually overcoming its image as an exclusively seasonal product.

More and more producers are planning their rosé right from the vineyard, choosing specific parcels, harvest times, and winemaking techniques.

Growth is supported by the demand for fresh, versatile and gastronomic wines, but above all by the qualitative improvement of the offer.

Classic Method: Growing Interest in Premium Sparkling Wines

The Classic Method continues to represent one of the most interesting segments of Italian sparkling wine production.

Franciacorta, Trentodoc, and Alta Langa are building an increasingly recognizable offering, based on terroir, refinement, quality, and premium positioning.

Among the labels and companies highlighted are Casa E. di Mirafiore Alta Langa Brut Blanc de Noir 2021, Altemasi Trento DOC Brut Rosé Riserva 2019 and Oro Rosso Trento DOC di Cembra Cantina di Montagna .

South Tyrol: Biodiversity, Territory, and Identity

Among the properties reported are Manincor, Ritterhof and Muri-Gries.

Manincor cultivates 52 hectares and produces around 350,000 bottles following biodynamic principles.

Ritterhof , owned by the Roner family, has around 40 hectares of vineyards and achieves a production of around 380,000 bottles.

Muri-Gries , a historic South Tyrolean monastic winery, manages approximately 70 hectares distributed throughout the province of Bolzano.

Romagna: Longanesi’s Anemo among the top 6 regional wines

Daniele Longanesi’s Anemo, a red passito made from 80% Longanesi grapes and 20% Balsamina, has been included among the six Top Wines of Romagna 2026 by the AIS guide “Emilia Romagna da Bere e da Mangiare”.

Production is limited to approximately 2,000 bottles per year.

Marche: Verdicchio takes center stage with Casalfarneto

Casalfarneto, in Serra de’ Conti, has approximately 60 hectares in total , of which 35 are vineyards.

A full 28 hectares are dedicated to Verdicchio.

Production reaches approximately 1.2 million bottles a year , with particular attention to the promotion of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi.

Sardinia: quality on the rise

Vinodabere’s Guide to the Best Wines of Sardinia 2027 has tasted over 600 samples .

328 wines received a review and 117 a Standing Ovation, representing 35.67% of the selected wines. Seven wines achieved the highest score of 100/100.

INTERNATIONAL AND NEW TRENDS

Can alcohol-free wine become an answer to the consumer crisis?

With traditional wine consumption declining in several European markets, some producers, particularly German and Spanish, are looking with increasing interest at the No-Alcohol segment.

New technologies are improving the quality of dealcoholized products, and the sector could represent an opportunity for diversification.

Even important Italian companies are starting to move in this direction.

Sustainability, health, and no/low alcohol are at the heart of the future.

The comparison between Artificial Intelligence and producers carried out by WineNews highlights some of the themes destined to most influence wine in the coming years:

sustainability, health, changing consumption patterns, No/Low Alcohol, and the ability to communicate wine to new generations.

These are issues that numerous Italian producers are discussing, including representatives of Tedeschi, Fonzone, Fèlsina, Planeta, Marco Felluga, Bellavista, Hans Rottensteiner, Argiolas, and Sturm.

WINE EVENTS

August 10: Calici di Stelle travels across Italy

The night of San Lorenzo will represent the central moment of Calici di Stelle 2026 , an initiative of the Wine Tourism Movement.

Hundreds of events will involve Italian wineries, villages, castles, and wine regions.

Tastings, music, tours, and astronomical observations will transform wine into a tool for telling the story of the region, its culture, and wine tourism.

Alba: The “Nights of Wine” are back

On Monday 10 August , starting at 7pm, Via Cavour in Alba will host the second edition of the “Notti del Vino”.

13 Alba wineries will be the protagonists, within a city network that includes a total of 23 production facilities.

The goal is to bring residents, tourists, and enthusiasts closer to the area’s wine production.

Tarquinia: DiVino Etrusco 2026

From 20 to 23 and from 27 to 29 August 2026 , the historic centre of Tarquinia will host the twentieth edition of DiVino Etrusco.

The event brings together wine, history, culture, and the territories of the ancient Etruscan Dodecapolis.

The 2026 edition also extends the itinerary to Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria , strengthening the link with Mediterranean winemaking culture.

QUIDQUID – Wine Press Review A summary of the main news in the sector dedicated to entrepreneurs, wineries, investors and professionals in the supply chain.

Wine press review for Friday August 7 -2026

with:

Italian wine: early harvest, reduced yields, new consumption patterns and valorization strategies.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Serena Wines focuses on the premium segment with Audace

Serena Wines 1881, a historic Conegliano winery led by the fifth generation of the Serena family, is entering a new phase of its strategy.

After having built a production of over 30 million bottles , with a significant presence in Prosecco DOC and DOCG and in keg wine, the company is aiming for diversification and the premium range.

The new Audace , presented at Vinitaly 2026, is the company’s first Metodo Classico. Serena Wines is also looking to the non-alcohol segment and expanding its portfolio with a Champagne.

Ermes Winery and Gotto d’Oro: A Partnership in Cooperative Wine

Cantine Ermes is expanding its national presence through a multi-year partnership with Gotto d’Oro , a historic Lazio cooperative active in the Marino, Castelli Romani, and Frascati appellations.

Gotto d’Oro will maintain production operations, from grape processing to bottling, while Cantine Ermes will contribute to managing relationships with its members, use the licensed brands, and provide its marketing expertise.

The goal is to relaunch and strengthen the positioning of the Lazio cooperative’s brands.

Cantina Rauscedo turns 75 and looks to Ribolla and dealcoholized wines.

Cantina Rauscedo celebrates 75 years of business.

With a turnover of 35 million euros, 2,000 hectares of vineyards, 300 member suppliers and approximately 2 million bottles produced each year , it is the largest winemaking cooperative in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

75% of bottled production is Prosecco and Pinot Grigio.

The cooperative is now looking to the development of Ribolla and dealcoholized wines , interpreting the changes in consumption and the growing demand for fresh, white wines with lower alcohol content.

LVNAE: Vermentino between territory, research, and experimentation

The Bosoni family’s LVNAE wineries are a leading producer of Vermentino dei Colli di Luni.

Over time, the company has developed a strategy based on knowledge of individual parcels, valorization of the territory, and oenological experimentation.

Vermentino is interpreted not only as a young and immediate wine, but as a variety capable of expressing complexity and longevity.

Monteci presents Bellebolle Rosé Garda DOC Brut

For the summer, Monteci offers Bellebolle Rosé – Garda DOC Brut , produced with Corvina and Rondinella grapes.

The sparkling wine is made using the Martinotti Method.

The result is a sparkling wine characterized by freshness, minerality, acidity and aromas of flowers and small red fruits, designed especially for summer and convivial consumption.

Cantina Tollo and Champagne Le Mesnil strengthen their collaboration

The relationship between Cantina Tollo and the French cooperative Champagne Le Mesnil , founded in 1937 in Mesnil-sur-Oger, continues.

Cantina Tollo is the exclusive distributor for the Italian market.

The collaboration brings together two important cooperatives united by the desire to promote local areas, production history, and quality.

Terre Cevico advances harvest schedule

Climate change is also changing the organization of work.

Terre Cevico, a cooperative group with a consolidated turnover of 213 million euros, over 500 employees, approximately 900 members and exports to nearly 90 countries , has introduced morning grape delivery.

For Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, the factories can receive the grapes as early as 6:00 am , avoiding the highest temperatures and helping to preserve the quality of the product.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest: Heat Brings Harvest to a Closer Approach

The 2026 Italian harvest generally presents itself with vineyards in good health and positive quality prospects , but with one determining element: the heat.

High temperatures are accelerating ripening and in many areas the harvest could begin several days earlier than average.

According to oenologist Andrea Pala, it is essential not to limit oneself to measuring sugars, but also to check the acidity, aromas, colour, consistency and health of the grapes .

The risk is in fact obtaining grapes with a high sugar concentration but not yet perfectly ripe from an aromatic and phenolic point of view.

Veneto: harvest brought forward by 8-10 days

The indications emerging from the Veneto Wine Triptych show a 2026 harvest at least 8-10 days earlier than usual .

Despite the heat and water stress, Veneto vineyards are generally holding up.

Compared to the approximately 14.7 million quintals of grapes harvested in 2025 , production in 2026 is expected to be substantially stable or slightly decreasing.

Euganean Hills: Harvest begins August 10th

In the Euganean Hills, the harvest should begin on Monday 10 August , about a week earlier than the previous year.

We will start with Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay, continuing with Serprino and grapes intended for the sparkling wine bases.

The red Bordeaux varieties will instead be harvested between the end of August and the beginning of September.

The health status of the grapes is indicated as very good.

The climate changes the rules of viticulture

High temperatures are requiring new agronomic strategies.

Soil management, increasing organic matter, grassing, green manures, and increasing the soil’s water-retention capacity are becoming increasingly important tools.

Late varieties may be particularly exposed if high temperatures and drought continue.

Early harvesting therefore risks becoming an increasingly frequent feature of Italian viticulture.

MARKET, PRODUCTION AND STRATEGIES

Less wine can mean more value

One of the central issues of 2026 concerns supply management.

In a global market characterized by more selective consumption, producing greater quantities does not necessarily mean increasing profitability.

Champagne , with yields set at 8,800 kg per hectare, represents an international example of supply planning aimed at managing stocks and protecting value.

In Italy too, there is growing attention towards yield reduction policies.

Tuscany: Reducing Yields to Defend Market and Prices

The Tuscany Region has accepted the protection consortia’s requests regarding yield reductions for the 2026 harvest.

The measures concern:

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG;
Chianti DOCG;
Chianti Classico DOCG;
Toscana IGT.

The reduction could be approximately 20% , with differences between the various denominations.

The goal is to contain surpluses, rebalance supply and demand, and protect prices and company profitability.

Puglia: 5 million hectoliters still in the cellars

The situation in Puglia is particularly delicate.

According to data from Cantina Italia recalled by CIA Puglia, there are at least 5 million hectolitres of unsold wine in regional cellars.

Over 3 million hectoliters would concern PGI and PDO wines.

The excess supply is putting pressure on grape and wine prices, impacting company profitability and employment.

CIA Puglia calls for interventions, support, and greater innovation to revitalize the sector.

Low natural wines: low natural alcohol content on the rise

Alongside dealcoholized wines, another category is developing: naturally low-alcohol wines , also known as “low nat”.

These are wines that can reach up to 8.5 degrees , without any dealcoholization process of the finished product.

The result is achieved through agronomic practices, clonal selections and specific cellar techniques.

The phenomenon could become particularly interesting for Italian denominations and for the younger consumer market.

Alcohol Dealers: Italy is still at the beginning

The Italian market for no- and low-alcohol wines remains less developed than countries such as France, Germany, and Austria.

The experience of Passione Zero , a specialized wine shop in La Spezia with around 70 labels, however, highlights a growing interest.

According to founder Riccardo Sturlese, one of the obstacles is still the perception of dealcoholized wine as a qualitatively inferior product to traditional wine.

Italian Rosés: From Seasonal Wine to a Class of Their Own

Rosé continues to strengthen its positioning.

From a predominantly summer product, it is becoming a wine category with a precise identity.

More and more producers are designing their rosé directly from the vineyard , selecting specific plots, harvest times and winemaking techniques.

Freshness, versatility and the ability to combine are contributing to the growth of the category.

Sushi and Italian wine: pairings with Asian cuisine are growing.

The combination of fusion cuisine and Italian wine is now a consolidated trend.

Through its “Summer Dreams” project, Cantina San Michele Appiano offers pairings of contemporary Japanese cuisine and full-bodied wines.

An example is the Chardonnay Sanct Valentin 2024 , used to accompany complex sushi preparations characterized by savouriness, fattiness and spicy components.

Vermouth and bitters return to the forefront of the aperitif scene.

In the summer of 2026, Spritz is no longer the only protagonist of the Italian aperitif.

Cocktails based on vermouth and great Italian bitters are growing, reinterpreted with ice, citrus fruits, soda water and tonic water.

The phenomenon represents a return to Italian tradition through more contemporary consumption formulas

AGRICULTURE AND SECTOR POLICIES

Coltivaitalia: An additional billion euros for agriculture

The Chamber approved Coltivaitalia in first reading, a measure that provides for over 1 billion euros of additional investments in the primary sector .

According to Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, the initiative aims to support sectors with the greatest potential, reduce dependence on foreign countries, and promote research and generational turnover.

The parliamentary process will continue in the Senate, with the aim of making the resources available by early 2027.

WINE AND HEALTH

Cotarella: distinguishing between moderate consumption and abuse

Riccardo Cotarella once again addresses the relationship between wine and health, calling for greater scientific attention and fewer generalizations.

The key point is the need to distinguish between the type of drink, the quantity consumed, the frequency and method of consumption , avoiding automatically equating moderate wine consumption with alcohol abuse.

The debate recalls international studies on the relationship between moderate consumption and health.

Nutrition and Prevention: A Summer Campaign in Italian Town Squares

Coldiretti, Federconsumatori, Fondazione Campagna Amica, and Fondazione Aletheia are promoting a campaign dedicated to the relationship between nutrition and health.

The initiative focuses on promoting Italian, seasonal, traceable products from local supply chains.

The activities will involve Campagna Amica markets, agritourisms, and summer events.

INTERNATIONAL

Made in Italy in the United States: a strategic market

The United States continues to represent one of the key markets for Italian agri-food.

The Summer Fancy Food Show in New York confirms the ability of Made in Italy products to attract buyers, distributors, and consumers.

Italian Ambassador to the United States Marco Peronaci calls strengthening Italy’s economic and cultural presence a priority for the Italian system in a market of over 330 million consumers.

Spain: No official harvest forecast

Spain also chooses caution with its estimates for the 2026 harvest.

Cooperatives in Castilla-La Mancha have decided not to publish production forecasts due to high temperatures and meteorological uncertainty.

The choice follows a similar approach adopted in France and Italy.

Slovenia: Natural producers oppose new wine law

Slovenia’s new wine regulations are raising concerns among some natural wine producers.

The law requires laboratory analysis and organoleptic evaluation even for wines without PDO and PGI certification .

A five-member commission evaluates the product’s suitability for marketing.

The Santei winery from the Vipava Valley has launched a petition against some aspects of the new regulations.

Wine Trends in Italy Week 3 – 7 August 2026

with:

The Italian wine sector between structural crisis and new growth models.
Italian wine is undergoing a phase of profound transformation.

Declining global consumption, slowing exports, rising inventories, and price pressure are disrupting the entire supply chain.

However, within the sector, two very different realities emerge.

On the one hand, many denominations are facing overproduction and are demanding supply containment measures; on the other, the Prosecco System continues to grow, demonstrating a greater capacity for adaptation than the rest of the sector.

Federvini and UIV: Two strategies to address the crisis

The open discussion at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Supply Chain Table highlights two different approaches.

Italian Wine Union (UIV)

According to UIV, it is necessary to intervene mainly on the supply through:

reduction of production potential;
limitation of new installations;
yield management;
prevention of surpluses;
possible recourse to crisis distillation.

The goal is to quickly restore balance between demand and production.

Federvini

Federvini, on the other hand, proposes a different strategy.

According to President Piero Mastroberardino, future competitiveness will not depend so much on producing less, but on creating greater value through:

international promotion;
institutional communication;
promotion of wine culture;
investments in foreign markets;
strengthening the positioning of Made in Italy.

The philosophy is simple:

Limiting production without boosting demand risks shifting the problem without solving it.

The numbers of the crisis

The current scenario portrays a more difficult market than in previous years.

Among the main elements:

Italian exports decreasing;
sales in large-scale retail trade are declining;
over 53 million hectolitres of stocks;
increase in downgradings from DOC and IGP;
reduction in the economic value of production.

According to the OIV, world consumption continues to decline due to:

inflation;
lifestyle changes;
greater attention to health;
slowdown in consumption in the United States.

Prosecco is the exception

While most Italian denominations are experiencing a slowdown, the Prosecco System continues to show positive signs.

The main factors supporting this growth are:

over 660 million certified bottles;
over 80% destined for export;
strong presence in international markets;
ability to intercept new consumers;
world leadership in sparkling wines.

According to Franco Passador (Vi.VO Cantine), success comes from a balance built over the years between:

supply chain organization;
production planning;
international presence;
ability to manage supply.

The “Prosecco System” looks forward

During the conference organized by CIA Agricoltori Italiani in Conegliano, a very different vision emerged compared to the rest of the sector.

We are not talking about reducing production here, but about:

plan for growth;
maintain value;
manage the market intelligently;
better redistribute profitability along the supply chain.

The three Consortia (Prosecco DOC, Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, and Asolo DOCG) share a management approach based on supply regulation rather than emergency interventions.

The real challenge will be to create profitability

One of the most important issues that emerged concerns the profitability of agricultural businesses.

According to CIA Treviso and ISMEA, creating commercial value is not enough.

This value must also reach winemakers.

For this reason, the creation of a permanent observatory on production costs and the real profitability of companies has been proposed.

No and Low Alcohol Wine Continues to Grow

Another trend destined to influence the market concerns the No and Low Alcohol segment.

According to IWSR:

consumption is growing in the main world markets;
Millennials represent today’s largest group of buyers;
the presence of Generation Z is also rapidly increasing;
moderation in consumption becomes a stable and no longer occasional choice.

The phenomenon does not replace traditional wine but expands consumption opportunities.

Restaurant prices: a new model is needed

Riccardo Ricci Curbastro proposes to overcome the traditional markup system.

The idea is to replace the multiplier on the price of the bottle with a fixed margin that remunerates the service.

According to this setting:

the consumer perceives greater transparency;
increases the competitiveness of the restaurant industry;
wine is becoming more accessible, especially to young people.

European export

European Commission data show a less negative picture than expected.

The European Union’s agri-food exports decreased slightly, but the reduction in imports improved the trade balance.

Wine remains among the main export products and continues to represent one of the major contributors to the European trade balance.

DOP Exports: Prosecco Remains the Leader

The Nomisma Wine Monitor report confirms a general slowdown in exports of Italian PDO wines.

Among the denominations that show the greatest resilience we find:

Prosecco;
Asti Sparkling Wine;
Sicilian whites;
Tuscan whites;
Piedmontese reds.

France continues to maintain its world leadership in value, while Spain is going through a more difficult phase.

Where the vineyard generates the most income

According to a study by the American Association of Wine Economists:

Champagne
South Tyrol
Aosta Valley
Burgundy
Liguria

The Italian regions also include:

Piedmont;
Tuscany;
Veneto;
Friuli Venezia Giulia.

The study confirms that the value produced by a hectare of vineyard depends much more on qualitative positioning than on volumes.

The prospects

The sector is entering a new phase.

The keywords will be:

value;
territorial identity;
sustainability;
wine tourism;
innovation;
reputation;
internationalization.

The market will increasingly reward those who produce large quantities less and increasingly those who can build a strong brand, a recognizable territory, and a distinctive experience.

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