From Valpolicella Classica to Oltrepò Pavese, from Valdobbiadene to Trentino and Friuli: we glimpse characterful Amarones, elegant sparkling wines, fragrant whites, and reds with structure and personality.

Masi recounts a significant vintage, characterized by a balance between climatic challenges, great qualitative potential, and new prospects for value.

The notes from the Masi Technical Group confirm a complex and varied climate trend this year too: after a month of June characterised by high temperatures – with peaks above 37°C – July brought with it intense thunderstorms and localised hailstorms in some areas of the North East. However, the effects on the overall quality of the grapes remained limited thanks to careful agronomic management .

Overall, the harvest schedule is expected to be a few days later than 2024, but is still in line with the previous decade. Production appears overall more stable than 2024, and the quality and quantity of the grapes are positive .

In Valpolicella Classica, we are looking with thoughtful optimism both at the upcoming harvest in the lower hills and at the one that will follow in the higher crus, where the grapes are eagerly awaiting ideal climatic conditions during the delicate drying process. Meanwhile, attention remains focused on the progressive development of sugar and phenolic ripeness, which in many Northern Italian vineyards is presenting itself at optimal conditions.

Particularly positive signals are coming from the Canevel vineyards in Valdobbiadene , where the balance between acidity and sugars suggests a sparkling wine of refined elegance, as already verified in the Casa Re estates in the Oltrepò Pavese and in the first Vermentino harvests in Val d’Orcia .

From Trentino to Oltrepò, up to the Prosecco hills, there is a feeling of great balance and the potential for a great vintage .

” We’re also seeing anomalies from climate change in 2025: increasingly unpredictable conditions that are putting the vineyards to the test, although fortunately this year hasn’t had a negative impact on our areas on average. But it’s precisely in these situations that historic territories, like Valpolicella Classica, demonstrate their full value, thanks to the synergy between soil, native grape varieties, and traditional practices,” emphasizes Sandro Boscaini , President of Masi , known as Mister Amarone. Today, however, the challenge is no longer limited to agronomics. The market remains fragile and selective due to geopolitical uncertainties, penalizing tariffs, restrictive regulations, and alcohol consumption policies that risk compromising the cultural and economic value of wine. In this complex context, having an excellent product is no longer enough. We must transform this excellence into concrete value through a clear strategic vision, strong cohesion among producers, and effective communication that can convey and defend the unique heritage of our wine. Only in this way can we overcome current challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the sector.

MASI SITES IN VENICE AND TUSCANY

Veneto – Valpolicella: In the Classico area, grape ripening is proceeding steadily, with healthy, uniform bunches. Monitoring shows a gradual increase in sugar and phenolic levels.

The harvest is upon us: it’s expected to begin in the first ten days of September in the lower hillside areas, including Campofiorin , the Serego Alighieri vineyards in Gargagnago, and the legendary Vaio Armaron . Subsequently, the harvest will move to the higher hillside vineyards, the Costasera vineyards, and the prestigious Amarone crus, such as Mazzano , Campolongo di Torbe , and Vaio dei Masi . Once the harvest is complete, the drying process will begin, an equally crucial moment for producing red wines with great structure and longevity.

Veneto – Lake Garda: The vineyards of Tenuta Canova in Lazise faced challenging weather conditions, with thermal stress caused by temperatures exceeding 37°C on some days in June and a light hailstorm in July. Despite this, the phenolic ripening of the Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone grapes is proceeding steadily, reaching the expected peak around September 8th.

Veneto – Soave: Following a light hailstorm in early August, a partial loss of production was recorded. However, in many vineyards, the damage was limited, and the grapes are in excellent health and quality. Harvesting, strictly by hand, will begin in the last ten days of September, both for the Soave Classico Levarie and the organic Colbaraca vineyard.

Veneto – Lugana: The yield is in line with the historical average, while the grapes are very healthy and of excellent quality, suggesting an excellent vintage. This result rewards the rigorous commitment to organic management of the Lunatio vineyards.

Veneto – Valdobbiadene: The Tenuta Canevel vineyards are in the pre-harvest phase, and everything points to an extraordinary vintage in terms of quality: the grapes are perfectly healthy, with ideal analytical parameters. The harvest will begin in the first ten days of September with the picking of the grapes destined for the DOCG sparkling wine line made with the exclusive Metodo Setáge, and will then continue with the Terre del Faé and Campofalco crus.

Trentino – Rovereto: At the Conti Bossi Fedrigotti Estate , the grapes for the Conte Federico Trento DOC sparkling wine have already been harvested since mid-August, with excellent yields and quality. The Pinot Grigio harvest for Pian del Griso and the Chardonnay for Vign’Asmara are currently underway. The harvest of red grapes, including Teroldego and Marzemino, for the red wines Fojaneghe and Mas’Est , will begin in a few days.

Friuli Venezia Giulia – Castion di Strada: In the first ten days of August, some hailstorms hit the Grave del Friuli hills, partially affecting the Castion di Strada estate, but without compromising the overall quality of the grapes. Harvesting began on August 19th with the Pinot Grigio destined for Masianco, and will continue from early September with the other white and red varieties. The grapes are generally well-balanced and have good sugar and phenolic concentrations.

Oltrepò Pavese: At the Casa Re estate , the Pinot Noir harvest began on August 16th. The grapes destined for the production of Moxxè del Re – Pinot Noir Metodo Classico Oltrepò Pavese DOCG – present analytical values fully in line with the required technological maturity. All indicators point to a vintage to remember.

Tuscany: in Val d’Orcia, on the Tenuta dei Poderi del Bello Ovile Serego Alighieri estate , which has been organically farmed for years, it’s been an excellent year for Vermentino, which is already being harvested, as are the Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Ciliegiolo vineyards, where the harvest is scheduled for early September.

“Harvest Festival 2025”: a highly anticipated event at Masi Tenuta Canova

A highly anticipated and popular event by Masi Wine Experience: the “Festa della Vendemmia 2025” on September 19th. Masi Tenuta Canova , in Lazise del Garda, will open its doors to enthusiasts eager to experience the grape harvest firsthand, sharing this ancient art with the agronomists and winemakers of the Technical Group and wearing the special “Masi Vendemmia 2025” T-shirt provided to all participants . The experience will be rounded out with a tour of the drying loft, the cellars, and the Masi Wine Discovery Museum. To top off the day, a tasting dinner featuring select wines will also be featured on the plate.

Tastings, special guests, and a special Amaro del Ciclista Talk will liven up the Misano World Circuit.

Amaro del Ciclista , the favorite after-dinner and post-race drink for cycling enthusiasts, will be present again this year at the Italian Bike Festival (IBF) , the International Bike Show in Misano Adriatico, which will be held from September 5 to 7, 2025, at the Misano World Circuit . Furthermore, IBF will be the location of the new stage of Amaro del Ciclista Talk , the monthly event that combines cycling, stories, guests, and conviviality, always accompanied by a toast with Amaro del Ciclista.

An ideal stage, IBF, where absolute passion for cycling reigns supreme—whether as a means of daily travel, sport, training, or lifestyle. This year, Amaro del Ciclista will once again be present with a dedicated stand ( BOOTH N12) , where visitors can taste and purchase two versions of the amaro: ORIGINALE , with its authentic and traditional flavor, and POP , with its fresher and more youthful profile.

Among the new features for 2025 is the special stage of Amaro del Ciclista Talk, which on Saturday 6 September at 5:30 pm will bring special guests from the cycling world such as Riccardo Magrini and Claudio Chiappucci to the IBF ( Arena Talk Turismo ) stage, for stories, curiosities and moments of discussion in an informal and convivial atmosphere.

Among the various guests who will “pedal” to the Amaro del Ciclista stand during the three days:

– Friday the 5th: Claudio “El Diablo” Chiappucci (3-6 pm) . A former professional cyclist from 1985 to 1998, he won a Milan-San Remo, two Giro del Piemonte, three stages of the Tour de France, and one of the Giro d’Italia. After his extraordinary professional career, Chiappucci appeared on several television programs on Rai channels, and commentated on the 2008 Giro d’Italia at the end of the stage.

– Saturday 6: Riccardo Magrini (3-5:30 pm) and Gianni Bugno (4-5:30 pm) . Magrini, a former cyclist, is now a cycling commentator and pundit for Eurosport. After a successful career, he became sports director for various amateur junior teams. *After moving to the stand, the duo will move to Arena Talk Turismo for the Amaro del Ciclista Talk (starting at 5:30 pm).

– Sunday 7: Gianni Bugno (3-6 pm) . He was a professional cyclist from 1985 to 1998. He won the 1990 Giro d’Italia, wearing the pink jersey for every stage, the 1991 and 1992 Road World Championships, the Milan–San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, the Milan–Turin, as well as numerous stages in the three Grand Tours and other classics.

Manuel Greco, Casoni Trade Marketing Manager, comments on Amaro del Ciclista’s participation in IBF: “We’re proud to return to IBF, an event that shares our same spirit of passion, energy, and conviviality. Amaro del Ciclista was created precisely to celebrate the culture of riding together, of spending time together after a race or a day outdoors, transforming every toast into a moment of authentic sharing. It’s a product that celebrates tradition, but at the same time speaks to the new generations of cyclists and sports enthusiasts, because it represents a simple and genuine way to experience being together. That’s why we like to think of it not just as a post-meal treat, but also as a true end-of-race treat, bringing together athletes and enthusiasts in a ritual that celebrates the effort, satisfaction, and above all, the pleasure of sharing experiences.”

“We invite everyone to stop by the Amaro del Ciclista stand at BOOTH N12 at IBF, where you can not only taste our two variants but also meet cycling greats like Claudio Chiappucci, Riccardo Magrini, and Gianni Bugno. Their presence will further enhance this edition of IBF and our commitment to the world of cycling,” concludes Greco.

Amaro del Ciclista is a full-bodied, rounded amaro with an unmistakable herbal flavor, best enjoyed chilled and perfect for sharing with fellow adventurers.

“OLTREPÒ: LAND OF PINOT NERO”: the Italian Blanc de Noirs turns 160.

Sparkling wines, local produce, and visions of the future in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese: the Consorzio Classese Oltrepò Pavese event returns for its fifth edition as a meeting place for producers, the press, and industry professionals, but with some important new features.

On September 21st and 22nd, the Oltrepò Pavese region showcases its talents through “Oltrepò: Terra di Pinot Nero,” now in its fifth edition. This event was conceived by the Classese Oltrepò Pavese Consortium to create a genuine meeting place for producers, the press, industry professionals, and—for the first time—enthusiasts.

The event will be held in a new location, the village of Golferenzo , “one of the most beautiful villages in Italy”, an emblem of an area that has decided to focus entirely on quality and identity.

During the two days, the spotlight will be on the Metodo Classico DOCG, destined to become Classese, a symbol of the new denomination and its vision for the future, and the traditional and prized Pinot Noir DOC vinified as a red wine.

Sunday, September 21st, will be open to everyone. From 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. , enthusiasts will be able to access the tasting tables, meet producers, and taste wines from 30 local wineries. Tickets can be purchased online for €35 (€25 for AIS, FISAR, ONAV members, and students).

Blanc de noirs is indeed the star of the event. In February, the Consortium assembly approved a decisive step almost unanimously: the new DOCG regulations , which introduce the name Classese and a series of rules aimed at enhancing quality. This historic moment comes precisely in the year that marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of the Metodo Classico in Oltrepò , with the first bottles of sparkling wine produced in Rocca de’ Giorgi in 1865.

It’s not just a name change, but a vision: to make Oltrepò Pavese the world’s first appellation based on the Metodo Classico from Pinot Noir grapes vinified as a white wine . An ambitious, forward-looking venture rooted in a long history, yet ready to be rewritten.

The analysis involved 1,150 stores and approximately 1.6 million prices, covering 125 categories of food, home and personal care, and pet products, in 67 Italian cities.

Altroconsumo presents the results of its 36th annual survey of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and discount stores.

In times when the grocery cart is outpacing inflation and can consume up to 19% of the household budget , carefully choosing where and what to buy can make a big difference. The study shows that choosing the most convenient supermarket can save a family of four up to €3,700 a year , with significant benefits for couples and singles as well. However, the benefits vary depending on the type of shopping and the city.

The main results of the survey:

• Eurospin is the chain that guarantees the greatest savings, with costs reduced by nearly 40% compared to the national average. For a family of four, this translates into the possibility of saving up to €3,700 annually by choosing the most economical products available.

• Famila emerges as the ideal choice for a mixed shopping experience, between branded products and budget items

• In’s Mercato is the most convenient discount store for a mixed basket.

• Carrefour guarantees the greatest savings on its own-brand products.

According to Altroconsumo analyst Matteo Marano, to truly save on your groceries, it’s essential to carefully consider your options, starting with rankings, combining your shopping between discount stores and supermarkets, comparing prices per kilo or per liter, and carefully evaluating private label products and promotions. Finally, don’t rule out private label or entry-level products: as Altroconsumo tests show, they often offer quality comparable to brand-name products, but at a lower cost.