News about Italian wine, cellars and wines.
Italian wineries
Sankt Pauls Winery – Four Great Labels from Alto Adige From Kalkberg Pinot Bianco to Lagröll Lagrein Riserva, four iconic wines from the cooperative founded in 1907: rigorous selection of plots, long refinements, and a strong territorial imprint at the foot of Mount Macaion.
Producers of Manduria – the soul of Primitivo The historic Apulian cooperative tells the story of Primitivo between past and future: from structured reds like Lirica and Madrigale DOCG, to fresher, more contemporary interpretations like AKA rosé and AKA Charme.
Tenuta Sant’Aquilina – new sparkling wine from Sangiovese. Almanìni Rosé Extra Brut Metodo Classico 24 months is born: aged in an ancient cave in Santarcangelo di Romagna, between oenological innovation and historical memory.
Vigna Madre – Di Carlo Family Six generations linked to Abruzzo viticulture: a narrative that unites time, the energy of the land, and family continuity, from 19th-century origins to the contemporary vision.
Ruffino – a new chapter in Tuscan wine. A restyling of the identity and a repositioning for one of Chianti’s historic brands. Six estates, a focus on advanced wine tourism and the valorization of the local heritage.
Velenosi – the white challenge from mountain vineyards “Montagna”, a pure Pecorino from high-altitude vineyards (560–700 m): steel, essentiality and Apennine character for a taut and distinctive white.
Andreola – Promoting the Rive di Valdobbiadene Clear strategy for the DOCG: highlight individual geographical indications to convey the nuances of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region.
Vigne dei Mastri – Monferrato between hospitality and wine A young but well-established company, combining wine production and wine tourism, with a strong focus on hospitality.
Tenute Deidda – the first winery in Mandas (Sardinia) is born. A family project that continues the father’s agricultural work and inaugurates the town’s first winery, in the heart of Trexenta.
Anna’s Winery – Smaragdus Bianco Anna De Santis’s unique white wine, Müller Thurgau from mature vines in the Aosta Valley: artisanal production with a strong connection to the territory.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Friuli Venezia Giulia – €121 million for agriculture and supply chains. Regional resources for ecological transition, local product promotion, rural logistics networks, and forestry management.
Colli Piacentini Consortium – End of Representative Status. The DOC Consortium ceases operations on December 31st due to a lack of Masaf requirements. The Board of Directors remains in office for ordinary administration.
Asolo DOCG – Consortium Coordinator Zuccato resigns : the issue of internal governance of the Asolo Montello Wine Consortium resurfaces.
Alto Adige – the phenomenon of the “Super Südtiroler” Top-of-the-line wines, often blended, with long aging periods and high prices: a distinctively South Tyrolean response to the concept of super wines.
Oltrepò Pavese – the Classese brand is born. The Classic Method Pinot Noir is changing its name: the new brand will be officially presented at Vinitaly 2026.
Piedmont – 2025 production declines. Volumes between -7% and -10%, but grape quality is good. Exports slightly down: a technical and economic snapshot of the regional vintage.
Wine-Searcher – The Best Italian Wines of 2025 Masseto, Brunello Cerretalto, and Solaia dominate the rankings: Tuscany and Piedmont are the absolute stars of collecting.
International
Bas Armagnac Dartigalongue – new blends and a new identity A complete rethinking of the historic French Maison: refinements, toasting, blends, and design to enhance the aromatic evolution.
Wine events and wine culture
Teatro San Carlo in Naples – official Dubl sparkling wines. The collaboration between Europe’s oldest opera house and the Campania Classic Method of the Tenute Capaldo – Feudi di San Gregorio Group begins.
“The Soul of Amarone” – art, wine, and artificial intelligence Fabrizio Plessi’s site-specific installation in the Fruttaio di Monteleone21 transforms Amarone into light, image, and movement.
Sauvignon Blanc Tasting: A sensory journey led by André Senoner through international interpretations of the grape variety, with a blind tasting.
Cantine d’Italia 2026 – Go Wine Over 850 wineries reviewed: the guide confirms its position as a reference for wine tourism and excellent wines.
Casa Grazia Sciarm Vol.2 – wine, oil and a culture of peace From December 14th to 15th in Sicily, a festival that unites territories, gastronomy and cultural values.
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Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.
ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY
Wine raises a toast to UNESCO’s recognition of Italian Cuisine. The recognition of Italian Cuisine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is enthusiastically welcomed by the wine world, an integral part of conviviality and national economic value. For UIV, wine contributes significantly to wealth and employment, with a foreign trade balance of approximately €7.5 billion annually. This is an encouraging sign in a challenging period for the sector.
The resilience of wine: producing less, but better. Cantina Frentana responds to declining consumption and global uncertainty by focusing on quality, protecting the land and its members. With the merger with Cantina San Giacomo, following the merger with Cantina Sangro, a new, more solid cooperative is born.
Failed 2025 table grape season According to Donato Fanelli (CUT), the weather has compromised the campaign: 90% of the latest stocks were lost due to botrytis and humidity, affecting both seeded and seedless grapes.
The 2025 Piedmont Wine Vintage has been presented. Estimated production exceeds 2.15 million hectoliters (-7%/-10%), revenue of €1.18 billion, and exports down 2.8%. An early harvest and lower yields, but good grape quality.
Natural wine and certifications: the debate Jean-Hugues Bretin (Raisin) warns against certifying natural wine, fearing drifts similar to those of organic and excessive lobbying influence on a still niche but highly visible movement.
NoLo and Alcohol-Free Drinks: Between Health and New Habits The market for low- and no-alcohol drinks is growing, driven by younger generations and a greater focus on health, especially during periods of heavy drinking like the holidays.
Carbon farming and digital Carbon as a new “crop”: carbon farming, also supported by digital technologies, could generate carbon credits and new revenue for farms, in line with the objectives of the EU Green Deal.
Agriculture and Credit: Growing Financing In the first half of 2025, bank financing to agricultural businesses grew by 30.5%, well above the average for Italian businesses, driven by unsecured mortgages and loans.
ITALIAN WINERIES
Tenuta Artimino and the “differently native” New single-variety crus tell the story of contemporary Medici wine, with an approach that places the vineyard, territory and history at the centre.
Vecchie Terre di Montefili, the voice of the Chianti Classico Sangiovese hillside between Panzano and Montefioralle: an agricultural and cultural project that seamlessly restores the local identity.
Terre d’Oltrepò: Possible buyer for the cooperative. The cooperative in liquidation is in a delicate situation; the Region emphasizes the commissioner’s work to ensure continuity and respect for members.
Super Südtiroler: Alto Adige raises the bar. A new category of top-of-the-range Alto Adige wines is born, based on native varieties and long refinements, with a premium positioning.
Tenuta Lagala, hospitality and tradition in Vulture. Agritourism and viticulture in the heart of Basilicata, between Venosa and Matera, offering a blend of hospitality and agricultural heritage.
Case Alte in Camporeale: Local Catarratto and Syrah. In the heart of the Monreale DOC, a winery that showcases historic Sicilian grape varieties.
Villa Saletta, the winery as a “theater of making” The architectural project by Rossiprodi Associati transforms the winery into a continuous narrative between landscape, production, and hospitality.
INTERNATIONAL
Ukrainian wine market recovering. According to the USDA report, consumption and imports will return to growth in 2024-2025. Italy is a leading supplier, with demand skewed toward dry wines and Western styles, especially among young people.
The Great Wine Brands Invest in Masters of Wine. Starting in 2026, the Grandi Marchi Institute will once again support the Institute of Masters of Wine. The introductory course will return to Italy in 2026, in Puglia, at the Rivera winery.
WINE EVENTS AND WINE CULTURE
“61-37 – Wine and Cabala” at Vesuvius On December 19, 2025 at Vigna delle Rose (Casa Setaro) a historic vertical of Vesuvio DOP Contradae 61-37, led by AIS Vesuvio, between numbers, symbols and territory.
Producers from Sicily and Marche at the Carrù Fat Ox Fair. A Slow Food initiative to discover one of Piedmont’s most deeply rooted agricultural and food traditions.
Christmas in the Cellar in Tuglie Music, culture, and solidarity in the festival hosted by Cantina Peparussu, with events until January 6, 2025.
CONSUMPTION, STORIES AND SUGGESTIONS
The right wine for every person you love. Five characters, five wines: wine as a “psychological” gift, capable of telling the story of both the giver and the recipient.
Holiday wines and Christmas gifts Advice and reflections on conviviality: sparkling wines, whites, reds and dessert wines as a symbol of sharing.
Wine in 300 strokes Cannonau di Sardegna 2023 Iolei: steel, austerity and fragrance for a young company from Oliena.
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Winemaking news for Italian wineries and wines.
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ITALIAN WINERIES
Cooperativa Ermes acquires Cantine Brusa. Sicilian Cantine Ermes has acquired the historic Cantine Brusa, an Emilian winery that has been processing must since 1888, at auction. This transaction marks a revitalization of the industry and employment for a brand emerging from bankruptcy.
Maso Martis: the mountain bubble of the Advent Calendar (day 11) On the hills of Martignano, Maso Martis celebrates Trentodoc and organic viticulture, now with the contribution of the second generation. A story that intertwines classic method, pioneering courage, and family growth.
Siddùra awarded Ecofriendly 2026. The Gallura winery receives national recognition for sustainability. Water and energy-saving techniques and a clear environmental commitment confirm its leadership in the ecological transition.
Canavese’s finest wines celebrate the Ivrea Carnival. Three iconic wineries—Carema, Serra di Piverone, and Caluso—have combined their labels in a gift box dedicated to the historic 2026 Carnival. This initiative celebrates the region, native grape varieties, and local culture.
Italia del Vino: 2025 Annual Report. The consortium closed the year with a combined turnover of over €1.5 billion , 15,000 hectares of vineyards, and an export share of 15% of the national total. Representativeness is also growing, with 24 companies in 18 regions.
Colli Piacentini Consortium: Close to Closing Its Operations. The consortium will cease operations on December 31st due to a lack of representation, following the exit of the main cooperatives. The Board of Directors will remain active for current management and attempt to relaunch the organization through a new meeting.
Death of Cavalier Falconi, pioneer of Valcalepio. His figure represented the transition from domestic wine to quality-oriented production.
ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN ENOLOGY
Prosecco: Tests reveal widespread presence of PFAS. The Salvagente investigation reports trifluoroacetic acid levels above the reference values on 15 labels analyzed. The pesticides are found to be within the limits, but the presence of PFAS raises concerns about food safety and the protection of designations.
Altroconsumo: The best white and red wines of 2024. Ratings on over 100 labels to guide consumers ahead of the holidays, with sensory analyses, quality/price, and overall staying power.
Italy of Wine: Market Analysis by Roberta Corrà: More selective consumers, less daily consumption, and a rise in special occasions. Sparkling wines, whites, and rosés perform better than traditional reds.
EU Wine Package: Federvini and UIV’s assessment. The European green light is considered a historic step: simpler rules, continuity in promotional programs, and useful tools for planning investments in a competitive and rapidly evolving environment.
Shipping for You: a new logistics service for wine and oil. Bagheria launches an integrated solution for wineries and wine tourists, allowing for on-site purchases and direct shipping to any destination.
Open Cellars at Christmas The Wine Tourism Movement opens Italian wineries for tastings, visits, and green activities in collaboration with Earth Day Italy.
The perfect pairing: wine and books. “Jomo” was born in Montalcino, a bookstore that combines editorial selection and wine culture, illustrating the conceptual closeness between terroir and narrative style.
Due Passi in Vigna – Rome, December 13th. A tasting event featuring producers from across Italy, to select holiday bottles and meet artisans and winemakers.
INTERNATIONAL
El Celler de Can Roca: the magic that continues A gastronomic and human-sensory experience that remains a point of reference in world cuisine, a symbol of wine and food pairing as a work of art.
Colli Tortonesi in New York: Timorasso will be the protagonist with Javier Bardem at the Walk Around Tasting on December 11th and, the following day, at the UNCA Awards Charity Dinner at the UN, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
OECD: Italian exports beyond Japan. In the third quarter of 2025, Italy ranked fourth in the world for merchandise exports. This result also strengthens wine’s position in the agri-food sector.
CEEV: Opportunities from the USA and Mercosur. Institutional discussions in Brussels on the future of trade agreements with the Americas and the role of the wine sector in the EU’s external relations.
Confagricoltura Assembly: Matteo Lunelli’s appeal: Only quality can defend Italian wine in the face of tariffs. Wine remains a cornerstone of the national agri-food industry and an ambassador of Italian culture.
WINE EVENTS
Fairs and festivals from December 12th to 14th The second weekend of December is packed with events: chocolate fairs, natural wines, regional traditions, markets, and a Christmassy atmosphere throughout Italy.
Vinodabere’s Sardinia in Rome Over 40 wineries and more than 200 labels showcase the winemaking biodiversity of a region that is a true mosaic of winemaking.
Cantina & Maison Rosé opens in Pigneto. A hybrid space combining gastronomy, live music, and a French wine list, with an East Village/Paris feel.
Advent Calendar – Day 10: Tenuta La Torraccia (Umbria) A centuries-old history amid 17th-century olive groves, an excellent olive oil production chain, and a legacy guarded by the Counts Gigli Cervi.
Thank you for following the review. Today’s selection was provided by WINEIDEA.IT . The day continues, and with it the opportunity to read the market with strategic precision.
Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.
A common thread ties everything together: a sector undergoing a transformation, with new strategies, market pressures, stories of places and people, and a calendar of events that continues to energize the wine community.
Italian wineries
Argea and the Risk Game of Italian Wine. The group led by Massimo Romani continues to expand, even in a year marked by tariffs and volatility. After the acquisition of the American importer WinesU and its nomination as Best Importer 2025 by Wine Enthusiast, Argea confirms its mission: to grow in size, solidity, and ability to seize M&A opportunities. The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) decree on the first dealcoholization plant in Italy is pending.
Moncalisse: the new “mountain” winery for Trentodoc is born. Julia and Karoline Walch are launching their own winemaking project in Civezzano, separate from the Elena Walch brand. Located at 600 meters above sea level, it faces south and has an identity that blends terroir and the elegance of the classic method.
Cantina Terre del Barolo celebrates its vineyard workers. An artistic roundabout, two hands—one white, one black—and a bunch of grapes: a clear message in an increasingly international region. A tribute to the foreign workers who keep the Langhe winemaking tradition alive.
Tenuta Argentiera: a dialogue between wine, art, and the land. On the hills overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the estate hosts three works by Giuseppe Bergomi as part of the “Arte Diffusa sulla Costa Toscana” (Widespread Art on the Tuscan Coast) project. A virtuous blend of landscape, culture, and hospitality.
Muzic Winery: A Border Tradition That Continues to Grow In San Floriano del Collio, the Muzic family continues a story that began in 1927. Today, two generations collaborate on quality and sustainability, with an eye to the future.
Taste the Territory – Tenuta San Vito Takes Center Stage. Caffè Centofiori in Montelupo Fiorentino hosts the fourth stop of the initiative dedicated to local wineries. San Vito presents five wines paired with five dishes, revealing its identity amidst Chianti Colli Fiorentini and organic olive growing.
Castello di Gussago shines at the Merano WineFestival Four WineHunter Awards for Animapura 2018, Pomaro 2018, Club Cuvée 2019 and Nobleblanc SA A confirmation of the qualitative strength of Franciacorta production.
Cantina Frentana grows despite tariffs and declining consumption. A positive year for the Abruzzo-based cooperative, which consolidates its merger with Cantina San Giacomo and exceeds 650 members. A sign of cooperative resilience in a challenging environment.
Gaierhof, three sisters and a low-alcohol model that sets standards. In Roverè della Luna, the Togn family is spearheading an innovative, all-female project. A product-focused business that combines family history with new insights into moderate drinking.
Cusumano Brut 700 Metodo Classico 2021 From vineyards at 700 meters, an elegant classic method that celebrates Tenuta Ficuzza: free-run must, refermentation in the bottle and 36 months on the lees.
Tenuta Stella – Reserves for an “alto Collio” Christmas Ribolla Gialla, Friulano and Merlot Riserva make up the Luxury Christmas 2026 Collection : organic, artisanal and profoundly territorial wines.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Prosecco DOC: green light for 6,000 new hectares. Veneto and Friuli have authorized an increase in production potential to meet demand pressure. The total area will reach 30,500 hectares, with growth in two phases.
Kaolin or zeolite? Natural choices for crop health. Both permitted in organic farming, these two minerals offer different functions: kaolin acts as a physical and protective barrier, while zeolite supports moisture management and canopy health.
Grape prices are plummeting: 2025 will be the “year of the collapse.” Prices are down as much as 40% for some appellations. Production is rising, consumption is declining, exports are slowing, and inventories are high: a combination that is crushing winemakers and putting strain on the supply chain.
CMO Wine: EU agreement on simplifications and new labeling. Coldiretti expresses satisfaction: no five-year restrictions for those who uproot vineyards, greater transparency for dealcoholized wines, and more flexibility in support programs.
The taste of moderation: drinking less, drinking better. Stada Health Report and NielsenIQ converge: the majority of Europeans are pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Conscious consumption is gaining ground, and demand for premium wines and guided experiences is growing.
Bringing wine to dinner? A gesture worth rereading. A provocative article overturns a social custom: bringing wine can create unwanted dynamics of reciprocity. If you really want to give something, olive oil is better.
Archè 2020: Francesco Saverio Russo’s glasses are back with free shipping. A collection born during lockdown, now a benchmark for high-end artisanal glassware. A project in collaboration with VDglass.
International
Champagne: Between Perpetual Reserve and Solera, Clarity Is Needed. Alice Paillard clearly distinguishes the two practices: the solera as a closed oxidative system, the perpetual as a continuous evolutionary method. Two different philosophies that are often confused in commercial narratives.
Italy is a superstar in international blind tastings. One in four tastings sees Italian wines win, including in the bulk wine category. This is a sign of widespread quality, not just among the elite.
Denmark: “A Glass of Italy” returns. In January 2026, over 25 Italian wineries will be featured in Copenhagen, with Vermentino masterclasses and tastings open to the public and professionals.
Wine events and local culture
EiM – The Landscapes of Soave: A Hike Through Stone and Vineyards On December 7th, a guided tour of the volcanic hills of Soave, exploring geology, history, and viticulture.
Introductory wine courses in Barberino di Mugello. Starting February 6, 2026, six meetings with tastings will teach you the basics of wine and promote responsible consumption.
Conclusion
Thanks for listening: today’s press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT . The sector continues to move in multiple directions: production complexities, new consumer aesthetics, and industrial strategies that are rewriting the map. Tomorrow brings another chapter to this great story.