A network portal of Wine Idea. Discover the world of Wine idea

Wine press review for Wednesday March 25 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Leonardo da Vinci Winery is in liquidation: a story spanning over 60 years has come to an end.

A symbolic event for the Tuscan wine cooperative has come to an end. The Ministry of Business and Made in Italy has ordered the compulsory administrative liquidation of the historic Cantine Leonardo da Vinci, founded in 1961. The company’s financial situation is now compromised: current assets of approximately €5.5 million, short-term debt of €13.5 million, negative equity, and ongoing litigation. The liquidation process has been entrusted to commissioner Luigi Zingone. A key point: this case confirms how financial strength, governance, and debt control are today just as crucial as the quality of the wine.

Caviro Group inaugurates its dealcoholization plant and presents its low-alcohol Tavernello sparkling wine.

Caviro is accelerating its no- and low-alcohol production with a €1.8 million investment in a new facility in San Felice sul Panaro, in the province of Modena. The 200-square-meter facility can process up to 30,000 liters per day, equivalent to a potential annual production of approximately 9 million bottles. The technology employed aims to reduce alcohol while preserving the wine’s aromatic profile and structure. Key point: the Italian cooperative sector is making a tangible entry into the dealcoholization supply chain, a sign that the market is changing more rapidly than many producers realize.

XtraWine launches “Vigne d’Italia”: a private label offering professional selection and producer anonymity.

The online wine club XtraWine presents a new private line of 17 labels distributed across four Italian regions: Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto, and Alto Adige. The project strengthens the company’s positioning as a selector and brand owner, but it brings with it a delicate issue: the producer’s identity remains secondary to the commercial strength of the distribution brand. Key point: models are emerging that shift value from the winery to the distributor-brand, with significant implications for margins, recognition, and building relationships with consumers.

OperaWine: Cantina San Michele Appiano debuts among Wine Spectator’s “Classics”

The Alto Adige winery has entered OperaWine’s “Classics” category with its Sauvignon Sanct Valentin 2016. This recognition consolidates the company’s international presence and highlights the consistent quality it has built over the years. Key point: when a winery manages to combine style, identity, and consistency over time, international recognition becomes a real asset for positioning.

Masottina celebrates 80 years with a multi-vintage Prosecco

To celebrate its 80th anniversary, RDO Multivintage Brut is born, a blend of five vintages from 2020 to 2024. This launches the Venetian winery’s Heritage Collection and introduces a more experimental approach to Prosecco, inspired by the logic of classic method blends. Key point: innovation within a strong denomination is possible, but it must be done with stylistic rigor and clear brand consistency.

Eleusi, Mattia Binotto’s wine debut with the Trentino Chardonnay “Animantica.”

Cantina Eleusi’s first wine is called Animantica: a 2021 Chardonnay Trentino DOC, approximately 2,300 bottles from a forty-year-old vineyard in Faedo. The project was born with a strong identity and has already attracted attention thanks to Mattia Binotto, known for his Formula 1 career. Key point: new entries in the wine industry can only generate value if accompanied by long-term vision, technical credibility, and territorial authenticity.

Marchesi di Barolo: Barolo Coste di Rose 2022

The Abbona family’s 2022 Barolo Coste di Rose stands out for its elegance, freshness, precise tannins, and aromatic complexity. This label confirms the Piedmontese winery’s ability to interpret even complex vintages with restraint. Key point: true quality emerges especially when the vintage is challenging.

Flour: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Mezzadro alla Fontana Riserva 2015

A reserve that chronicles the journey of the Farina family, from sharecroppers to contemporary interpreters of Valpolicella Classica. Limited production, only in the finest vintages, and long aging in barriques, large barrels, and bottle. Key point: family storytelling, when authentic and supported by quality, remains one of Italian wine’s strongest assets.

Bubble: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Le Poiane 2020

Bolla confirms its leading role in Veneto wine with a production facility spanning 312 hectares and 3.7 million bottles. The brand, now part of Gruppo Italiano Vini, continues to operate consistently on international markets. Key point: the strength of a historic brand lies in its ability to remain recognizable even after changes in ownership and scale.

Cantina 366: Canavese Nebbiolo Vine Selection 2022

A lively, fresh, and drinkable Nebbiolo, created in a winery focused primarily on local whites. Careful vinification, light oak, and a balance focused more on tension than power. Key point: even less central appellations can generate interest when they interpret the grape variety with personality and contemporary lightness.

Arianna Occhipinti and the wines that break down stereotypes about the South

Vittoria has a consolidated vision: Southern reds aren’t necessarily brawny, but refined, fresh, territorial, and moderately alcohol-rich. Organic farming, spontaneous fermentations, the prevalent use of cement, and no filtration define a consistent and recognizable style. The key point: Southern wine continues to generate the most interesting signals when it stops chasing power and returns to interpreting identity and drinkability.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Friuli designs the wine of the future: less alcohol and more resilient vineyards.

Alessandro Leon, president of Vivai Cooperativi Rauscedo, looks to 2030, focusing on varietal resistance, new markets, and adapting to geopolitical and climate change. A strategic question is on the table: what kind of wine should Friuli produce to remain competitive? Key point: the future of wine depends on the ability to plan today for what the market will demand tomorrow, not simply defending the historical model.

Wine prices are falling: why is it cheaper than beer and spirits?

ISTAT data for January 2026 show a 1.9% drop in wine consumer prices compared to January 2025. Over the same period, spirits and liqueurs fell 0.5%, while beer stabilized. A structural deflationary phase in wine is thus consolidating. Key point: price pressure is no longer an episodic phenomenon, but rather a symptom of a deeper imbalance between supply, positioning, and demand.

Oltrepò: Wine prices rise, but grape values plummet.

According to Unioncamere, production will rise again by 32.6% in 2025 compared to 2024, though still below 2023 levels. Wine is growing, but the price paid to winemakers for their grapes continues to suffer. Key point: when the supply chain becomes polarized, the risk is that industrial recovery will not translate into agricultural income.

Wine & Business: “Healthy” Business Management According to Renzo Cotarella

Renzo Cotarella reiterates that today’s competitive winery must coherently integrate planning, finance, agronomy, cellar, people, marketing, and sustainability. Sound management isn’t a theory, but a measurable method. The key point: in modern wine, it’s not enough to make a good product; the business must be managed as a system.

Regenerative viticulture: initial experiences from the Bayer Crop Science project

The “Regenerate to Grow” project, launched in 2025 and explored in depth at the meeting on March 11, 2026, in San Patrignano, aims to integrate agronomic sustainability, digital support, and biodiversity monitoring. Key point: regenerative viticulture is moving beyond the theoretical stage and beginning to be tested with concrete field applications.

Mountain on the Wine Route: land of noble vines

A regional study dedicated to Montagna sulla Strada del Vino, in Alto Adige, where Pinot Noir, landscape, soil, and microclimate create a highly valuable winemaking identity. Key point: in strong terroirs, the denomination alone isn’t enough; the ability to express the place in a distinctive way is increasingly important.

Confused ideas about the price of wine

A reflection on the pricing debate: wine isn’t “too expensive” in an absolute sense, but rather its value is what the market is willing to recognize. In a global and hypercompetitive context, there are no artificial shortcuts to price formation. Key point: the real issue isn’t the price itself, but the perceived value and the ability to sustain it.

Puglia rediscovers its white grapes

The region is embarking on a strategic rebalancing that pairs structured reds with a new focus on whites, combining the rediscovery of local grape varieties, freshness, and the potential for market repositioning. Key point: Apulian whites can become a concrete lever for renewing the region’s image.

ISO certifications and wine: why they are an advantage for wineries

Organizational certifications, often perceived as mere formalities, are being reinterpreted as concrete tools for managing and improving processes. The topic is also addressed through the technical contribution of the Italian Wine Union. Key point: certifications create value when they become corporate governance methods, not just paperwork.

France and Italy invest over 1.3 million euros in alcohol reduction

The DEVIN0 cross-border project, funded by the Interreg VI-A France-Italy ALCOTRA Program, will launch on March 31st in Castagnito. Its focus: innovation, training, and development of alcohol-free de-alcoholization down to 0°C. Key point: de-alcoholization is no longer an experimental niche, but a strategic focus of research and training.

Venetian Prosecco and Radicchio at the Heart of the European Bioeconomy

The TeBiCE project has concluded its work in Legnaro, focusing on opportunities for valorizing agricultural biomass within the framework of a circular economy. Key point: winemaking supply chains will increasingly be judged by their ability to transform waste and byproducts into value.

Prosecco: resilient exports and growing orders for Easter 2026

According to Confindustria Veneto Est, Prosecco is holding up well on international markets and is seeing an estimated 4% increase in orders for Easter 2026. Key point: in a challenging period for Italian wine, Prosecco continues to stand out as a denomination with high commercial elasticity and strong global recognition.

International

The European Union allows Australia to use the Prosecco name on the domestic market.

The new trade agreement between the EU and Australia grants Australian producers the right to use the Prosecco name on the domestic market, while exports under that name must cease within 10 years. A key point: this sets a delicate precedent regarding geographical indications and the protection of the identity of European denominations.

Goodbye wine, Beijing chooses sobriety

China’s crackdown on conspicuous alcohol consumption at official events, combined with the economic slowdown, is severely impacting the demand for imported wine. The consequences are being felt from Bordeaux to Australia. Key point: China is no longer the mirror market many producers imagined; today, caution, repositioning, and a political as well as commercial perspective are required.

Which is better: wine or beer? A study on its effects on the heart.

An observational study of over 340,000 British adults, to be presented on March 28 at the American College of Cardiology, suggests possible differences in the cardiovascular impact of low-to-moderate consumption between wine and beer. Key point: this remains a highly sensitive topic, where communication and scientific rigor must be combined to avoid risky simplifications.

Wine events

Wine & Wellness at Tenuta Roletto

The experience that combines a winery tour, outdoor Pilates, and tasting is back. A format that ties together landscape, wellness, and conviviality. Key point: the most engaging wine tourism today is one that builds experiences, not just visits.

I WINE: Marche and Campania on display in Rome

The ninth edition of “IO VINO, Selezione da Vitigno Autoctono” brought to the capital a comparative reading of two regions distinct yet united by a strong viticultural identity. Key point: events dedicated to native grape varieties remain crucial for differentiating the Italian offering.

2026 Wine Proposal at Leopolda

In Florence, the presentation of the 2026 Proposta Vini catalog brought together over 200 exhibitors from Italy and abroad, with masterclasses and tastings focused on understanding the different regions and production styles. Key point: high-quality trade events continue to be strategic venues for selection, networking, and positioning.

DEVIN0: Official launch on March 31st in Castagnito

The presentation event for the Italy-France project on alcohol reduction will be one of the first structured discussions between research, education, and businesses on a topic expected to grow rapidly. Key point: the supply chain is beginning to organize itself culturally, not just technologically.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Tuesday March 24 -2026

with:

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

The wine sector continues to evolve amid technological innovation, market transformations, new production strategies, and geopolitical dynamics impacting exports and international logistics. At the same time, new consumer trends, sustainability projects, and initiatives are emerging that strengthen the connection between wine, territory, and tourism.

Below is today’s wine press review, organized by thematic area.

Italian wineries

La Viarte: The Schioppettino “Oparis” tells the story of the Colli Orientali del Friuli. In the Colli Orientali del Friuli, just a few meters from the Slovenian border, La Viarte continues to showcase the Ponca terroir with distinctive wines. Among these, the Schioppettino di Prepotto Oparis 2022 stands out, a fragrant and dynamic wine with notes of cherry, raspberry, and green pepper. The winery, acquired in 2023 by the Polegato family, boasts 24 hectares of vineyards and 14 hectares of woodland and produces approximately 200,000 bottles annually , distributed across several lines, including Classici, Liende, and Puarte.

Cantina Rauscedo: A New Vision with Director Flavio Geretto Cantina Rauscedo, one of the most important Friulian cooperatives in the sector with over 2,000 hectares , is embarking on a new strategic phase with the arrival of General Manager Flavio Geretto , who has been a key figure at Villa Sandi for years. The goal is to strengthen the cooperative model by focusing on quality, traceability, and territorial identity , building a quality pyramid capable of enhancing production.

Mattia Binotto makes his wine debut with Animantica. Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto enters the world of wine with Animantica , a 2021 Chardonnay Trentino DOC produced in Faedo by Cantina Eleusi. The first production is limited to approximately 2,300 bottles , obtained from forty-year-old vineyards located at 410 meters above sea level .

Vecchie Terre di Montefili: Contemporary Chianti Classico The Panzano in Chianti estate, relaunched in 2015 by Nicola Marzovilla with American partners, represents a balance between international vision and territorial roots. At the helm of the estate is winemaker Serena Gusmeri , who interprets Chianti Classico through a sensitive approach to the vineyard and its natural expression.

Tenuta Montauto: in Maremma, white wines surprise the market. In Campigliola di Manciano, Tenuta Montauto is opting for a counter-current approach: promoting white wines , particularly Sauvignon Blanc, in an area traditionally associated with red wines. The winery takes advantage of unique soil and climate conditions: sea breezes, mineral soils, and altitudes between 200 and 500 meters .

Franciacorta: the cooperative of small winemakers Since 1952, a cooperative made up of around 50 small winemakers has kept the local winemaking tradition alive, contributing to the promotion of denominations such as Sebino, Cellatica, Curtefranca and Ronchi di Brescia , in addition to the Franciacorta DOCG.

Terre d’Oltrepò Crisis: Negotiations Stalled . The future of the Terre d’Oltrepò Winery remains uncertain. The relaunch with Collis Veneto Wine Group is proceeding slowly, and membership remains limited, with approximately 100,000 quintals of grapes guaranteed for the next harvest , a lower number than expected.

Solopaca Social Winery victim of theft. Unknown individuals stole wine and equipment from the Solopaca Social Winery in Campania, including the company vehicle used for transport. Among the stolen wines were Aglianico del Taburno DOCG, Falanghina del Sannio DOC, and other local wines .

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Caviro launches “Tavernellow,” a low-alcohol wine. The Caviro group enters the NoLo (no and low-alcohol) wine segment with the new Tavernellow , a partially dealcoholized sparkling wine. The €1.8 million investment in a plant in Savignano sul Panaro allows for production of up to 30,000 liters per day , with an annual potential of over 9 million bottles .

The Water Challenge in European Vineyards Climate change is reshaping Mediterranean viticulture. Recent studies have shown that producing 1 liter of must requires between 250 and 350 liters of water , highlighting the growing pressure on water resources and making water-efficient technologies crucial.

Technologies and research to combat climate change The Polytechnic University of Turin is leading two research projects – IN-VITE and AgriCAM – dedicated to the development of digital tools and sensors for intelligent vineyard management, with the aim of adapting viticulture to the effects of a changing climate.

ISO Certifications: A Competitive Advantage for Wineries. In the wine industry, interest in ISO organizational certifications is growing, as markets and large-scale retailers increasingly demand them. In addition to environmental sustainability, these standards improve business processes, traceability, and international reputation .

The Debate on “Post-Natural Wine” The book “Post-Natural Wine” by philosopher Roberto Frega analyzes the evolution of the debate on natural wine, offering a reflection that transcends ideological conflicts and calls for a more balanced vision of tradition, science, and wine culture.

International

Made in Italy exports to decline at the beginning of 2026. According to preliminary Istat data, 2026 opens with a -4.6% drop in Italian exports , while agri-food exports are down -7.7% . The decline in the United States is particularly sharp ( -26.4% ).

US wine tariffs: revenues of over $492 million in 2025 According to the American Association of Wine Economists, US wine tariffs generated $492.2 million in 2025 , a significant increase compared to previous years.

Wine Logistics Under Pressure as Middle East War Surge Conflict in the region is causing airspace closures and maritime blockades , with immediate effects on delivery times and transportation costs for the beverage industry.

EU-Australia Prosecco Agreement A new trade agreement will allow Australian producers to use the Prosecco name for the domestic market , while exports under this name will have to cease within ten years.

EU-Mercosur Agreement Under Criticism According to some agricultural organizations, the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur could penalize the European agricultural sector, including Italian wine, due to what is considered an unbalanced trade liberalization.

Wine events

“Bacco e Minerva”: Young winemakers take center stage in San Michele all’Adige. From March 25th to 27th, the Edmund Mach Foundation hosts the 23rd edition of the national competition dedicated to Italian agricultural institutes. 122 wines and 17 olive oils produced by students will compete.

Chardonnay du Monde: Italy in the Top 10 At the international competition held in Burgundy, with 471 wines tasted from 25 countries , Italy enters the Top 10 with a wine from Casale del Giglio , confirming the quality of Italian interpretations of Chardonnay.

The “Wine Ring” is born on the Etruscan Coast. A 42 km cycling route through vineyards and hills , accompanied by an interactive web app, is debuting in Riparbella. The inauguration is scheduled for April 18-19 and aims to integrate wine, slow tourism, and a digital experience.

Strategic synthesis

Today’s news shows some clear trends for the wine industry:

  • growth of technologies in the vineyard and precision agriculture
  • development of the low and no alcohol segment
  • pressure on international markets between duties, geopolitics and logistics
  • strengthening the wine-territory-tourism link
  • growing centrality of research, certifications and sustainability

For those who work in the world of wine – producers, investors and supply chain operators – it is becoming increasingly strategic to integrate innovation, positioning and openness to international markets .

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

See you tomorrow with new wine news.

Wine press review for Monday March 23 -2026

with:

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

A daily overview of the main news from the world of Italian and international wine: companies, regions, markets, innovations, and events shaping the wine sector.

Italian wineries

Graziano Merotto and the Return to the Classic Method Rosé

Winemaker Graziano Merotto, a key figure in Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, presents his 2022 Metodo Classico Rosé Pas Dosé, made from 100% Pinot Noir , a limited edition of just 6,000 bottles. The label celebrates the producer’s 80th birthday and is dedicated to his wife, Rossella. The wine is made from the Col San Martino and Farra di Soligo vineyards and represents a return to the Metodo Classico experiments Merotto began in the 1980s.

Massimago and the new Amarone Conte Gastone 2021

Camilla Rossi Chauvenet continues to develop the winemaking project at Massimago , a 30-hectare estate in the Mezzane Valley in Valpolicella. The new Amarone Conte Gastone 2021 is part of the “Ritratti” line and combines tradition and contemporary communication, with labels illustrated by Franco Chiani.

Jurij Fiore and the valorization of Lamole in the Chianti Classico area

Lamole, one of the smallest and most distinctive Additional Geographical Units of Chianti Classico , becomes Jurij Fiore’s production laboratory. After training in Burgundy, the Tuscan producer develops wines with a strong territorial identity, showcasing the unique soil and climate characteristics of this area.

Palmento Costanzo and the wines of Etna

The Etna winery celebrates ten years of its “DI SEI” collection, with a tasting in Milan of the Etna Bianco, Rosso, and Rosato versions. The project chronicles the evolution of a winery founded in 2011 from the valorization of the vineyards of the Santo Spirito district.

Cantina Campana and the recognition of Cirò Bianco

Critic Luca Gardini awarded 96 points to the Cirò Bianco from Cantina Campana in Cirò Marina. This recognition strengthens the position of Calabrian wines in the international quality segment.

The historic winery near Perugia and the success of Trebbiano Spoletino

In Umbria, the prestige of Trebbiano Spoletino is growing, a grape variety that is redefining the regional winemaking landscape. Some wineries in the Spoleto area are achieving significant results, both in terms of quality and market share.

Colombo Winery enhances the Bormida Valley

The Piedmontese winery of Bubbio is launching a series of four events between April and July dedicated to the relationship between wine, cuisine, and the territory of the Bormida Valley , with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay taking center stage.

Tenuta San Guido presents Sassicaia 2023

A preview of Sassicaia 2023 , a celebratory vintage in memory of Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, was presented in Bolgheri. The region’s iconic wine continues to represent one of the absolute benchmarks of Italian wine worldwide.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Artificial intelligence and precision viticulture

Artificial intelligence is transforming vineyard work. Thanks to sensors, drones, and predictive models , precision viticulture now allows us to estimate yields, monitor vine health, and optimize harvesting and agronomic management.

The sparkling wine market according to Ferrari

Marcello Lunelli, Ferrari Vice President, analyzes the state of the sparkling wine market during the Wine Market Forum at the Intrecci Academy. Sparkling wines remain the driving force behind global wine growth , but competition between Prosecco DOC, DOCG, Champagne, and the Italian Metodo Classico is becoming increasingly strategic.

Germany: Italian wine sales surpass one billion euros

According to Wine Monitor Nomisma, Germany remains a key market for Italy:

  • over 1 billion euros of imports
  • market share above 40%
  • growth of Italian PDO wines in volume (5.4%) and value (4.2%).

Italian large-scale retail trade: fewer bottles but higher prices

In 2025, 737 million liters of wine and sparkling wine were sold in large-scale distribution, a decrease compared to 2024. The average price is rising and Prosecco is confirmed as the best-selling wine in Italy.

Oltrepò Pavese: Production recovers but grape numbers decline

Production returns to around 620 thousand hectoliters , but grape prices continue to fall, creating tensions in the supply chain between winemakers and processors.

Lazio: wine prices risk 15% increase

High energy prices and geopolitical tensions could lead to a significant increase in the prices of Lazio wines, with possible repercussions for small wineries in the area.

Highway Code and consumption outside the home

The tightening of driving controls has already had an impact on consumption: some restaurateurs are recording a drop of up to 20% in wine orders .

ISMEA and the Generazione Terra program

The Generation Land 2026 program provides €120 million to facilitate access to land for young farmers, financing up to 100% of land purchases.

Intensive vineyards at high altitude: the Brentonico case

In Trentino, the debate over the expansion of intensive viticulture in mountainous areas is growing. The Biodiversity and Health Committee is launching a provincial petition calling for clearer rules against monoculture.

Tebano Winemaking Center

A new three-million-euro educational and experimental winery is being opened in Emilia-Romagna, connected to the Faculty of Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Bologna.

Company museums and wine culture

The Museimpresa network exceeds 150 company museums , including the Leone de Castris, Ferrari Trento, Ricci Curbastro and Chiarli museums, examples of the valorization of the industrial memory of wine.

International

Porto and the historic Burmester cellar

In Vila Nova de Gaia, near the famous Dom Luís I Bridge, the historic Burmester Cellar (founded in 1750) continues to tell the story of Port winemaking through a tour of barrels, historic architecture, and tastings.

Pompeii and the archaeological viticulture project

At the archaeological site of Pompeii, a project is underway to revive the ancient Roman winemaking tradition, with vineyards planted within the historic area. The initiative aims to produce thousands of bottles inspired by ancient techniques.

Wine events

Lario Critical Wine 2026

The fourteenth edition of Lario Critical Wine , a festival dedicated to critical consumption and natural wine, returns to Cantù, featuring tastings, cultural events, and music.

ZeroZero – Natural Wine and Art

ZeroZero , an international event dedicated to natural wines, takes place in Florence, featuring over forty Italian and European winemakers and a program that integrates tastings and contemporary art.

The First of Lives on the Riviera

The event dedicated to Western Ligurian wines makes its debut in Albenga, with 23 wineries and over 100 labels available for tasting.

Vinitaly 2026: Umbria presents its new pavilion

From 12 to 15 April, Umbria’s wine region will have a pavilion dedicated to Vinitaly with 45 companies and a programme of tastings and masterclasses .

Chianti Classico Collection

The new 2024 vintages of Chianti Classico, characterized by freshness, balance, and great drinkability, were presented at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence.

Strategic summary of the day

Three signals clearly emerge from the winemaking panorama:

  • Technology and innovation : AI and precision viticulture are redefining vineyard management.
  • Mature but resilient markets : Germany continues to be a key outlet for Italian wine.
  • Experience and territory : events, wine tourism, and corporate storytelling become central tools for valorization.

Press review by QUIDQUID Offered by WINEIDEA.IT

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

Wine press review for Sunday March 22 -2026

with:

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

The Italian wine sector continues to churn amid signs of resilience, production transformations, new commercial directions, and growing integration between wine, territory, tourism, and events. In the background, 2025 closed with a decline that, however, appears more moderate than that of other international competitors, while 2026 offers glimpses of recovery.

Italian wineries

Contract, from the nineteenth century to the contemporary Classic Method

The historic Contratto winery confirms its pioneering role in Italian sparkling wine production. Founded in 1867, it was among the first Italian producers to experiment with the French sparkling wine model, developing its own identity in the early 20th century with vintage wines and lines dedicated to international markets. Today, it represents an example of how tradition can become a lever for advanced positioning.

Palmento Costanzo: Ten Years of Excellence on Mount Etna

At the Park Hyatt in Milan, the Etna winery Palmento Costanzo celebrated its “DI SEI” collection with a masterclass dedicated to the volcano’s wines. The project marks the evolution of a company that has built its identity on the valorization of the vineyards in Contrada Santo Spirito and the restoration of an ancient palmento, becoming one of the most interesting expressions of contemporary Etna.

Marisa Cuomo named Italy’s most beautiful “sea view” winery.

The Furore winery, a symbol of heroic viticulture on the Amalfi Coast, took first place in a survey of Italian wineries overlooking the sea. This recognition recognizes not only its impact on the landscape, but also its ability to transform the territory into an identity and narrative asset.

Faraone Wines: Wine as a Sensory Experience and Hospitality

In Giulianova, the Faraone winery hosted “Ruvide Avvolgenze,” a tasting that created an original journey through Italian and French wines and cheeses. The event confirms the growing commitment of many Italian wineries to more immersive hospitality experiences, where wine becomes a tool for storytelling, experimentation, and interaction with the public.

Gionata Cognata and the revival of viticulture in the Polcevera Valley

Gionata Cognata’s story reveals the most fragile and authentic side of Italian micro-viticulture. After bringing wine back to an area that had almost disappeared from the Ligurian winemaking landscape, the producer saw a large portion of his production jeopardized by a defective batch of corks. It’s a story that highlights how, especially for small wineries, every vintage represents a decisive challenge.

Leonardo da Vinci Winery in compulsory administrative liquidation

The long history of the Tuscan cooperative founded in 1961 has come to an end with a bankruptcy proceeding. The decision by the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy highlights a situation of serious insolvency, with short-term debts significantly exceeding current assets. This case refocuses attention on the economic sustainability of some historic cooperatives in the sector.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Nomisma: Italy suffered in 2025, but held up better than others

According to Denis Pantini of Wine Monitor Nomisma, Italian wine closed 2025 with a 3.7% decline in value, but with a less negative performance than France, Spain, Australia, Chile, and the United States. This data suggests a less alarmist interpretation: in a complex global context, Italy has shown superior resilience, and if the weaker markets were to rebound, 2026 might not end in the red.

Exports 2025: Piedmont surpasses €1.15 billion, Veneto remains the leader.

The regional export market confirms Veneto as the leading region with €2.92 billion, and Piedmont as the third Italian region with over €1.15 billion in exports. Despite the overall decline in the sector, some regions continue to demonstrate structural resilience, strengthening wine’s role as a strategic asset for the local economy.

Germany is a key market for Italian wine.

Germany remains one of the most important foreign markets for Italian wine, with imports from the country worth €1.14 billion in 2025. However, the consensus is that it is a solid yet selective market, where those operators capable of adapting to a sophisticated consumer, sensitive to value for money and the clarity of the offering, can thrive.

Inflation and wine: consumer prices in Italy show moderate growth

On the price front, Italy has seen a 7.4% increase in consumer wine prices over ten years, among the lowest in Europe. This remains a key issue at a time when consumer purchasing power has declined and eating out is particularly affected. This discussion involves the entire supply chain, from producers to distributors, all the way to restaurants.

Alcohol-free wine: a new segment for new consumers

Alcohol-free wine is entering the sector’s strategic debate as a potential lever to tap into new audiences and specific markets, especially in Northern Europe, America, and Australia. The topic, discussed at the Laimburg Research Center, highlights the sector’s openness to different consumption patterns in Italy as well, while still excluding PDO wines.

Vineyard Restructuring and Conversion: New Regional Notice

The call for applications for support for the vineyard restructuring and conversion project envisaged by the National Viticulture Support Plan has been published. This strategic measure will renovate vineyards, adapt production to market needs, and strengthen the competitiveness of wineries.

Toscana IGT: Changes Approved in Italy

The Masaf National Wine Committee has approved changes to the Toscana IGT wine regulations. Among the main changes are the strengthening of the “Toscana” designation and the introduction of the sparkling wine category, both Charmat and Classic Method, white and rosé. This move could open up new production and commercial opportunities for the regional system.

Italian Riesling: A Missed Opportunity for Oltrepò Pavese

The return of the international “Grow du Monde” competition has rekindled attention on Riesling Italico, a grape variety that, according to many observers, represents a great opportunity that is still under-exploited in the Oltrepò Pavese region. The topic is significant because it addresses a fundamental issue in Italian wine: the ability, not always fully expressed, to build value on distinctive varieties.

Nebbiolo: A strong identity in an uncertain context

Sergio Germano, president of the Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe and Dogliani Consortium, emphasizes how Nebbiolo continues to be a reliable choice in a disoriented world. The success of Grandi Langhe, with 7,700 entries and over 500 foreigners, confirms the strength of territorial identity as a competitive advantage.

Michel Rolland, farewell to a symbolic figure in world winemaking.

The passing of Michel Rolland marks the end of an era. The first true global “flying winemaker,” he profoundly influenced the language of modern wine and collaborated with important Italian wineries such as Caprai, Biserno, Tenuta del Nicchio, Ornellaia, and Masseto. His legacy extends not only to winemaking style, but also to the very role of the consultant in the creation of contemporary wine.

International

Wines Experience: Over 200 Italian Wineries Debut in London

On April 26 and 27, London will host the first edition of Wines Experience, a new B2B platform that will bring over 200 Italian wineries to the British capital. The format focuses on digital matchmaking, pre-scheduled events, blind tastings, and data collection on British market preferences. This approach is geared toward concrete business rather than mere trade show exposure.

The UK remains a strategic market

The choice of London as the inaugural venue is no coincidence: the United Kingdom is the third-largest destination market for Italian wine, with a value of approximately €857 million and a 10-11% share of total exports. In a time of general slowdown, maintaining a presence in stable and mature markets remains a strategic priority.

The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles chooses Cirò

From March 27th to 29th, Calabria will host the rosé section of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, featuring 1,100 wines from 30 countries and 55 international judges. The event strengthens the international visibility of Cirò and Calabria as regions capable of hosting high-profile wine events.

Wine events

The Prosecco Hills at the 2026 Paralympic Games

The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene were featured at Casa Veneto in Cortina, during a panel discussion on accessible Veneto destinations. The focus on inclusivity and accessible itineraries opens an interesting perspective on the relationship between UNESCO heritage, tourism, and accessibility.

Valpolicella nominated for UNESCO recognition with the drying ritual

The nomination of the Valpolicella grape drying ritual for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status marks a significant step forward in symbolism and culture. Appassimento is presented as a collective knowledge that intertwines technique, landscape, community, and production identity.

Wine tourism: weddings, events, and new winery features

Tenute del Cerro reflects an increasingly clear trend: the winery is no longer just a place of production, but also a space for weddings, conventions, guided tours, and experiences. Wine tourism is thus confirmed as a strategic complement to wine sales.

Doctor Wine in Parma with the Essential Guide to Italian Wines 2026

Monte delle Vigne hosted the presentation of the new Essential Guide to Italian Wines with Daniele Cernilli. This event combined tastings, in-depth analysis, and promotion of Emilian wines, confirming the role of guides as tools for connecting producers, critics, and the market.

Pandolfini launches a new fine wine auction in Florence

“La Joie du Vin,” an auction of collectible wines organized by Pandolfini, returns on April 9th and 10th. Highlights include a tasting dedicated to Château d’Yquem and the presence of rare lots, including a 1920 Yquem. This is a sign of the vitality of the fine wines and collectibles segment.

Calabria: The “Sinus Underwater Wines” project kicks off

In mid-April, an underwater aging trial will begin in the Gulf of San Nicola Arcella, involving wine, classic method, dessert wines, beer, liqueurs, and even a perfume. This project combines research, local promotion, and sensory experimentation.

Sicily and South Tyrol in conversation at the table

The “From Sicily to South Tyrol” tasting dinner at the San Ferdinando Restaurant in Nizza di Sicilia brought together two Italian regional excellences in a gastronomic journey that celebrates their identity. It’s an example of how wine continues to convey a regional narrative, even outside of strictly trade fair formats.

Cantina Errante, spontaneous fermentation and creative contamination

With “Mirabolani 2024,” Cantina Errante presents a release that blends spontaneous fermentation, wild fruit, and brewing culture. This news is outside the realm of winemaking, but it’s interesting for those interested in the new intersections between fermented products, craftsmanship, and the story of the region.

Strategic summary of the day

Today’s snapshot shows a sector that, despite being under pressure, has not lost its ability to react. Five clear trends emerge: Italy’s resilience in exports compared to competitors , the centrality of key foreign markets such as Germany and the United Kingdom , openness to new segments such as dealcoholized wine , strengthening the link between wine, territory, and culture , and the growing importance of wine tourism and events as levers of value .

Alongside these positive signs, there remain important areas for attention: corporate crises, economic and financial fragility, price pressure, and the need to rethink certain varieties or territories that are still undervalued.

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

See you tomorrow.

Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern