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Wine press review for Monday September 7-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine, wineries, oenology, and wine events.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Mack & Schühle invests in dealcoholized wine and focuses on Puglia . The Italian market for no- and low-alcohol wines is accelerating. Mack & Schühle Italia sees dealcoholization as a new opportunity for growth and internationalization. The company operates through a supply chain involving approximately 5,000 winemakers and a network of 3 million hectoliters, with production hubs in Puglia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Terre d’Aenòr: Early Harvest in Franciacorta. The 2026 harvest confirms the effects of climate change on viticulture. Terre d’Aenòr brought approximately 3,500 quintals of grapes to the cellar. Initial evaluations indicate structured, aromatically rich, and elegant wines.

Five major Italian wine companies facing potential ownership changes. The sector is entering a significant phase of corporate and financial transformation. According to the review, at least five leading companies could change their ownership structure or management over the next 6-12 months. Approximately €1.45 billion in revenue is expected to be affected by potential ownership or management changes.

Alto Adige: The Protagonists of the Wine Renaissance A documentary chronicles the producers and winemakers who, since the 1970s and 1980s, have contributed to the qualitative and international transformation of Alto Adige wine, including Elena Walch, Alois Lageder, Louis Raifer, Hans Terzer, and Willi Stürz.

Le Manzane: 78 quintals collected in the Solidarity Harvest The 15th edition of the Solidarity Harvest brought together hundreds of participants in San Pietro di Feletto, in the Prosecco Hills, collecting 78 quintals of grapes to support the Il Filo di Simo ODV association.

Val d’Oca presents a contemporary Cartizze Extra Brut Heritage Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Cartizze Extra Brut DOCG 2025 offers a particularly dry interpretation of Cartizze, with a residual sugar content of less than 2 g/l, focusing on freshness, minerality and territorial identity.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Sardinia, quality grows: seven wines achieve 100/100. Vinodabere’s ninth Sardinian Wine Guide evaluated 331 wines, awarding 118 “Standing Ovations,” equal to 35.6% of the wines tasted. Vermentino and Cannonau stood out, and more generally, the entire regional sector has seen a qualitative improvement.

2026 Harvest Ever Earlier: Climate Changes Italian Vineyards. Heat and drought are profoundly altering harvest calendars. In the Langhe, some Nebbiolos were harvested as early as the end of August; the same phenomenon is evident in Franciacorta, Conegliano, Montalcino, and the Colli Tortonesi. Agronomic adaptability is becoming increasingly crucial.

Conegliano, Montalcino, and Tortona: good quality, but focus on market balance. Initial indications suggest grapes are generally in good condition and quality prospects are positive. Alongside quality, however, an economic issue emerges: protecting the value of the denominations and maintaining a balance between production growth, vineyards, and demand.

US exports struggle, but Prosecco holds firm. In the first months of 2026, Italian wine exports to the United States, according to the source, dropped by approximately 15%. Eastern Veneto is showing greater resilience, with exports exceeding €20 million, with Prosecco as the main driver. In 2025, DOC Prosecco had exceeded 660 million certified bottles, over 80% of which were exported.

Markets 2026: Complex, but with some positive signs. Renzo Cotarella, Michele Bernetti, Francesco Giovannini, and Alessio Planeta highlight a challenging market in Italy and abroad. Identity, adaptability, financial management, and strategic clarity become crucial elements for navigating this new phase.

Wine isn’t just losing space: the way it’s consumed is changing. The transformation isn’t just about volumes, but how, where, and why consumers choose wine . Restaurants, wine bars, wineries, first-hand experiences, and new consumption styles are changing the relationship between product, brand, and consumer.

Wine tourism: Umbria calls for rules more suited to small wineries. The region is calling for a review of the regional regulations, maintaining quality standards but adapting them to the characteristics of Umbrian companies, which are often small and family-run.

Ascheri: Fewer vineyards to protect the environment and value. The production sector also reflects on supply: limiting the expansion of vineyards could help reduce environmental impact and, at the same time, support the economic value of wine.

INTERNATIONAL AND MARKETS

Alcohol-Free Drinks: Global Market Nearing $3.3 Billion The no- and low-alcohol segment is now one of the areas of greatest strategic interest. According to reported data, the global business is worth approximately $2.4 billion and could reach $3.3 billion by 2028. The Italian industry is also accelerating after regulatory delays compared to other markets.

Mondial des Vins Extrêmes: 1,175 wines from 22 countries. The international competition dedicated to heroic viticulture registered 1,175 wines from 432 wineries in 22 countries. 84 Grand Gold Medals and 295 Gold Medals were awarded. Sardinia won one Grand Gold Medal and two Gold Medals.

Training: Italian Wine and Global Markets The twelfth edition of the Master’s program organized by the Scuola Sant’Anna, the University of Pisa, the University for Foreigners of Siena, and the University of Siena with AIS aims to develop integrated skills in production, marketing, communication, wine tourism, and international markets.

WINE EVENTS AND WINE TOURISM

Friuli Doc 2026 – Udine, September 10-13. The 32nd edition will span over 33,000 square meters of the city, featuring more than 100 stands, 70 traditional dishes, over 40 musical events, and approximately 150 artists. The overall economic impact is estimated at €10 million.

Gustus 2026 – Vicenza, September 19-20. Over 100 labels and more than 20 wineries will be featured at the event dedicated to the Colli Berici, Vicenza, and Gambellara DOC wines. Two WineLabs will explore climate change, changing consumer tastes, and the role of aging.

Open Cellars during Harvest – Abruzzo and Umbria The initiative of the Wine Tourism Movement involves 11 companies in Abruzzo and 12 in Umbria , with harvests open to the public, tastings, visits, workshops and experiences for families between September and October.

Monferrato: September among Ruchè, vineyards, and infernot. Castagnole Monferrato and Viarigi focus on the Ruchè grape harvest and slow tourism, transforming vineyards, landscape, and food and wine into an integrated regional experience.

Historic trains in the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato. Between October and November, new historic train routes will connect Milan and Turin with Alba and Canelli, showcasing wine, truffles, UNESCO landscapes, and autumn tourism. The Milan-Alba route will depart on Sundays, October 11, 18, and 25.

Terra Madre: Eight great wineries recount 40 years of Italian wine. From September 24th to 27th in Turin, eight masterclasses will retrace forty years of Italian wine evolution through iconic companies such as Allegrini, Biondi-Santi, and De Bartoli, with vertical tastings reserved for only 20 participants per session.

Degu-Stazioni: Wine Comes to the Milan Metro On September 27, three stations on the M5 line will host a multi-tasting event with over 50 sommeliers: a format that brings wine out of traditional venues and directly into the city’s flow.

THE SIGNAL OF THE DAY

Today’s review tells the story of a sector that is entering a phase of selection and transformation .

The weather brings forward the harvests and requires new agronomic choices. Traditional markets are slowing, while dealcoholized wines and new consumption patterns are growing. Prosecco is demonstrating greater international resilience. Wine tourism is increasingly becoming an integral part of the value of wineries.

But perhaps the most important signal comes from the corporate front: several Italian wineries could change ownership, governance, or financial structure in the coming months .

This means that the future of Italian wine will not depend solely on the quality of the bottle. It will increasingly depend on the ability of companies to adapt, merge, invest, raise new capital, protect value, and build a scale commensurate with international markets .

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Sunday September 6-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine

The current picture highlights a two-tiered sector: on the one hand, generally high-quality harvests and denominations capable of maintaining value and recognition; on the other, high inventories, weak consumption, and financial and climatic difficulties are increasing pressure, especially on less structured producers.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Solopaca Winery celebrates 60 years

The historic Sannio cooperative, founded in 1966 by 25 winemakers, celebrates its sixtieth anniversary on September 10th. A history of cooperation and territorial development that continues to represent an important benchmark for Campania viticulture.

Franciacorta: I Barisèi focuses on organic wines and long-term aging.

The Bariselli family manages 48 hectares of vineyards in Erbusco, organic since 2014, with an average production of approximately 120,000 bottles. The company philosophy emphasizes particularly long aging periods, with some Riservas released after at least 90 months.

Sartori between corporate relaunch, grape harvest, and the Verona Arena

Casa Vinicola Sartori continues its collaboration with the Fondazione Arena di Verona, which began in 2005. This partnership with the world of culture accompanies a phase of evolution for the company, now part of the Collis Wine Group, while the 2026 harvest is anticipated.

Collio: Tenuta Stella showcases biodiversity and sustainability

A photography competition dedicated to vineyard biodiversity highlighted the relationship between landscape, viticulture, and sustainability in the Friulian Collio, reinforcing the role of terroir as a distinctive element of wine.

Liguria: New gold for Il Cascin

The Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC Vermentino 2025 from Azienda Agricola Il Cascin won the Gold Medal at the 2026 Mondial des Vins Extrêmes, confirming the recognition the company also obtained in the previous edition.

ITALIAN WINE

United States slows, but Prosecco holds firm

In the first months of 2026, Italian wine exports to the United States contracted by around 15%. However, companies in eastern Veneto appear to be holding up better, with exports to the US exceeding €20 million. Prosecco is a key player: in 2025, the DOC exceeded 660 million certified bottles, with over 80% destined for export.

Sicily: A “perfect storm” for cooperative wineries

The 2026 harvest is putting pressure on many cooperatives in western Sicily. Fewer grapes, drought, rising costs, debt, weak consumption, and challenging international markets threaten to further squeeze cooperative wineries’ margins.

Puglia: A good harvest, but 5 million hectoliters remain in the cellar.

The quality of the grapes appears positive, but the real problem is commercial and financial. According to discussions between Confagricoltura and the Ministry of Agriculture, Apulian wineries have approximately 5 million hectoliters of unsold wine. These high inventories risk depressing grape prices and exacerbating liquidity needs.

Abruzzo: Early harvest but healthy grapes

In the Vasto area, harvest began up to two weeks earlier than average. Warm temperatures accelerated ripening, but early signs point to healthy grapes of excellent quality.

Treviso: Prosecco amidst heat, drought, and manual harvesting

In the Treviso area, some wineries continue to harvest grapes manually. The 2026 harvest was affected by high temperatures, 10-30% less rainfall, and hailstorms that, in some vineyards, caused losses of up to 50%.

Tuscany: good quality in the Candia DOC vineyards

Despite the heat and drought, the rainfall that arrived after mid-August improved the harvest prospects in the heroic vineyards of Candia dei Colli Apuani. The first grapes harvested are healthy and of promising quality.

Native grape varieties: a possible response to the crisis

The Timorasso case demonstrates the economic potential of promoting distinctive grape varieties. From just 2 hectares in 2000, the area has grown to over 400 hectares, transforming a variety on the verge of extinction into a producer recognized for its quality, longevity, and strong territorial ties.

Falanghina del Sannio towards new recognition

Falanghina del Sannio continues to consolidate its position. The area is aiming for DOCG status, while several award-winning labels confirm an attractive quality-price ratio, with high-quality wines available for under €15.

Agriculture in the Monfalcone area: fewer farms, but a €40 million turnover.

Over the past five years, the area has reportedly lost approximately 10% of its agricultural businesses. Despite the decline, the sector maintains significant production diversity and a total turnover of around €40 million.

WINE PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND NEW TRENDS

Artificial Intelligence: Growing Especially in Wine Offices

In the United States, the use of AI in the wine industry is growing rapidly, especially in administrative, marketing, and communications activities. Direct use in the vineyard and winery, however, remains more limited. Among the operators surveyed, the share of those reporting great familiarity with AI rose from 22% in 2024 to 30% in 2026.

Context changes the perception of wine

Location, company, food, temperature, and expectations significantly influence the drinking experience. A wine enjoyed on vacation may therefore prove less appealing once brought home: an important factor in understanding the value of wine tourism and the experience tied to the region.

Wine is also gaining space in pizzerias

Wine is increasingly being offered as part of the contemporary pizzeria dining experience. Research into pairings, sommelier training, and attention to wine lists are all increasing, opening up new marketing opportunities for producers and distributors.

Wine and meat: pairing takes center stage again

Structure, freshness, aromatic intensity, and cooking method become the main criteria in choosing red wines to pair with different meats, showcasing the great diversity of Italian appellations.

INTERNATIONAL

China: Exports up 186% in value and the mystery of the mega-shipment

In the first half of 2026, the value of Chinese wine exports is projected to have grown by 186%, reaching approximately $75 million. However, this figure appears to be heavily influenced by a massive shipment of approximately 200,000 bottles to Singapore, attributed to a single brand and characterized by particularly high prices.

USA: AI is gradually entering the wine industry

The US sector is moving from experimentation to an initial phase of concrete integration of Artificial Intelligence, especially in management, commercial, and communications functions.

Non-alcoholic: the demand for transparency is growing

The expansion of low- and no-alcohol beverages is increasing consumer attention to labels. “Zero” and “non-alcoholic” don’t necessarily mean the same thing, and there’s a growing demand for clearer information about the presence of even minimal alcohol.

WINE EVENTS, AWARDS AND WINE TOURISM

Vinòforum 2026: Rome, the wine capital for a week

From September 7th to 13th, Piazza di Siena, in Villa Borghese, will host over 800 wineries and more than 3,200 labels . The program includes tastings, masterclasses, meetings, and signature dinners dedicated to Italian and international regions.

Mondial des Vins Extrêmes: 379 labels awarded

The 2026 edition of the competition dedicated to heroic viticulture saw 1,175 wines from 432 wineries from 22 countries participate. 84 Grand Gold Medals and 295 Gold Medals were awarded.

Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato: Wine aboard historic trains

Between October and November, new historic train routes will connect Milan to Alba and Turin to Canelli, combining wine, truffles, UNESCO landscapes, and experiential tourism. This initiative confirms the growing integration between wine, local produce, and tourism.

Verona focuses on the wine autumn

From September to November, Verona, Valpolicella, and the local winemaking system will be the focus of cultural, food and wine, and international events. Autumn is firmly established as a strategic season for attracting less seasonal and more experience-oriented tourism.

Milan: a menu with over 7,000 labels

Remedy offers a selection of over 7,000 wines and spirits, from the great French terroirs to the main Italian appellations and small producers, confirming the growing interest in places capable of transforming wine into a cultural experience.

THE PICTURE OF THE DAY

The news of September 6 highlights four signals to watch carefully .

1. The problem doesn’t seem to be the quality of the grapes, but the economic balance of the supply chain. In Sicily and Puglia, stocks, debt, costs, and difficulties absorbing market demand are clearly evident.

2. Prosecco continues to represent one of the most resilient assets of Italian wine. Even in the face of the US slowdown, the denomination maintains strong export potential and international penetration.

3. Territory, native grape varieties, and experience gain value. Timorasso, Falanghina, heroic viticulture, Collio, and wine tourism point in a clear direction: differentiation rather than competing solely on volume.

4. Technology and new consumption models are changing the market. Artificial intelligence, non-alcoholic beverages, new food channels, and in-person winery experiences demonstrate a sector that must adapt rapidly.

In summary

Italian wine enters the 2026 harvest with potentially good quality, but with an increasingly evident structural problem: producing well is no longer enough. It’s necessary to produce what the market is willing to buy, build value around the region and the brand, and rebalance volumes, inventories, and demand.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Saturday September 5-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine

TODAY’S PICTURE

The wine sector enters the 2026 harvest with a central theme: rebalancing production, demand, and value . High inventories are compressing prices, while Federvini urges avoiding blanket solutions and addressing them on a region-by-region basis. At the same time, interesting signs are emerging: the growth of native grape varieties, the return of collecting, the consolidation of e-commerce, a greater focus on innovation, and the rapid introduction of Artificial Intelligence into wineries’ operations.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Majolini – Franciacorta Pas Dosé Aligi Sassu 2021 This historic Franciacorta winery, now led by the third generation, manages 22 hectares of organic vineyards and produces approximately 110,000 bottles annually . The 2021 Pas Dosé Aligi Sassu confirms the winery’s position in the quality Metodo Classico.

Livia Fontana expands the Barolo range with Vignolo Riserva 2020. The winery introduces a new Riserva from the small Vignolo cru in Castiglione Falletto. Nebbiolo, aged for 40 months in traditional oak and subsequently in bottle, creates a Barolo geared towards elegance and longevity. Montina – Franciacorta Demi Sec Rosé The Rosé Demi Sec is the winery’s only sweet Franciacorta. Montina produces approximately 450,000 bottles annually , produced from 70 hectares planted primarily to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Nuovi Poderi di Sisini wins the 2026 WineHunter Award. The Giuntelli family’s Sardinian winery has won the highest Platinum award with its 2024 Taja, Nasco di Cagliari Classico DOC. Awards also go to Fadas, Istrale Black Label, and Cannonau Ojè. Tenuta Mariani: 2026 Harvest at 12% The estate expects 550 quintals of grapes, approximately 35,000 liters of wine, and 45,000 bottles , with a 12% increase in production despite the high temperatures. The inauguration of the new winery in Massaciuccoli is scheduled for September 26th. Francesco Annesanti, Local Viticulture in Valnerina In Arrone, Umbria, Francesco Annesanti manages approximately 20 hectares, focusing on varietals such as Grechetto, Trebbiano Spoletino, Malvasia, Moscato, Pecorino, Barbera, Aleatico, and Sangiovese. Diesel Farm – Renzo Rosso and Organic Wine in the Vicenza Area Since 1993, Renzo Rosso has developed a farm of over 100 hectares on the hills east of Marostica, dedicated to organic farming, vineyards, olive groves, woodlands, and pastures. Among the labels is the 2016 Breganze Rosso di Rosso.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Too much inventory in the cellar: increasing pressure on prices. At the end of July, Italian inventory reached 45.6 million hectoliters of wine and must . Prosecco accounted for 3.2 million hectoliters. Average prices for bulk PDO wines are down 7% compared to 2025, and those for common wines are down 19%. The sector is discussing yield reductions, crisis distillation, and possible destocking.

Federvini: “Surgical” interventions are needed, region by region. General Manager Gabriele Castelli urges against applying blanket prescriptions. Uprooting and distillation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, while on the demand side, investments in promotion, communication, and new consumption opportunities are needed. Prosecco DOCG: discussion on vineyards with slopes greater than 30%. In the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area, a possible differentiated management of production from the steepest vineyards is being discussed. The Region has authorized separate storage and traceability, but not yet a different treatment for destocking. Timorasso: fewer new plantings to maintain quality and value. In the Colli Tortonesi area, the growth of Timorasso is being managed with greater caution. The grape variety, the foundation of Derthona’s identity, has grown from just 2 hectares in 2000 to over 400 hectares, becoming one of the most significant cases of recovery for a native Italian grape variety. Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo nominated as a symbol of new regional viticulture. Coldiretti Abruzzo proposes to further promote Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC as a wine capable of capturing new preferences for freshness, versatility, territorial identity, and more informed consumption. Insolia Nera is reborn in Agrigento. The ancient Sicilian Insolia red grape variety has been revived on the Doric Boutique Hotel estate. The project, begun in 2022, has already produced the 2024 and 2025 vintages and focuses primarily on conveying the terroir and its identity. Fiano di Avellino: longevity and cru as factors of valorization. Fiano confirms its ability to evolve over time thanks to the natural acidity and characteristics of the Irpinia soils. There is growing attention to individual vineyards and subzones as tools to strengthen the DOCG’s identity and value. Vinolok and the University of Udine study the evolution of bottled wine. A five-year study compares glass, screw, cork, and technical closures on Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir. After 36 months, wines with Vinolok closures showed positive sensory results, highlighting the role of the closure in the wine’s evolution. Organic Wine: The Burden of Bureaucracy Grows . A critical analysis highlights the operational effects of organic regulations, especially for producers and distributors, raising the issue of the balance between controls, sustainability, and management simplicity. Grants of up to 80% for Vineyards and Environmental Investments. A ministerial decree currently being published provides grants of up to 80% of the costs of vineyard renovation and conversion related to climate adaptation and for certain environmental investments in winemaking facilities. Artificial Intelligence Increasingly Entering Wineries . In the United States, AI is growing primarily in administration, marketing, and communications, while its direct use in the vineyard and winery remains more limited. Among the operators interviewed, those declaring themselves “very familiar” with AI increased from 22% in 2024 to 30% in 2026. Wine e-commerce: from digital promise to profitable channel. After the acceleration of Covid, online wine commerce has become structural but more selective. In Italy, the estimates cited indicate a market value of over 300 million euros in 2024 : today, the challenge is not simply selling online, but doing so with sustainable margins.

INTERNATIONAL

Fine Wine: Record Half-Year Results for Acker Wines and Sotheby’s. The collectible wine market is showing signs of recovery. Acker Wines reported $125 million in sales in the first half of 2026, accounting for 42% of the global auction market; Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits reported $49.2 million in hammer prices, with 94% of its lots sold.

United Kingdom: Convictions for Massive Non-Existent Wine Fraud Stephen Burton, founder of Bordeaux Cellars Ltd., has been sentenced to six years in prison for a $99 million fraud involving investments secured by supposedly non-existent collections of fine wines. His partner, James Wellesley, had already been sentenced to ten years. Heroic Italian Viticulture Takes Center Stage at the Mondial des Vins Extrêmes. Italy wins 20 Grand Gold Medals , with wines from extreme terroirs and distinctive grape varieties from Trentino to Calabria, from Valle d’Aosta to Sardinia, from Liguria to Sicily.

MARKET, CULTURE AND HORECA

Italian wine returns to television as a cultural heritage. Historic wineries, wine families, architecture, monasteries, territories, and new wine-cultural hubs become the protagonists of a television story that presents wine not only as a product, but as an expression of Italian history and culture.

Spirits and mixology: new opportunities for the Horeca sector. Faced with the slowdown in wine consumption, Italian amari, bitters, vermouth, and gin can enhance the experience of bars and restaurants. The key is to transform the drinks list from a simple list of products to a narrative of territories, ingredients, and identities. Cividale: Scubla 1921 is reborn – Dispensa Friulana Enrico Coser, from the family that owns the Ronco dei Tassi winery, reopens the historic Drogheria Scubla with a contemporary project dedicated to food and wine culture and Friulian products. Pistoia: wine and fine dining in a 17th-century palazzo Baldo Vino is moving its project to Palazzo Ganucci Cancellieri, combining a restaurant, bistro, American bar, and a cellar with over 3,000 wines: an example of integrating wine, gastronomy, hospitality, and historical heritage.

WINE EVENTS

Grimaldi Enoica Co-Wine Festival – September 5th The festival dedicated to Calabrian wine and the Savuto identity returns to Grimaldi. Tastings, talks, and seminars create a collective narrative of the region, involving producers, sommeliers, journalists, and wine lovers.

Campania Wine – Naples, September 6 and 7. At the Galleria Umberto I, over 100 wineries showcase Campania’s main appellations, from Vesuvius to Irpinia, from Sannio to the Phlegraean Fields, all the way to Cilento and the Amalfi Coast. “Sensi in Degustazione” – Colli Euganei On September 18 and 25, the Mioni Luxury Swim & Spa in Montegrotto Terme offers two evenings dedicated to the sensorial discovery of wine, paired with signature cicchetti and local stories. Upper Adriatic: Wine, Culture, and Territory The “A Sparkling Afternoon” initiative connects the winemaking excellence of the Upper Adriatic with the cultural heritage of Istria and Dalmatia, highlighting regional collaboration, the sea, culture, and local products.

THE SIGNAL TO FOLLOW

Today’s review reinforces a now evident trend: the future of Italian wine lies not simply in increasing production, but in the ability to transform territory, identity, quality, and consumer relationships into economic value.

High inventories and price pressure make it necessary to manage supply, but the medium-term response depends above all on demand : new consumers, communication, wine tourism, digital, Horeca, international markets, native grape varieties and innovation.

In this scenario, simply producing wine is no longer enough. We need to produce wine that the market has a clear reason to choose.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Friday September 4-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine

ITALIAN WINERIES

KURTATSCH WINERY CLOSES A RECORD FINANCIAL YEAR: TURNOVER OF €12.34 MILLION

The South Tyrolean cooperative Cantina Kurtatsch , founded in 1900 and comprising 190 member families, closed the 2025/2026 fiscal year with the highest turnover in its history: €12.34 million, an 11.08% increase over the previous year. This growth stems from a strategy focused on product positioning, commercial development, and wine tourism. Over the past five years, the average value per bottle has increased by 23.4% , driven by the increased weight of its most representative and distinctive lines.

LUNGAROTTI, WINE AS UMBRIA’S IDENTITY

The Lungarotti family continues to represent a historic benchmark in Umbrian winemaking. From Torgiano, an area between Perugia and Assisi, the company has built a true winemaking network over time, showcasing the region, culture, and hospitality. Chiara Lungarotti emphasizes the family’s deep connection to Torgiano and to an agricultural tradition that has increasingly focused on winemaking over the generations.

AGROS ROMANI: A NEW GENERATION INVESTS IN THE CASTELLI ROMANI

Agros Romani , a young agricultural company founded by Grazia Versace and Michele Colao, is born in Lanuvio. They are replanting vineyards with Malvasia, Bellone, Grechetto, Cesanese di Affile, and Merlot on five hilly hectares. The first harvest has already produced around 8,000 bottles . Another four hectares are home to around 300 olive trees, destined for future oil production.

ORSOGNA REDISCOVERS THE NATIVE MAIELLA VINE VARIETIES

The Bio Cantina Sociale Orsogna presented the results of five years of microvinification dedicated to rare native varieties of the eastern Maiella. The “Pe’ nin perde la sumente” project, carried out with the Maiella National Park’s Germplasm Bank, aims to preserve biodiversity and territorial identity in response to the growing standardization of wine.

CASTELLO DI MELETO BETWEEN WINE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Castello di Meleto will participate in the Italian Chef Charity Night in Florence on September 9th, an initiative dedicated to supporting young refugees. This social commitment complements the estate’s existing environmental activities, from protecting biodiversity to maintaining the woods surrounding the vineyards and the Bee Park.

DERBUSCO CIVES: FRANCIACORTA LINKED TO THE TERRITORY OF ERBUSCO

Founded in 2005 by five partners, Derbusco Cives produces Franciacorta exclusively from 12 hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the municipality of Erbusco . The production philosophy involves the use of only free-run must and long aging on the lees, for at least 30 months. Among its flagship labels is the Franciacorta DOCG Brut Blanc de Noir Crisalis 2018.

TEDESCHI: AMARONE BETWEEN TRADITION, CRU, AND RESEARCH

The Tedeschi family continues its journey in Valpolicella, focusing on the development of crus and increasingly refined and balanced wines. The company has 48 hectares of vineyards and produces approximately 450,000 bottles annually . Among its most representative labels is the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva 2018.

LEONARDO DA VINCI CELLARS: TREBBIANO DI ROMAGNA IN THE CAVIRO PROJECT

The Leonardo da Vinci project connects Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna through wines inspired by the territories crossed by the Renaissance genius. Among these is the Romagna Trebbiano DOC 1502 Duomo di Faenza 2025. The project is led by the Caviro Group , a cooperative with 22 members, 11,500 winemakers, and 36,200 hectares of vineyards, which markets approximately 150 million liters of wine.

FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA: WHITES WIN INTERNATIONAL CRITICS

Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon, and Chardonnay continue to support the quality positioning of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Two 97-point Platinum Medals were awarded at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards : for Muzic’s 2021 Friulano “Villa de Randis” Collio DOC and Amandum’s 2021 Pinot Bianco Friuli Isonzo DOC.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

CELLARS FULL: 45.6 MILLION HECTOLITERS OF WINE AND MUST

The main problem with the 2026 harvest does not appear to be quality, but the balance between production and demand. At the end of July , 45.6 million hectoliters of wine and must were in storage , slightly more than the entire previous harvest. 55.9% of the stored wine is located in the Northern regions, and Prosecco has approximately 3.2 million hectoliters of stock . Average prices for bulk DOP wines are down 7%, and those for common wines are down 19%.

Puglia: Wine Crisis, Urgent Action Called for

With nearly 5 million hectoliters of wine in Apulian cellars , grape prices under pressure, and high production costs, the regional sector is calling for extraordinary measures. Proposals include crisis distillation, storage, increased liquidity for businesses, combating illegal winemaking, and opening new export markets . This topic will also be the focus of the public meeting organized by Confagricoltura Puglia on September 5th in Brindisi.

VALPOLICELLA: GRAPE PRICES ARE TOO LOW

Consorzio Vini Valpolicella president Christian Marchesini reports lower-than-expected grape prices: from the expected 60-80 cents/kg , some transactions have reportedly dropped to 50 and even 40 cents. Pierangelo Tommasi also criticizes this trend, emphasizing the risk of weakening the entire denomination system at a time already characterized by declining consumption and rising costs.

SPARKLING WINES IN LARGE-SCALE RETAIL: -5.4%, NEED FOR NEW POSITIONING

In the first half of 2026, sparkling wines declined by 5.4% in value in large-scale retail trade , compared to -1.2% for wine overall and 2.9% for sparkling wines. The problem appears to be structural: consumption occasions are changing, and sparkling wines are perceived as more contemporary and attractive. For Lambrusco, sparkling whites, and rosés, it is therefore necessary to rethink their role, identity, and consumption occasions.

COOPERATIVES: SELECTIVELY MANAGE PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION, AND EXPORTS

Cooperatives represent approximately 40% of Italian wine revenue and nearly 60% of its production volume . Confcooperative and Legacoop Agroalimentare maintain that there is no single solution to the current situation: production, surpluses, and markets must be managed with targeted interventions tailored to individual regions and different wine categories.

CLIMATE CHANGE: ADAPT WITHOUT LOSING OUR IDENTITY

The early harvests of 2026 confirm the extent to which climate change is transforming viticulture. The sector must evaluate agronomic techniques, new varieties, and possible shifts in production areas, while striving to preserve the identity of the terroirs. Even in Champagne, some wineries are considering allocating part of the grapes traditionally used for sparkling wines to the production of still wines.

NICOLA BIASI: “THE CLIMATE HAS CHANGED, NOW WE NEED TO CHANGE THE GRAPE VARIETIES”

According to winemaker Nicola Biasi , the 2026 harvest highlights the need to rethink the relationship between grape varieties, terroirs, and appellations. The experience with PIWI resistant grape varieties and the Moselle Project raises questions about the ability of current regulations to adapt to future climate conditions.

OENOLOGY AND THE CONSUMER: “WE DRINK, NOT TASTE”

Winemaker Romeo Taraborrelli proposes simplifying the language of wine, arguing that excessive ritualism in “tasting” can create distance between consumers and the winemaker. The key is to restore freedom and immediacy to the experience: a wine can simply be liked or disliked, without the consumer needing technical expertise to express their opinion.

HARVEST AND ROAD SAFETY: BEWARE OF GRAPES AND MUST ON ASPHALT

As the grape harvest intensifies, the presence of tractors and trailers on the roads increases. Authorities remind drivers of the obligation to ease traffic when traffic jams form and to immediately report any cargo losses. Grapes and must can make the asphalt extremely slippery , posing a serious traffic hazard.

GANZEGA: BETWEEN AGRICULTURAL TRADITION AND THE RISK OF ILLEGAL WORK

“Ganzega,” the spontaneous, occasional, and unpaid agricultural assistance provided by family, friends, and neighbors, is back at the center of the debate. Following its recognition in Trentino and a similar precedent in Alto Adige, Veneto is looking at the model. However, the FAI CISL (Italian National Federation of Workers) has raised doubts about the possibility of clearly distinguishing traditional collaboration from irregular work.

FOOD AND WINE AND TOURISM: PROFESSIONALISM INCREASINGLY IN DEMAND

According to data from the Excelsior Information System, tourism, hospitality, and food and wine are among the professional areas where companies are having the greatest difficulty finding qualified personnel. Over the next five years, the Italian labor market is expected to generate 3.7 million new hires , largely related to generational turnover.

INTERNATIONAL

CLIMATE AND WINE: ITALY, FRANCE, AND CHAMPAGNE FACING THE SAME CHALLENGE

Climate change is altering the grape harvest calendar in many European regions. In 2026, several areas of Italy and France recorded some of the earliest harvests ever . The issue concerns not only yields, but the very future of grape varieties, appellations, and production models.

MONDIAL DES VINS EXTRÊMES: 22 COUNTRIES FOR HEROIC VITICULTURE

The 2026 Mondial des Vins Extrêmes , organized by CERVIM, brought together 1,175 wines from 432 wineries from 22 countries . 84 Grand Gold Medals and 295 Gold Medals were awarded. The competition confirms the growing international attention towards mountain viticulture, on steep slopes and in areas considered heroic.

WINE EVENTS

VINÒFORUM RETURNS TO ROME FROM SEPTEMBER 7TH TO 13TH

Piazza di Siena, in Villa Borghese, will host the 23rd edition of Vinòforum , featuring 800 wineries, over 3,200 labels, and more than 50 chefs and master pizza makers . The program includes tastings, dinners, masterclasses, mixology, Champagne, extra virgin olive oil, and numerous meetings with industry professionals.

OPEN CELLARS DURING HARVEST IN ABRUZZO

From September 5th to October 25th, 2026 , “Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia” (Open Cellars in Harvest) returns, promoted by the Movimento Turismo del Vino (Wine Tourism Movement). Eleven Abruzzo wineries will open their vineyards and cellars to the public with tastings, harvest experiences, and direct meetings with producers.

WINE AND TERRITORY: SEPTEMBER FULL OF EVENTS

The Italian calendar offers numerous events: OltreGusto – Oltrepò Terra di Pinot Nero , ViVa – Vini Valtellina , Appuntamento Soave , Vinitaly – The Opera Ouverture, Cinema in the Cellar in Prosecco DOC, Chianti Classico Fest and other events that integrate wine, gastronomy, culture, music and tourism.

VALTÈNESI PROTAGONIST ON THE GARDA RIVIERA

The Valtènesi Consortium opens September with a busy schedule of events on the Garda Riviera as the 2026 harvest continues. The harvest began early, around August 19th, for the grapes destined for rosé wines , while the harvest of the red grapes destined for DOC wines began in earnest on August 25th. Initial quality assessments are positive.

HEROIC VITICULTURE: FROM CIAPEL D’OR TO VIVA VALTELLINA

Valtellina promotes its winemaking heritage through events dedicated to the local Nebbiolo, Chiavennasca , and the unique viticulture developed on its Alpine slopes. The Ciapel d’Or, now in its 41st year, is one of the most symbolic events celebrating this heritage.

ALLEYS IN THE GLASS 2026 IN CHIETI

On September 4th and 5th , Vicoli in Calice , a food and wine and cultural event in the Civitella district of Chieti, returns. This sixth edition features tastings, masterclasses, training for professionals, guided tours, shows, and family-friendly initiatives.

Prosecco Superiore DOCG at the Venice Film Festival

For the third consecutive year, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the Official Sparkling Wine of the Venice International Film Festival. This initiative strengthens the connection between the region, Italian excellence, culture, and the appellation’s international positioning.

TREVIGIANA MARCA: FROM ICONIC DESTINATIONS TO EXPERIENCE TOURISM

The Marca Trevigiana aims to present itself as an integrated destination, connecting cities, hills, countryside, wine, and local communities. According to data from the Travel Innovation Observatory of the Milan Polytechnic, for over 80% of travelers, experiences are a key factor in choosing a destination .

The message is increasingly clear: producing wine isn’t enough. You need to produce what the market is willing to recognize, choose, and pay for.

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

See you tomorrow.

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