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Wine press review for Saturday March 14 – 2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Biondi-Santi restarts from the vineyard The historic Greppo estate, the cradle of Brunello di Montalcino, continues its renewal process after joining the Descours family group in 2017. The company has begun a thorough agronomic review of its 33 productive hectares with consultant Pedro Parra, also identifying a rare parcel from the 1930s.

PaoloLeo Wineries to grow in 2025. The Puglia-based winery in Salento closed 2025 with a turnover of €25.3 million (9.8%) and a production of approximately 6 million bottles . Exports grew by 15% , with new markets in the Middle East, Central Africa, and the United States.

Cantina Valle Isarco celebrates 65 years. Founded in 1961 by 24 winemakers, the South Tyrolean cooperative now has 135 members and 150 hectares of vineyards up to 1,000 meters above sea level. The Aristos line represents the high-altitude expression of its production.

Siddùra brings Sardinian Vermentino among the best Italian whites. The Spèra and Bèru wines, Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, obtain important national and international awards, confirming the qualitative growth of Sardinian winemaking.

Panerai celebrates Veronelli Paolo Panerai pays homage to the centenary of Luigi Veronelli’s birth with a dedicated event and a wine that symbolizes their historic relationship.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Italian wine exports in 2025 slightly down. The value of exports stands at 7.7 billion euros (-3.7%) with 2.1 billion liters (-1.8%) . The regional podium remains unchanged:

  • Veneto: €2.92 billion – 36.7% of national exports
  • Tuscany: 1.17 billion (€)
  • Piedmont: among the protagonists of international sales

The decline is linked to tariffs, geopolitical tensions and the decline in global consumption.

Prosecco declines in the first months of 2026. The DOC sparkling wine recorded a 19% drop in January and a 14% drop in February in bottlings. This effect is also linked to the stocks built up for 2025 to anticipate possible US tariffs.

The “polycrisis” of wine Between tariffs, climate change, and new consumption styles, the global market requires greater flexibility: lower-alcohol wines, shorter supply chains, and certified value.

Wine Must Speak to Young People According to several industry observers, wine risks marginalization if it doesn’t update its language and consumption methods, making it simpler, more accessible, and more contemporary.

Freisa, the Piedmontese grape variety to be rediscovered Historically widespread since the 16th century and genetically close to Nebbiolo, Freisa is returning to the spotlight as a variety capable of expressing territorial identity.

Moderate wine consumption and cardiovascular health A study published in the European Heart Journal confirms that moderate consumption of red wine in the Mediterranean diet can contribute to reducing cardiovascular risk.

Women in Wine: Leadership and Economic Value Women-led companies cultivate 21% of the UAA but produce 28% of the agricultural GDP of the wine sector, with a strong focus on exports and wine tourism.

Illegal Work in the Vineyards: The Langhe’s Response Following the “Bitter Grapes” dossier, local institutions and operators reaffirm the region’s commitment to fighting exploitation and upholding legality.

Innovation and sustainability

Regenerative viticulture: the Bayer project The “Regenerate to grow” program, presented at San Patrignano, promotes agricultural practices capable of improving soil fertility and reducing environmental impact.

Wineries are increasingly green. From the Langhe to Etna, the adoption of sustainable practices is growing: organic, green manure, precision viticulture, lightweight glass, and recyclable materials to reduce emissions.

Intermediaries are increasingly strategic in the wine market. According to Med.&A. President Carlo Miravalle, mediation roles are evolving towards integrated consultancy services that combine technical, commercial, and regulatory expertise.

International market

ProWein 2026 looks to the European market. The international trade fair, with over 560 Italian exhibitors , will take place in Düsseldorf from March 15 to 17. Europe remains a key macro-region for Italy:

  • Germany: €1.4 billion
  • United Kingdom: €816 million
  • Switzerland: over €400 million

Overall, the European market is worth over 4 billion in Italian exports .

China: Wine Imports Decline Sharply In 2025, Chinese imports will drop to €1.25 billion (-14.6%) and 207 million liters (-26.7%) . Despite this, international operators continue to invest in the country.

Wine events and territory

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Spring The XXXI edition offers 15 wine exhibitions from 13 March to 14 June , promoting the UNESCO hills of the Alta Marca.

Bertiolo Wine Festival The historic Friulian event returns with its 77th edition from March 14th to 29th , including tastings, culture, and entertainment.

Art at San Leonardo Tenuta San Leonardo presents the fourth edition of the artistic project with a limited-edition label designed by Chiara Camoni for the San Leonardo 2021.

Guida Cantine d’Italia 2026 in Rome Go Wine presents the new edition of the guide dedicated to wine tourism, with tastings and meetings between wineries and the public.

Harrykuminciamu: Sicily’s wine scene restarts. A solidarity tasting organized by Assovini Sicilia on March 28th in Catania to support the restaurant and hospitality industries affected by Cyclone Harry.

Wine tourism on the rise Despite declining consumption, demand for winery experiences is growing: wine is increasingly becoming a vehicle for culture, tourism, and the region.

New local projects in Rimini: The Wine and Flavors Route is considering opening a store dedicated to local products to strengthen its promotion of the area.

Conclusion

Italian wine continues to navigate challenges and opportunities. The sector is undergoing a rebalancing of production and demand , with more selective markets and diverse consumers. At the same time, new strategic levers are emerging: sustainability, wine tourism, agronomic innovation, and the ability to present wine in a more contemporary way.

Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .

See you tomorrow with new news from the world of wine.

MENTOR – The new global frontier of Made in Italy

with:

When technology, taste and young ambassadors meet the world.

A new need is emerging in the world of luxury and fine dining: it’s no longer enough to sell an excellent product, it needs to reach exactly the right person.

Made in Italy agri-food products—wine, oil, pasta, cured meats, cheeses, and agricultural products—represent one of the European economy’s most valuable assets. However, this heritage suffers from two major problems:

  • international counterfeiting , which subtracts value from authentic products
  • a commercial chain that is too long , which often distances the producer from the final consumer

From this need, the MENTORE Project was born, an innovative model that combines technology, young professionals, and international trade to create a new form of direct distribution of certified Italian products.

It’s not just about exports.

It’s about sensorial profiling of the consumer and targeted delivery of the perfect products for him .

The technological heart: the “electronic nose and palate”

The project is based on a portable electronic device capable of analyzing a person’s olfactory and gustatory characteristics.

The system uses two different probes :

  • one dedicated to olfactory analysis (nose)
  • one dedicated to taste analysis (mouth)

The device collects chemical data relating to the individual’s sensory response and sends it via a smartphone app to a central server in the cloud .

gustatory_olfactory_analysis_pro…

The process takes place in several phases:

  1. collection of aromatic components through the olfactory probe
  2. analysis of the taste response using the second probe
  3. processing of the person’s sensory data
  4. comparison with a database of certified products
  5. generating a personalized taste profile

This system creates an individual sensory map that allows you to pinpoint exactly which wines, oils, cured meats, pastas, or other Italian products are most compatible with your preferences.

In essence, the technology does something that no trading system does really well today:

translates human taste into scientific data usable by the market.

Wine Mentors: A New International Profession

Technology alone is not enough.

It needs a network of people to take it to the world.

The project envisages the creation of a structure composed of 500–700 trained young graduates , called:

Wine Mentor

The word Mentor comes from classical tradition and indicates a trusted advisor, a competent guide .

The Wine Mentor thus becomes an ambassador of Italian taste.

His work consists of:

  • visit customers around the world
  • perform olfactory and gustatory analysis with the device
  • collect customer sensory data
  • suggest the most suitable Italian products
  • manage the relationship between customers and producers

The Mentor is not a traditional salesman.

It is a hybrid figure between:

  • sensory consultant
  • cultural ambassador of Made in Italy
  • commercial facilitator

Each Mentor will be identified via a digital card and wearable device (e.g. electronic bracelet) that records activities, contacts and transactions within the central system.

A global digital platform

The system will be coordinated by a central multi-cloud technology platform that integrates various functions:

  • customer database
  • certified product database
  • supplier database
  • system for matching tastes and products
  • international e-commerce

After sensory analysis, the system automatically suggests the products most compatible with the person’s profile.

The customer will then be able to:

  • receive a personalized selection
  • purchase directly through the platform
  • receive products with rapid logistics

The goal is to create a short supply chain, where:

the Italian producer meets the global end consumer directly.

A new way to sell wine (and more)

The project was born with wine, but the model can be applied to many products.

Among the main ones:

  • Italian DOC and DOCG wine
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • artisanal pasta
  • DOP cured meats and cheeses
  • premium agricultural products
  • preserves and regional specialties

In the future the system could become a complete ecosystem of Italian taste .

A customer in New York, Dubai, or Singapore could have their own digital sensory profile and automatically receive Italian products perfectly matched to their tastes.

Fight against counterfeiting

One of the most important effects of the project concerns the protection of Made in Italy.

When a client enters the Mentor system:

  • buy only certified products
  • receives directly from the producer or from a controlled supply chain
  • avoid imitations and fake products

This creates a business network where authenticity becomes part of the service .

Opportunities for young professionals

The project also has a strong social and economic dimension.

It could create hundreds of new professional opportunities for young graduates in:

  • economy
  • oenology
  • agriculture
  • marketing
  • gastronomic sciences
  • hospitality

The Wine Mentor thus becomes a new international professional figure linked to the world of taste and Italian food culture.

Towards a new export model

Today, a large part of agri-food exports still follow traditional models:

producer → distributor → importer → restaurant → customer

The Mentor system proposes a different paradigm:

producer → platform → Mentor → client

Fewer steps.

More relationship.

More customization.

Conclusion

The Mentor Project represents a new vision for Made in Italy.

It doesn’t just export products.

Export experience, knowledge and taste customization .

A system where technology, young talent, and agri-food tradition meet to create a new global distribution model.

In an increasingly digital and competitive world, Italy’s real advantage could be precisely this:

transform taste into relationship and relationship into value.

Wine press review for Thursday March 12 -2026

with:

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

Italian Wineries

Paololeo grows despite the difficult market

Cantine Paololeo closed 2025 bucking the industry trend: turnover grew by 9.8% , reaching 25.3 million euros . Domestic sales reached 16.8 million (4.5%) , while exports grew by 15% , to 8.5 million euros . Total production was 6 million bottles . The Apulian company’s strategy is based on market loyalty and commercial flexibility.

Letrari celebrates 50 years of Trentodoc

The Trentino-based Letrari winery is celebrating half a century of activity. Founded by winemaker Leonello Letrari , a leading figure in Alpine sparkling wine, the company was a pioneer of Trentodoc and contributed to the innovation of Italian wine as early as the 1960s with the celebrated Fojaneghe , one of the first Italian Bordeaux blends.

Sankt Pauls Winery Turns 120

A historic Alto Adige cooperative with 190 members and 185 hectares of vineyards , the Sankt Pauls winery continues to evolve. In 2023, it obtained Sqnpi certification for integrated production and welcomed the new Kellermeister Philipp Zublasing , strengthening the quality of its Pinot Blanc.

Skywalker: Umbria between territory and international vision

The Viandante del Cielo winery on Lake Trasimeno was born from the redevelopment of an abandoned property by the Californian group Skywalker Vineyards, founded by George Lucas. The estate encompasses 24 hectares (4 hectares under vine) and focuses on promoting local grape varieties with an international vision.

Masseria Barone, an underground cellar in the Comino Valley

In Atina, Lazio, Masseria Barone is an example of winemaking architecture integrated into the landscape. The winery was designed as a “modern cave,” aiming to combine production, tasting, and respect for the land.

Roccabianca: Organic Nebbiolo for the New Generation

The Roccabianca winery offers an organic Nebbiolo model geared towards sustainability and communication with Generation Z. Their philosophy: moderate consumption, soil management, and accessible language to introduce new consumers to quality wine.

Italian Wine and Italian Oenology

Italian wine exports: €7.7 billion, but declining

In 2025, Italian wine exports will stand at €7.77 billion , a decrease of 3.7% and a loss of €300 million compared to 2024. Volumes will fall by 1.9% to 21 million hectoliters . The main negative factor remains the US market ( -9.2% , equal to €178 million less), penalized by tariffs and the devaluation of the dollar.

The United States slows down Italian wine

Italian exports to the US in 2025 will drop to €1.8 billion (-13.2%) , while volumes will remain almost stable (-0.2%). The decline reflects the overall contraction in wine imports to the United States, which fell by 11.6% in value .

Cantina Italia: Stocks Still High

According to the Icqrf report, Italian cellars hold 58.6 million hectoliters of wine , up 5.8% compared to 2025. Added to these are 6 million hectoliters of must (34.2%) . Among the denominations with the largest stocks, Prosecco stands out, followed by PGI wines and table wines.

Asti and Moscato conquer Asia

Bucking the global market trend, Moscato d’Asti grew by 55% in Asia , while Asti Spumante recorded 20% . The Asian market thus becomes the third largest market for the denomination , representing 18% of total sales .

Towards a new phase of “post-natural” wine

The debate on natural wine is evolving toward a new, more balanced vision: greater attention to the vineyard and quality, but less ideological rigidity. A trend toward production simplicity is emerging, which values authenticity and technique.

A glass of wine and a Mediterranean diet

A study by the University of Navarra published in the European Heart Journal suggests that moderate wine consumption, as part of the Mediterranean diet, may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

Undeclared work in the Langhe vineyards

A regional dossier estimates that irregular work in the Langhe vineyards could generate an underground value between 26 and 39 million euros in the two-year period 2023-2024 , highlighting a structural problem for the sector.

Photovoltaics on agricultural land

A recent ruling by the Council of State clarified that, under the transitional regime of the legislation on renewables, ground-mounted photovoltaic systems can also be authorized in non-restricted agricultural areas, with simplified procedures.

New call for proposals in Lombardy for wineries

The Lombardy Region will soon open the call for proposals “Wine sector intervention – investments” for the 2026-2027 campaign, with applications until May 14, 2026 , aimed at modernizing wine-growing companies.

International Scenario

Champagne: The World’s Most Admired Brands

Despite the decline in global consumption, Champagne maintains strong international prestige. Louis Roederer, Krug, and Bollinger continue to lead the ranking of “The World’s Most Admired Champagne Brands 2026.” In 2025 , 266 million bottles were shipped, slightly less than the 271 million in 2024 .

War in Iran: Risks for agri-food exports

Geopolitical instability in the Middle East puts approximately €60 million in Tuscan exports at risk, especially wine, oil, and live plants . The conflict has also led to an increase in agricultural costs, with diesel fuel rising 40% in a week .

Franco-Sicilian Project: Château Palmer in the Aeolian Islands

The prestigious French winery Château Palmer has started a collaboration with Sicilian producer Nino Caravaglio for two new Salina IGT Malvasia labels, marking one of the first projects by a major French house on a minor Italian island.

Wine Events

BuyWine Toscana: 190 wineries and 175 buyers

The sixteenth edition of BuyWine Toscana opens in Florence, with 190 producers and 175 buyers from 47 countries . Over 3,500 B2B meetings and approximately 1,300 labels for tasting are planned.

Vinitaly and the City 2026

The Vinitaly off-site event will take place April 10-12 in Verona , with around 70 events including tastings, cultural events, and guided tours. New for the 2026 edition is the involvement of the Verona Arena and the Valpolicella Wine Route .

The Contrade of Etna 2026

The 17th edition of the event dedicated to Etna wines will take place April 19-20 in Randazzo . Currently, 74 wineries are participating , with international buyers in attendance.

ProWein 2026: Puglia in Düsseldorf

From March 15 to 17, twenty Apulian companies will participate in the international ProWein fair, within the Vinotech Puglia space, with tastings and meetings with buyers.

Mosso Artisan Wine Festival

The Mosso Festival returns to Piacenza on March 28th and 29th : over 30 wineries in more than 15 venues in the historic center for a traveling event dedicated to artisanal wine.

Strategic reading of the day

Three signals emerge clearly from today’s panorama:

  • the global wine market has entered a phase of structural adjustment , with exports under pressure and high inventories;
  • However, some denominations and territories are finding new growth markets , especially in Asia;
  • Future competitiveness will increasingly depend on territorial identity, sustainability and wine tourism .

A mature sector no longer grows by inertia. It grows through vision. And it’s precisely here that wineries that think like territorial platforms—wine, tourism, experience—begin to distinguish themselves from the rest of the system.

Wine press review for Tuesday March 10 -2026

with:

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and wine news.

Italian Wineries

Serena Costanzo and the New Direction of Etna Wine. On the northern slopes of Etna, in Passopisciaro, the Palmento Costanzo winery continues its growth with the second generation. Serena Costanzo, 30, an agronomist and winemaker trained in Asti and Montpellier, now leads the company’s development alongside her mother, Valeria Agosta. A young company rooted in the volcanic Etna landscape, it combines international training with a local identity.

Fausto Maculan celebrates 50 vintages with a collector’s bottle. The historic Breganze producer has created a symbolic cuvée, blending wines from his private collection. Only 300 numbered bottles recount half a century of work in the vineyard and cellar, a project that unites family memories and winemaking heritage.

Le Manzane: three new wines celebrating the region. The Treviso-based winery, led by the Balbinot family, will present three new labels at Vinitaly: a single-varietal Bianchetta and two interpretations of Merlot. This project combines the winery’s sparkling winemaking tradition with a contemporary reinterpretation of the region’s historic grape varieties.

Case d’Alto: Taurasi as an identity project. In Irpinia, Claudio De Luca is leading the Case d’Alto project, aiming to produce a Taurasi faithful to local tradition. The initiative stems from a centuries-old vineyard and also extends to the production of Fiano, with a focus on sustainability and the expression of the terroir.

La Cricca: Three young Friulians launch a winery through crowdfunding. A project born from a connection to the region and a desire to make wine more inclusive and accessible. The founders—Luca Comello, Luca Latronico, and Giacomo Orlando—have created a small brand that focuses on Friulian identity, contemporary communication, and direct community engagement.

Italian Wine and Oenology

Kombwine: a new non-alcoholic beverage made from grape must is born in Italy. South Tyrolean winemaker Andrea Moser and Legend Kombucha founder Ettore Ravizza have developed Kombwine, a beverage combining kombucha and grape must. The project taps into the growing no-/low-alcohol beverage market, offering an alternative that isn’t designed to be a dealcoholized wine, but rather a new category.

Great Italian Whites for Aging: More and more experts are emphasizing that many Italian whites have underestimated aging potential. According to several tasters, many white wines are released too early for commercial reasons, losing the opportunity to fully express their complexity over time.

High-Altitude Viticulture and Land Protection in Trentino: A petition in the municipality of Brentonico calls for limits on the expansion of high-altitude vineyards to prevent excessive landscape transformation and potential monoculture. The debate reflects a growing trend: the search for higher altitudes to counteract the effects of climate change.

Women-run wineries drive quality and exports. Women-led companies cultivate approximately 21% of the agricultural area under vines but generate 28% of the agricultural GDP. They stand out for their export orientation, strong focus on wine tourism, and a greater presence of DOC and DOCG wines. This theme is the focus of the “Women’s Wine Days 2026.”

Sardinia’s Niche Wines: A journey into lesser-known Sardinian viticulture, made up of small wineries that focus on quality rather than marketing. Often far from large-scale retail outlets, these businesses offer authentic wines rooted in their terroir.

Markets and International Scenario

Asti DOCG: global sales to decline in 2025 (-9%). Overall sales remained at approximately 75 million bottles. Asti Spumante recorded the sharpest decline (-12.4%), while Moscato d’Asti limited the decline (-1.8%). The US market remains critical, but Asia is growing (11.3%), with China accounting for 55%, making it the appellation’s third-largest market.

US tariffs and new markets for Italian wine. According to Wine Monitor Nomisma, US tariffs have pushed Italian producers to seek new trade destinations. Among the emerging markets are Poland, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Bulk wine logistics: new global challenges. Bulk wine transport, which accounts for over a third of global trade, is facing a complex situation. Geopolitical instability, logistics crises, and longer trade routes are reshaping international flows.

US wine exports to Canada plummet 78%. Following trade tensions between the two countries, many Canadian provinces removed US wines from their shelves. The result was a dramatic decline in American exports, which fell to $103 million in 2025.

Policies and Investments in the Sector

Lombardy: €2 million CMO call for wineries. The Lombardy Region has opened the new CMO Investment call for the 2026-2027 campaign. Applications are open until May 14th and will support technological innovation, winery modernization, and environmental sustainability.

Wine Events

Vinetia Tasting 2026 On March 22nd at the Santa Lucia di Piave exhibition center, over 150 wineries and more than 800 wines will be the protagonists of the large tasting organized by AIS Veneto, one of the most important events for regional wine.

Fonti di Vino – San Casciano dei Bagni The event dedicated to the nine local wineries debuts on March 28th, with tastings and meetings in the setting of the Val d’Orcia and the Fonteverde spa.

Wine & Art Experience at Cantine Paololeo On March 21st in San Donaci, an event combining tasting and wine painting, an artistic technique that uses wine as a natural pigment.

Divin Nosiola – Valle dei Laghi The event dedicated to the native Trentino Nosiola grape and the production of Vino Santo, a historic symbol of viticulture in the valley, returns.

Wine Meets Cinema: The Oscar Night Labels Ten Italian wines have been symbolically paired with the Oscar-nominated films, creating a dialogue between cinema and wine culture.

Wine tourism and Rural Hospitality

Agritourism and educational farms on the rise. According to Istat, educational farms increased by 12.2% in 2024, reaching 2,340 establishments. Agritourism in Italy exceeded 26,000 units with a total economic value of over €1.9 billion.

The overall picture shows a sector that continues to evolve on multiple fronts: product innovation (alcohol-free), new market geographies, and a growing focus on wine tourism and territorial sustainability.

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

See you tomorrow for the latest news from the world of wine.

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