talian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Good morning,
QUIDQUID presents a new summary of the main news from the Italian and international wine sector.
Italian Wineries
Cantine Ermes begins the 2026 harvest : the first bunches of Pinot Grigio have been harvested in Sicily. The cooperative, with over 3,000 growers and 16,000 hectares spread across seven regions, officially inaugurates the new campaign.
The Sicilian Sparkling Wine Network is born : IRVO and AIS Sicilia launch a manifesto to promote Sicilian sparkling wines and develop new wine tourism itineraries. Today, over 140 wineries produce sparkling wines on the island.
Farra grows in the Valdobbiadene DOCG : the Farra di Soligo company produces over 800,000 bottles a year, exporting 65% of it to 21 countries.
Librandi promotes Calabrian biodiversity : the winery’s research project has identified 78 native grape varieties, strengthening Calabria’s role in the international winemaking landscape.
Cantina dei Colli Romagnoli is tackling its first fully autonomous harvest, consolidating the cooperative’s new direction.
Luigi Lauria is relaunching the Guarnaccino grape variety in Basilicata, showcasing the ancient Chiaromonte caves and the local winemaking tradition.
Castello di Meleto presents “Dìade”, a new IGT Toscana rosé born from a blend of Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera.
Nautilus Metodo Classico ages its bottles on the bottom of Lake Iseo, transforming a logistical need into a distinctive winemaking project.
Marko Primosic describes Collio as a unique territory where climate, soil, and history determine the identity of each wine.
Italian Wine and Oenology
Italy strengthens its global leadership : over the past ten years, the share of Italian wine in global exports has risen from 18.7% to 23%. National agri-food exports are expected to reach €59.3 billion in 2025.
2026 harvest anticipated : the heat accelerates the ripening of the grapes, and in several regions the harvest will begin earlier than average.
Production reduction : Minister Francesco Lollobrigida confirmed that the Wine Committee is evaluating differentiated solutions for the various regions, without imposing a single policy.
Dario Stefàno calls on the industry to restore wine’s cultural, as well as commercial, focus, addressing market changes with a long-term vision.
Claudio Conterno urges against alarmism: the Langhe maintains strong competitive potential despite the slowdown in consumption.
Bubbles are the stars of summer : interest in Extra Brut, Brut Nature, and Metodo Classico is growing, driven especially by Millennials and Generation Z.
Riesling and the hint of hydrocarbons : the petrol aroma in mature Rieslings is due to the development of the TDN compound during aging and is considered a distinctive characteristic.
Climate change : The “Re-encountering Giulio Gambelli” Forum highlights how climate adaptation, research, and sustainability represent the main future challenges for Italian wine.
International Scenario
World wine trade declines : in the first quarter of 2026, international trade decreased by 7.5% in value and 7.9% in volume, with an overall loss of approximately 600 million euros.
The United States is slowing down imports : wine purchases have fallen by 38.8%, having a heavy impact on world trade as a whole.
France: Crisis distillation : over 770,000 hectoliters requested for the national distillation program, with Bordeaux among the areas most affected.
Michelin Guide “Grapes” : the new guide dedicated to wineries debuts in Burgundy, with 88 companies awarded according to a system similar to Michelin stars.
Stag’s Leap 1973 makes history : a bottle of the famous Cabernet Sauvignon, now owned by the Antinori group, sold at auction for $22,500.
Wine Tourism and Events
Tuscany is a model for wine tourism : 95% of wineries showcase the landscape, and over 60% offer diverse experiences. Calici di Stelle 2026 will involve approximately 30 wineries and nine municipalities.
Sicily : while exports slow, wine tourism continues to grow and represents one of the main economic drivers of wineries.
Calici di Stelle 2026 : From July 24th to August 16th, over fifty events throughout Italy will promote tastings, wine tourism, and responsible consumption.
The Nights of Wine festival is a huge success in Spoleto and is preparing for its next event in Sondrio, “Calici Valtellina,” on August 10th.
Bolle in Vigna 2026 : Tenute Nicosia dedicates the event to the Classic Method wines produced in vineyards overlooking the sea.
Aperivinile returns to the Langhe with tastings, vinyl music, and street food.
Collalto Sabino inaugurates “La Cantina dei Ri-belli,” a new space dedicated to showcasing local food and wine.
Ilaria Cappuccini promotes an approach to wine based on well-being, conscious consumption, sport, and wine tourism experiences.
In summary
Italy continues to strengthen its position in global wine exports.
The 2026 harvest starts early due to the high temperatures.
Wine tourism and sparkling wines remain the most dynamic sectors.
World trade is slowing, mainly due to the contraction of US imports.
The sector focuses on sustainability, territorial identity, innovation, and enhancing the consumer experience.
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