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Wine press review for Sunday May 24 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Cerletti Institute: 150 Years of Italian Winemaking History. A large turnout in Conegliano marked the 150th anniversary of the Cerletti Institute, a symbol of Italian winemaking education. Celebrations were also held for the Enological Foundation, the Alumni Union, Enocoro, and Mini Expo.

Novacella Abbey: 900 Years of Wine, Between Faith and Territory In Alto Adige, Novacella Abbey continues to represent one of the most fascinating models of historic European viticulture: 800,000 bottles produced and exported to over 40 countries.

Radici d’Uva: Biodiversity and Historic Veneto Grape Varieties. The “Radici d’Uva” project, supported by the Alta Marca Local Government Association (GAL), has been presented to restore ancient grape varieties and promote more resilient and sustainable viticulture.

Poderi Luigi Einaudi: Piedmontese elegance in the 2023 Barbaresco The 2023 Barbaresco Bric Micca DOCG wins you over with its balance, freshness, and aromatic complexity of red fruits, balsamic notes, and elegant tannins.

Statella Family: the soul of Etna in the 2024 Rosato DOC The Etna winery led by Calogero Statella continues to enhance the volcanic territory through artisanal productions oriented towards the highest quality.

Tenuta Neri di Cesena wins awards in Europe. The historic Romagna winery continues to collect international recognition thanks to its Merlot, Albana, and Sangiovese.

Cantina del Cabreo: the new temple of Super Tuscans. Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari are inaugurating a new winery in the Chianti Classico area, costing over €7 million, where wine, architecture, and wine tourism merge.

Cataldi Madonna: A New Vision for Abruzzo Wine Giulia Cataldi Madonna leads the relaunch of the historic Ofena winery, focusing on quality, organic farming, Pecorino cheese, and technological innovation.

Bio Cantina Sociale Orsogna and heroic viticulture Abruzzo officially joins Cervim to support and enhance mountain vineyards and extreme territories.

Alto Adige, a global wine superstar, has received 283 top scores from international guides for South Tyrolean wines. Cantina Terlano is a star with two wines awarded 100 points.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

How to Really Read a Wine Label: An in-depth look at the key information on labels: origin, names, allergens, and useful information for consumers.

Alcohol-free wine: the Italian market is growing. Following regulatory approval, alcohol-free wine continues to spark discussion. Fewer calories and new consumption targets, but attention must be paid to product preservation.

First Italian dealcoholization plant in Veneto The first large-scale Italian plant authorized for dealcoholized and partially dealcoholized wines, with a capacity of over 7 million bottles per year, comes into operation in Susegana.

Italian wine exports still under pressure. ISTAT data for the first quarter of 2026 confirm the slowdown in wine exports, penalized above all by US tariffs: -13.3% in the first two months.

Wine between artificial intelligence and territorial identity. More and more companies are investing in AI, sensors, and predictive platforms. But there’s also a growing debate about the risk of losing the authentic connection between wine, territory, and people.

Wines from the smaller islands are back in the spotlight. From Pantelleria to Salina to Giglio, there’s growing interest in the heroic viticulture of the Mediterranean and the distinctive wines linked to these extreme territories.

Bees and Biodiversity: New European Decree Legislative Decree 80/2026, which strengthens the protection of pollinators and agricultural biodiversity, will come into force on May 31.

International

Among the vines of Bulgarian Thrace. A journey through rural Bulgaria to discover the Miroglio winery, an example of modern development in a region with ancient traditions.

Edi Rama relaunches Albanian wine. The Albanian Prime Minister aims to transform wine into a symbol of the new Made in Albania brand, drawing inspiration from the Italian model and involving Riccardo Cotarella.

Grenaches du Monde 2026: Sardinia takes center stage. The international competition dedicated to Grenache concludes in France with 37 medals won by Sardinian wines.

Open Cellars in Ticino: Between Quality and Market Problems. In Switzerland, the debate over the high prices of Ticino wine and the need to better promote local production is growing.

Wine events

Sicilia En Primeur 2026: A Restarting Vintage Assovini Sicilia presents a more balanced 2025 harvest after the climatic difficulties of recent years. Great attention is paid to local areas and wine tourism.

Sicilia En Primeur focuses on experience. Over 1,000 labels tasted and a strong focus on wine tourism, local storytelling, and immersive hospitality.

Cantine Aperte Sardegna 2026 From May 23rd to 31st, tastings, masterclasses, art, and itineraries among vineyards and archaeology throughout the region.

Wein Tour Cattolica celebrates 10 years. The event dedicated to the wines of Emilia-Romagna celebrates its tenth edition with tastings and masterclasses.

Varchi in Vigna transforms Montevarchi into an open-air winery. The first edition of the event brings together local producers, food, and the historic center.

Historic trains and Italian food and wine FS Treni Turistici Italiani launches new slow itineraries dedicated to the regions of Italian wine and cuisine.

World Aperitivo Day 2026 Vermouth Carlo Alberto celebrates the Piedmontese aperitivo tradition with new mixology proposals linked to the territory.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Saturday May 23 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

• The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Hills confirm the value of Prosecco Superiore DOCG, thanks to heroic viticulture, UNESCO territories, and prestigious crus like Cartizze. Interest in authentic experiences including wineries, landscapes, and food and wine tourism is growing.

• Freccianera continues to represent one of the most elegant expressions of the Italian Classic Method in Franciacorta, valorizing a completely internal supply chain and a history that began in 1927.

• Novacella Abbey in South Tyrol, active since 1142, remains one of the oldest wineries in the world with 800,000 bottles produced and a strong international presence.

• The Scacciadiavoli winery in Montefalco returns to the forefront with the presentation of the historical volume dedicated to the birth of modern Umbrian viticulture between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

• The Corteros winery in Piove di Sacco has won important international awards with its Charpy Brut, which won both the Venice International Wine Trophy and the Diapason Award at Vinitaly.

• Attems, a historic Collio winery belonging to the Frescobaldi group, presents the first red in its history: the Brezich Collio Doc Cabernet Riserva 2021.

• Tenuta Neri in Cesena continues to collect international awards thanks to its Romagna wines, enhancing a family tradition that began in 1951.

• Cantine Mucci in Abruzzo confirms the value of evolutionary whites with the Falanghina Terre di Chieti IGT Cantico 2021, an identity expression of the Abruzzo region.

• Kellerei Kaltern continues to represent a model of successful South Tyrolean winemaking cooperation with over 520 members and 3.4 million bottles produced.

• Librandi continues its work promoting native Calabrian grape varieties with the 2023 Magliocco Megonio, a symbol of regional winemaking research. • Gianni Gagliardo confirms the prestige of the 2021 Barolo Lazzarito Vigna Preve, a benchmark cru in Serralunga d’Alba.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

• The Mediobanca survey confirms a slowdown in the Italian wine sector: declining sales, weaker exports and declining consumption both in Italy and on international markets.

• Italy remains the world’s leading producer, with 44.4 million hectoliters and nearly 20% of global production. However, concerns are growing about overproduction and the structural decline in consumption.

• The Mediobanca report highlights a challenging 2025 for the sector: US exports are declining, margins are falling, and the market is increasingly selective. Companies are focusing on diversification, marketing, and new markets.

• The dealcoholized and low-alcohol wine segment is growing. Mack & Schühle Italia is investing in “Made in Italy” dealcoholization with new technologies and a projected production capacity of 7.5 million bottles per year.

• The issue of plant protection residue management returns to the forefront in view of the 2026 harvest, especially after the Methoxyfenozide case which emerged in the 2025 campaign.

• The debate on wine and health remains heated following the statements of Professor Silvio Garattini who called for a reduction in the consumption of alcohol and red meat.

• However, Italian exports continue to show positive signs on a general level: in March, Made in Italy products grew by 7.4%, supported above all by industry.

• Italian beekeeping generates up to 2 billion euros in agri-food value thanks to pollination, confirming the strategic role of agricultural biodiversity.

• The 2026 Food&Science Festival relaunches the role of science and innovation in agriculture through robotics, drones, sustainability, and precision agriculture.

• The Cities of Wine welcome the Municipality of Gessopalena in Abruzzo, strengthening the network of Italian wine-growing territories.

• The Calabria Region publishes the new call for tenders for the CMO Wine Promotion of Third Countries for the 2026/2027 campaign with a deadline set for 15 July 2026.

International

• In France, the crisis in the wine sector continues: in 2025, the average value of vineyards will fall by 2.9%, with major difficulties especially in the Bordeaux area.

• Albania is aiming to relaunch its national wine. Prime Minister Edi Rama is launching a project inspired by the Italian model with the support of winemaker Riccardo Cotarella.

• The international growth of natural wines and slow tourism in Sardinia continues thanks to the “Giugno Slow” event and the “Vite e Vite” exhibition dedicated to independent winemakers.

Wine events

• Cantine Aperte 2026 recorded record numbers in Abruzzo with 53 companies involved, confirming the growth of regional wine tourism.

• Sicily also marks a historic edition of Cantine Aperte with over 30 participating wineries and strong growth of the Sicilian Wine Tourism Movement.

• “Sersale in Cantina” promotes local self-produced wine through tastings, typical products and local participation.

• In Milan, during Best Wine Stars 2026, producers and restaurateurs discuss the future of wine in the restaurant industry and the need for a new commercial balance.

• Valtenesi in Rosa celebrates the 130th anniversary of Chiaretto in Moniga del Garda with over 100 labels for tasting.

• South Tyrolean sommelier Mirko Rainer sets a new world record for sabre-opening: 96 bottles opened with a sabre in one minute.

Thanks for listening, we remind you that today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Friday May 22 -2026

with:

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

Cantine Aperte 2026 focuses on wellness and experiences

The Wine Tourism Movement is relaunching the Cantine Aperte format, transforming wineries into places dedicated to wellness, nature, and immersive experiences: yoga among the vines, trekking, e-biking, cooking classes, and tastings are becoming central to contemporary wine tourism.

La Scolca celebrates Mario Soldati

The celebrations for Mario Soldati’s 120th birthday, promoted by Chiara Soldati of La Scolca, kicked off in Rome. The focus is on the connection between wine, culture, territory, and the authenticity of the Italian wine story.

The rural luxury of the Langhe

The Ceretto family is developing the “Le Brunate” project, a new hospitality model that integrates wine, cuisine, art, and landscape, transforming the vineyard into a complete cultural experience.

Roberto Giacobbo, wine producer in Puglia

Journalist and TV writer Roberto Giacobbo enters the world of wine with the “Torreclava” project together with the Faretra family in Puglia, focusing on organic production and territorial valorization.

Brunello di Montalcino: 2026 Yield Reduction Confirmed

The Brunello di Montalcino Wine Consortium confirms the reduction in yields from 80 to 70 quintals per hectare for the 2026 harvest, a measure designed to protect the quality, production balance, and value of the denomination.

Planeta combines wine and contemporary art

Planeta Winery is organizing a tour of vineyards, contemporary art, and tastings at Buonivini during Cantine Aperte 2026.

Cantina Produttori Fregona relaunches its Torchiato DOCG.

The Fregona cooperative promotes Torchiato DOCG Piera Dolza, a historic local passito wine produced with native grape varieties such as Glera, Boschera, and Verdiso.

Marchesini reconfirmed as head of the Valpolicella Consortium

Christian Marchesini will remain president of the Valpolicella Wine Consortium until 2028. His goals include international promotion and the UNESCO nomination for the grape drying ritual.

The historic Porta Romana winery closes.

After 25 years, one of Teramo’s iconic restaurants is closing its doors, reflecting on the city’s changing landscape and the loss of its local gastronomic identity.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

2026 Assoenologi Congress in Conegliano

The 79th Assoenologi Congress will address key issues in the sector: young consumers, health, climate, sustainability, low-alcohol wines, varietal innovation, and the future of international markets.

Mediobanca: Italian wine revenues down 2.8% in 2025

According to the Mediobanca report, the main Italian wine groups saw a 2.8% decline in turnover, with exports slowing, especially to the United States and Europe. Horeca, wine bars, and online sales also declined.

Italian white wines remain undervalued abroad

Analysis of the international positioning of Italian white wines: recognized quality but still penalized by languages and cultural perceptions that favor international grape varieties like Chardonnay.

Growing interest in low-alcohol wines at origin

More and more Italian wineries are experimenting with low-alcohol wines, developed directly in the vineyard and cellar, rather than simply through subsequent dealcoholization.

New EU limits on copper in vineyards

New European limits on copper residues will come into force in 2026. Precision viticulture, digital records, and proper system calibration are becoming increasingly important.

CMO Wine Promotion Third Countries 2026/2027

Applications for CMO Wine grants dedicated to promotion on non-EU markets are open from May 21 to June 26, 2026.

The best Sardinian wines according to a comparative test

Of the more than 100 labels analyzed, Cannonau, Vermentino, and Torbato from companies such as Argiolas and Sella & Mosca stand out for their quality and pleasantness.

Librandi takes center stage with its 2021 Cirò Riserva

Librandi’s Cirò Classico Superiore Riserva Duca Sanfelice 2021 received excellent reviews, describing it as elegant, persistent, and offering excellent value for money.

Hugo Spritz continues its summer boom

The Hugo Spritz confirms its success as a light and aromatic cocktail born in Alto Adige, increasingly present in European summer aperitifs.

International

United Kingdom: wine production boom

The United Kingdom is expected to record its second-largest harvest in history in 2025, with a 55% production rate and over 16.5 million bottles, thanks to favorable weather conditions and the growth of English sparkling wine.

Dom Pérignon and Tilda Swinton at the Guggenheim in Bilbao

Dom Pérignon presents an artistic performance at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with Tilda Swinton dedicated to the relationship between Champagne, art, and contemporary creativity.

Wine events

Vini Vaganti brings natural wines to Lecce

The event dedicated to artisanal wines returns to Lecce, featuring traveling tastings and producers from all over Italy.

Cori Civitas Vini celebrates biodiversity and territory

Two days of tastings, guided tours, masterclasses, and promotion of Bellone and Nero Buono wines in Lazio.

Open Cellars 2026: Sicily Heads for a Record

Over 30 Sicilian wineries will participate in the 2026 edition of Cantine Aperte, marking the growth of regional wine tourism.

Preview of the Open Cellars for Meyer

At the Valdichiana Designer Village, over 20 wineries will be hosting charity tastings in support of Meyer Hospital.

Umbria Wine Tourism Movement

More than 40 Umbrian wineries will be involved in tastings, vineyard picnics, e-bikes, and hospitality throughout the Montefalco, Orvieto, and Lake Trasimeno areas.

Wine Street Tasting brings life to Asti

Forty-one venues are part of the city’s largest food and wine district, dedicated to wine, Piedmontese cuisine, and international street food.

Mandrarossa Literary Award

Mandrarossa is reviving the dialogue between wine and culture with the “La Sicilia che non ti aspetti” Literary Prize, scheduled for Selinunte on July 25, 2026.

AIS Agrigento visits Masseria del Feudo

The AIS Agrigento course concluded with an educational visit to Masseria del Feudo, an example of organic farming and territorial innovation.

Thanks for listening, we remind you that today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Thursday May 21 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Marsala DOC on the way to the Additional Geographical Units (UGA). The Marsala DOC Consortium begins the process of obtaining recognition for the Additional Geographical Units: Stagnone, Altopiano dei Bagli, Triglia, and San Nicola. The goal: to enhance territorial differences and strengthen Marsala’s global identity.

Kurtatsch Winery presents its new Alto Adige Uga wines. The Alto Adige cooperative is launching nine wines from eight different Uga wines, focusing on the zoning and climate adaptation of Gewürztraminer thanks to vineyards distributed between 220 and 900 meters above sea level.

Tenuta del Paguro and underwater aging Off the coast of Ravenna, Tenuta del Paguro continues its aging project in the Adriatic Sea: bottles are immersed 30 meters deep for twelve months at constant temperature and pressure.

Principe di Corleone opens its doors for Cantine Aperte. On May 31st, the Sicilian winery will host vineyard tours, tastings, and live music as part of the national initiative of the Movimento Turismo del Vino.

Piedmontese Ruchè in the spotlight after the brawl at the wine festival. The Ruchè Festival ended amid controversy and tension after a clash between two historic local producers. The industry fears damage to the Piedmontese grape’s reputation.

Emilia-Romagna focuses on contemporary, naturally low-alcohol wines. Davide Frascari, president of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Wine Shop, relaunches the region’s versatility: fresh, accessible wines with naturally lower alcohol content, in line with new consumption trends.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Wine Exports: Focus on New Emerging Markets Wine Monitor-Nomisma identifies 13 emerging markets for Italian wine, including India, Mexico, Poland, Thailand, and Colombia. Wine imports to these countries are expected to grow by an average of 7.1% annually from 2019 to 2025.

Mediobanca Report: Italian wine slows. Sales of Italy’s leading producers are projected to decline 2.8% in 2025, with exports down 3.4% and margins sharply compressed. Sparkling wines and premium wines are holding up better, while smaller producers are struggling.

Frescobaldi: A more managerial sector is needed. The UIV president calls for greater production rationalization and reduced yields to avoid oversupply and further depreciation of Italian wines.

US slows for Italian wine According to Mediobanca, the American market will decline 6.3% for Italian wine in 2025. Problems related to declining global consumption and international uncertainty remain central.

Piwi-resistant grape varieties are increasingly central to the winemaking debate. Piwi-resistant grape varieties are gaining in interest thanks to their sustainability and climate resilience. Discussions remain open regarding their possible inclusion in DOC and DOCG designations.

Italian white wines undervalued abroad According to several international observers, Italy’s great white wines still suffer from ineffective communication, both linguistically and perceptually, compared to their international competitors.

Vintage Labeling: Regulatory Clarifications UIV delves into the rules governing vintage labeling for DOC, DOCG, IGP, and generic wines, highlighting the differences between European and national regulations.

US-EU Tariff Agreement: Bottega Cautiously Optimistic. Sandro Bottega considers the trade agreement between Washington and Brussels a positive development, but warns that energy, inflation, and geopolitical tensions remain the main challenges for wine SMEs.

ISWC 2026: Italy leads the way with 459 awards. Excellent performances by Amarone, Prosecco, Valpolicella Ripasso, Barolo, Franciacorta, and Etna DOC at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Horeca 2026: beverages recovering but consumption still fragile In the first quarter of 2026, Horeca sell-out grew by 6% in value compared to 2025, but remained below 2024 levels. Spirits, aperitifs and energy drinks performed well.

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI exports exceed 93%: Exports exceed €380 million, with distribution in over 130 countries. Asia and non-European markets are growing despite international logistics tensions.

International

Wine-Searcher Acquires Billionaire Olivier Goudet. The international wine data platform has joined the ranks of French investor Olivier Goudet. Investments in AI and a strengthening of the US market are planned.

Champagne remains strong in Italy. The Italian Sommelier Foundation’s “Champagne Oscars” confirm the strong connection between the Italian market and French Champagne. Italy is the world’s fifth largest market for Champagne consumption.

Alternative crops to address a changing climate. The European symposium in Vienna highlights the need to diversify agricultural crops: quinoa, hemp, dry rice, and legumes become strategic tools for resilience.

EU Fertilizer Action Plan: Farmers Critical The European Commission presents the new Fertilizer Action Plan, but the agricultural sector complains about a lack of concrete measures and insufficient financial resources.

Wine events

VitignoItalia closes with over 10,000 visitors. The 20th edition of the Neapolitan event confirms a strong presence of international buyers, press, and professionals, thanks also to the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE).

OST – Temporary Starred Osteria continues in Casentino. A new event on May 28th at the Lanificio di Stia will feature starred chefs and local restaurants to promote food and wine and tourism in Casentino.

World Biodiversity Day: Focus on Organic Farming FederBio relaunches the role of biodiversity and biodistricts as key tools for agricultural sustainability and territorial resilience.

Hospitality Award – Notes on Inclusivity and Hospitality The award promoted by Hospitality and WMF dedicated to the use of music in the hotel and restaurant industry as a tool for inclusion and well-being is underway.

Oristano joins the Wine Cities. The Sardinian city is banking on Vernaccia di Oristano as a lever for identity for tourism, culture, and territorial development.

CantinArte returns to Nurachi. The Caddeo Winery hosts a new cultural evening featuring literature, wine, and local produce as part of the CantinArte festival.

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

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