Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.
Italian wineries
Sansonina, the Lugana that ages in the lagoon. From Garda to Giudecca: the “Sansonina in Laguna” project brings 100 magnums of Trebbiano di Lugana to age for 16 months below sea level. A dialogue between territories and experimentation, led by Nadia Zenato.
Jacùss, the best Italian sweet wine under €20. In the Colli Orientali del Friuli, the Iacuzzi brothers produce a Verduzzo awarded by the BereBene 2026 guide. Family tradition, agronomic renewal, and a new generation in the cellar.
Vi.VO Cantine reports 2025 financial statements reflecting solidity and international development . Aggregate wine revenue of €186.7 million and net profit of €2.8 million. A cooperative model capable of maintaining profitability and the supply chain in a complex environment.
Ca’ Rugate among the Top 100 Wines and Winemakers of Italy 2026. The Verona winery enters the selection curated by Luciano Ferraro and James Suckling, strengthening the territory’s role as the driving force of Italian wine.
Agricola Brandini, two sisters among the youngest producers of Barolo in La Morra, Serena and Giovanna Bagnasco lead a business that combines territorial elegance, family identity, and a contemporary vision.
Marchesi di Barolo, a praise of balance. Davide and Valentina Abbona describe a dynamic tradition: 115 hectares, 1.3 million bottles, and a management that combines agronomy, marketing, and hospitality.
Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara, the hidden Tuscany of wine. Near San Gimignano, the Logi family has created an agricultural and winemaking project that combines history, territory, and artisanal production.
The wine world mourns: farewell to Giuseppe Bonci. The pioneer of Verdicchio in Cupramontana, a key figure in promoting the San Michele cru and the sparkling wine production of the grape, has passed away at the age of 81.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
10 excellent white wines under €20 for Christmas A cross-section of Italian wine: ready-to-drink labels that can evolve, with pairing suggestions also for meat dishes.
Sparkling Wines at Christmas: Which to Choose and How Much to Drink. From Prosecco to Metodo Classico, an informative focus on types, quality, and conscious consumption during the holidays.
Six contemporary red wines to add to your menu and cellar Global consumption of red wines is decreasing, but demand for lighter, fresher, lower-alcohol wines is growing: chillable reds, gentle tannins, and new styles.
Wine in Restaurants: High Markups and Young People on the Run A critical analysis of the “premiumization” of wine out of the home and the risk of alienating new consumers.
Piedmontese Christmas Lunch 2025: Unconventional Pairings From chilled Nebbiolo on appetizers to Barolo with dessert: a guide that invites you to dare beyond the rules.
A rock that cools grapes and protects vineyards has been discovered. A natural Italian solution to heat stress and climate change, with potential implications for viticultural sustainability.
Mattia Vezzola’s philosophy: “If wine isn’t culture, it’s a loser.” Territory, vocation, and quality are the keys to understanding the future of Italian wine.
International
Italy takes center stage at Wine Paris 2026, from February 9th to 11th. Over 6,000 exhibitors and 60,000 visitors attended. Italian wineries grew by 25%, confirming their position as the leading exhibiting country after France.
China: Made in Italy is popular, but we need a system. Simone Pieranni’s analysis of the economic slowdown, domestic consumption, and opportunities for Italian wine in the Chinese market.
Wineries and wine estates increasingly attractive to global investors. Interest in high-quality agricultural assets is growing, with opportunities for lifestyle, income, and structured winemaking projects.
Wine events, culture and territory
Barbera d’Asti and Monferrato Wines Consortium: 2025: Events and Promotion A year of promotion, relationships, and “popular” positioning, understood as accessibility and identity.
Underwater refinement at Lake Nemi The “Caligola – La Dispensa Subacquea” project expands with new labels immersed in the waters of the Castelli Romani.
Wine rewards the 2025 “Caravaggio” exhibition at Palazzo Barberini. Record visitor numbers and economic impact for one of the Jubilee’s cultural events, also celebrated by the world of wine.
Merano Wine Festival, an event that grows every year. Wine, gastronomy, and the region combine to create an experience that goes beyond tasting.
The new frontiers of wine and wine tourism. The vision of the ZONIN1821 group, combining tradition, sustainability, and international presence.
Città del Vino – “Pair it yourself!” The third edition of the Grandi Verticali in Friuli Venezia Giulia is underway: blind tastings of wines and local foods.
DOP and IGP as an economic and cultural protection for rural areas. Irpet analysis of agri-food supply chains between the global market, the CAP, and climate change.
QUIDQUID – Strategic Business Advisor Where value isn’t told: it’s demonstrated.
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Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.
Italian wineries
From the hills of Casciago: the story of Roberto and “Emotion Green” (Chardonnay and Classic Method). A project born from passion outside the area (between Lake Varese and Sacromonte): 4,000 Chardonnay vines and a clear focus on Classic Method sparkling wine. A case study of agricultural micro-entrepreneurship building expertise, a technical network, and an identity.
San Felice (Chianti Classico) enters the vermouth market: a limited edition and partnership with Bordiga (Cuneo). Tenuta San Felice launches its first artisanal red vermouth (1,700 bottles), a bridge between Tuscan wine and the Piedmontese vermouth tradition. A clear signal: premiumization and spirits-adjacent diversification as a positioning lever.
Celli Winery (Bertinoro): Albana and Sangiovese cited by Wine Enthusiast. International recognition: the 2022 “Grillaie Bertinoro Sangiovese” Romagna DOC receives 93 points and a “Hidden Gem” mention. Excellent export driver and storytelling for appellations with excellent value.
Canevel and the “Setàge Protocol”: Prosecco Superiore between supply chain and slow sparkling wine production. Corporate and stylistic profile: integrated supply chain, synergy with the Masi Group, and a focus on fine, persistent bubbles. Distribution in 40 countries and a 40% export share: a concrete example of consistent “territory-method” positioning.
Underwater aging at Lake Nemi: the red “Caligola” along with 14 other labels. The Castelli Romani “underwater cellar” is expanding: an experiment that combines historical and cultural storytelling with process innovation. Excellent for wine tourism and special editions with high perceived value.
Bold: the high-altitude vineyard linked to the vision of Franz Haas. A story of contemporary viticulture in extreme conditions and “climate challenges”: the mountain as a qualitative and identity-building (as well as communicative) laboratory.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG: from subsistence viticulture to global success. Focus on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rive, and the “heroic” nature of Glera, with contributions from producers and the consortium. A useful piece to emphasize the difference between a “sparkling commodity” and a highly recognizable designation.
CMO Wine – Sicily: Final ranking for vineyard restructuring/conversion 2025-2026. Strategic measure for competitiveness: incentives for mechanization, efficiency, aggregation, and quality. Important signal: those who invest in structure and costs/ha today are protected tomorrow.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Not all wine improves with age: what to really keep (even whites and sparkling wines). Myth-busting message: aging doesn’t “save” a mediocre wine. Practical pre-holiday tip: choose bottles with structure, acidity, balance, and a style designed to evolve; the rest… you can drink with joy and without regret.
Franciacorta under €20: two top choices according to Gambero Rosso (BereBene 2026). A “value for money” selection in the Metodo Classico: evidence that the affordable price range can still offer quality and recognition. Excellent choice for wine shops and smart shelf space.
Perfect wines for the holiday table: sharing menus and pairings. A conviviality-focused approach: a “big” bottle makes sense when it becomes a shared experience. An evergreen for Christmas/New Year’s Eve.
Italians often drink Champagne poorly: a mini-guide to drinking it (well). Cultural point: Champagne isn’t just a “toast,” but a gastronomic wine. Key: understand style/dosage/structure and choose the right moment at the table. Also useful for restaurants and wine pairing.
Mechanized vineyard planting: technologies and operational choices. Technical approach: mechanization as a response to labor, soil conditions, and economic sustainability. A hot topic for those who need to reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
Heroic agriculture: three examples beyond income (Mombarone, Vallecorsa, Amalfi). Terraces and extreme territories as “cultural and environmental infrastructure”: slope protection, biodiversity, identity. Strategic value for “origin-driven” products and tourism.
A thousand-year-old oriental grape variety planted outside Florence by a Japanese sommelier. A story of cultural contamination and experimentation: micro-projects that generate media attention and differentiation (even if not always scalable).
When wine heals wounds: Virzì’s film offers a rebirth inspired by Augusta Bargilli. Wine as a social and human narrative: content that speaks to a wider audience, not just experts. Interesting for its communication and value-based brand storytelling.
“Did agriculture arise because we wanted to drink more beer?” Popularization and history: a scientific and cultural provocation on the origins of agriculture and the role of fermented beverages. Engaging content for the web and social media.
A wine shop burglary in Genoa: a bottle worth over €1,600 stolen. News reports highlight the importance of security in retail outlets and the management of high-value products (display windows, traceability, procedures).
International
Italian sparkling wine exports stable: €1.67 billion in September 2025 (-0.5%), volumes growing (2.19%). Sparkling wines remain the “lifeline” of exports: volumes up, average prices under pressure. The US remains stable (€402.4 million; volumes up 2.8%). Operational advice: protect value with positioning and mix, without chasing just the liter.
Europe at a turning point: declining wine consumption and grubbing-up policies. Harsh scenario: EU consumption -35% since 2000, global historic low estimated at the end of 2025. Measures such as grubbing-up (France: €130 million, €4,000/ha) attempt to rebalance supply/demand, but do not resolve the entire structural imbalance.
France: Protests over the wine crisis (Bordeaux and Orange). Social and identity tensions in the supply chain: symbolic protests (Cité du Vin) and mobilizations by students and producers. A sign of real economic pressure and conflict over the “promotion vs. survival” narrative.
Champagne: “Better Together,” a report on impact and social responsibility (Champagne Committee). A supply chain that structures a shared vision of economic, environmental, and social sustainability, with significant numbers (winemakers, maisons, cooperatives). A useful topic also for Italian consortia: governance and measurable objectives.
Wine events
Tropea – IIS “P. Galluppi”: Masterclass on bubbles (Champagne, Prosecco, sparkling wines) Training and technical culture for future HoReCa operators: perfect content for the region and school, and for developing “dining room” skills that make the difference in perceived value.
Villa Sandi Prosecco at the UN Gala in New York: International visibility and the topic of tariffs. A “political-cultural” toast at a high-profile event (with an Italian menu and institutional guests): Prosecco as a global symbol. Background note: US tariffs/duties remain a critical variable, but the strength of the brand and the category holds up.
Regulatory note and system
New “Wine Package” (published in the Official Journal in February 2026): consortia more central to governance. Expected measure: strengthening the role of protection consortia (not just oversight/promotion, but also sector governance). This is a strategic issue for production, territory, planning, and promotion in a complex market environment.
Grants for young farmers: up to €40,000 in non-repayable grants, application deadline: February 9, 2026. Generational turnover measures with lump-sum payments without reporting: a concrete lever for new plantings, takeovers, and initial investments.
2025/2026 Trends (Vinarius): Fewer bottles, higher quality; whites and sparkling wines on the rise. Wine shop network data: volumes declining, value rising; premium wines more resilient, low-end wines more fragile. The trend is confirmed: freshness, lightness, and Metodo Classico are prominent; classic reds are stable but more selective.
QUIDQUID – Strategic Business Advisor Where value isn’t talked about: it’s demonstrated. In wine (and mineral water), there’s no room for improvisation: we guide complex operations—acquisitions, divestments, expansions, and investments—with vision, method, and direction right through to closing.
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Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.
Italian wineries
The new Erbaluce labels that Olivetti would have liked. The Cantina Sociale della Serra is revamping its “Anfiteatro” line with embossed labels depicting the Canavese region: Serra, Lake Viverone, the Dora River, and the morainic amphitheater. This identity project complements the launch of their new e-commerce site and strengthens the connection between members, the local area, and direct sales.
Maculan and solidarity: 300 bottles for the Eye Bank. The Maculan winery is launching a charity auction featuring 300 limited-edition bottles of Santalucia 2024 to benefit the Veneto Eye Bank Foundation . The event will be held at Le Calandre restaurant: by 2025, the goal is to exceed €400,000 raised in 16 years.
La Roccola dei Colli Euganei opens a new store in the Polesine area. The La Roccola dei Colli Euganei winery opens a store in Grignano Polesine dedicated to bulk and bottled wines. This local operation brings quality and a direct relationship with consumers beyond its historic production area.
Tenute Lu Spada: organic rosés shine in 2025. The Tenute Lu Spada winery has won international recognition with its organic rosés, including a silver medal at the International Organic Wine Award in Germany. This project combines native grape varieties, organic production, and international positioning.
Ventiventi: When unity is strength. In Medolla (MO), the Ventiventi winery led by the Razzaboni brothers demonstrates how a new generation can reinterpret Emilian wine with a contemporary vision and a strong corporate identity.
Cantina Tollo: double-digit growth. The Cantina Tollo cooperative closed its 2024-2025 financial year with a turnover of €41.3 million (20%) and a 35% increase in production value. The remuneration of its contributing members also increased.
Terre de’ Trinci: Certifications and Territory The Terre de’ Trinci winery is strengthening its DOC/DOCG, organic, and SQNPI certifications, integrating sustainability, territorial identity, and events as levers of credibility on the market.
Canneddu Winery in Mamoiada: tradition and innovation. Canneddu Winery is investing in technology thanks to OCM Vino funds, aiming to establish a structured presence outside of Sardinia.
Saffirio: Sustainability as a Practice In Monforte d’Alba, Saffirio, led by Sara Vezza, confirms a consistent vision: organic and biodynamic as operational choices, not as slogans.
Torre di Terzolan: Amarone in amphora from the Squaranto Valley. Torre di Terzolan offers an original interpretation of eastern Valpolicella, combining history, biodiversity, and experimentation in amphora.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
The “monasteries of wine”: history and spirituality A cultural journey through Italian wine with contributions by Attilio Scienza , Vittorio Moretti and Renzo Cotarella , including historic abbeys and large estates such as Badia a Passignano and Praglia.
Mattia Vezzola: “Thirty Years of Wine Counterfeiters” The Costaripa owner reflects on the risk of narrative homogenization in Italian wine. A powerful call for authenticity, penned by one of Franciacorta’s key figures.
Savory Panettone and Wine: New Pairings With Motta and Chef Bruno Barbieri ‘s Savory Panettone with Arrabbiata, wine – especially sparkling rosé – becomes the protagonist of a less predictable Christmas.
Alcohol-Free Wine: The Debate. A survey reveals a divided industry: some consumers are open to innovation, while others defend tradition. This is a signal that deserves careful strategic attention.
Does wine always improve with age? An in-depth analysis that dispels common myths: not all reds improve with age, but some whites do. Technical knowledge at the service of drinking choices.
Fire Prevention in Cellars: The Fire Department’s clarifications on Presidential Decree 151/2011 specify that wine under 20% ABV is not classified as a flammable liquid. This is a relevant operational issue for many facilities.
International
Mercosur and wine: a national strategy is needed According to Città del Vino , the EU-Mercosur agreement should not be abandoned but managed with protection and vision, especially in a phase of difficulty on the US markets.
Coface: Structural Imbalance in European Wine Coface ‘s analysis highlights the structural decline in consumption in Europe (-35% since 2000) and the need to adapt the global production model.
Michelin enters the world of wine. The Michelin Guide introduces “Bunches” as a new winery rating system, following its acquisition of Robert Parker – Wine Advocate. A potential new international benchmark.
Wine events
Christmas in the Cellar 2025 in Tuglie Music, nativity scenes and workshops until January 6th at the Peparussu Cellar , with events dedicated to families and children.
Save the date – Veneto Wine Triptych 2025 The final focus organized by Veneto Agricoltura will be held on January 16, 2026 in Legnaro (PD): definitive data on the 2025 harvest and market scenarios.
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Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.
ITALIAN CELLARS
Cantine di Verona: 2024/25 revenues of €58.3 million. The cooperative (Valpantena, Custoza, Colli Morenici, Brolo dei Giusti) closed the fiscal year (11 months, ending July 31) with revenues of €58.3 million. On a 12-month basis: 1.57%. Exports accounted for 80% of the total (Scandinavia, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany). Profit was €420,000.
Cantine Riunite & Civ: revenue of €266.5 million, net profit of €1.8 million. Balance sheet as of July 31, 2025: revenue down but profit positive. Shareholders’ equity strengthened to €205 million and net financial position improved. 2025 estimate: consolidated revenue over €650 million, with presence in foreign distribution networks.
Vallepicciola “Best Winery of the Year” according to Le Guide de L’Espresso The Chianti Classico winery (owned by the Bolfo family) consolidates its reputation with the award and with a path made of solid winemaking, national and international criticism, and wine tourism development.
Schmid Oberrautner (Bolzano): Grand d’Or at the 2025 Mondial des Vins Extrêmes The 2022 Lagrein Riserva wins the Grand d’Or medal, a recognition linked to heroic viticulture, with an award ceremony at the Forte di Bard.
ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN ENOLOGY
“Wine is Europe’s Identity Card”: Gianfranco Ravasi on Culture, Food, and Symbols. A reflection on the value of wine as a European and Italian cultural and identity element, linked to the sense of the table, conviviality, and tradition.
Italian wineries as of November 30, 2025: growing inventories. In the factories: 53.3 million hectoliters of wine, 9.7 million hectoliters of must, 9.5 million hectoliters of VNAIF. On an annual basis: 8.6% wine, 12.5% must. Strong concentration in the North (Veneto in the lead). Shares: 54.6% PDO, 26.5% PGI. 20 denominations out of 526 account for 58.4% of the PGI inventories.
Nomisma: Weak domestic demand, exports more central but more complex. Wine Monitor highlights a slowdown in large-scale retail trade and more cautious consumers. On the US front, tensions over costs, exchange rates, and tariffs, putting pressure on margins and requiring a more structured trade strategy.
Rhetoric and wine: communication is a profession (and must be studied) A “systematic” reading: communication is an economic and reputational lever, but requires specific method and training, which is still not widely available in Italy today.
Wine in 300 words: Erbaluce di Caluso “La Rustìa” 2022 (Orsolani) Focus on a white wine from Canavese: ripe grapes, a fresh and vertical profile, citrus notes and aromatic herbs.
INTERNATIONAL
French Champagne Test: Major Brands Bottom of the Classification In Que Choisir’s test of 32 bottles, none exceed 15/20. Veuve Clicquot (22°), GH Mumm (24°), Moët & Chandon (26°): “Noise” affects perceived value for money.
Selosse: “Italian sparkling wine shouldn’t imitate Champagne.” The winemaker, a symbol of artisanal Champagne, reiterates his anti-standardization vision and focuses on still wines. He criticizes the collaboration with Feudi di San Gregorio on the Dubl project.
From iconic Champagnes to signature Metodo Classico: 15 bubbles for New Year’s Eve. A selection of Champagnes, Metodo Classico wines, and even a non-alcoholic Blanc de Blancs. A spotlight on historic houses (Billecart-Salmon, cuvée Nicolas François) and the theme of “time” as a production style.
“Do you want to be French?”: Christmas menu with French wines available in large-scale retail outlets. A selection of Christmas pairings featuring French wines available in Italian supermarkets (focusing on affordable quality and thoughtful selection).
MARKETS, CONSUMPTION AND TRENDS
Holiday trends 2025 by Partesa: great Italian wines are an international curiosity. For the HoReCa sector: demand for authentic experiences and excellent products. Champagne and American reds are joining Italian brands. There’s also room for beers, grappas, and bitters. The scenario: out-of-home consumption is slightly down, but consumers are more mature.
Vinarius: Premiumization confirmed, fewer bottles but higher value. Wine shops report declining volumes and increasing value. Wines with a distinct identity and a strong territorial identity are growing, along with a focus on low alcohol content and sustainability (green packaging).
Vinarius Trends 2025/2026: Whites and sparkling wines on the rise, with Classic Method leading the way. Confirmation of a changing market: lower-end wines under greater pressure, premium wines more resilient; a preference for freshness and lightness, without abandoning the great classic reds.
No/low-alcohol wines: readers divided. Survey (892 responses, closed December 18): 35% favor it as a health/conviviality compromise; 22% are curious about it, but it doesn’t replace traditional wine; 42% are opposed (“it’s not wine”).
REGULATIONS AND SYSTEM
UIV: Tax decree on dealcohol products still stalled, Italy lagging behind in competitiveness. The Italian Wine Union (Unione Italiana Vini) urges the MEF-MASAF interministerial decree: investments have already been initiated by companies, but regulatory stalemate. UIV reports a competitive advantage abroad that has been established for approximately four years (post-EU Regulation of December 2021). (The three news items on the topic converge on the same point: “conclude by the end of the year.”)
WINE EVENTS
AIS Veneto presents Vinetia: the best Veneto wines for the holidays. Twelfth edition in Venice (Hotel Ca’ Sagredo): prizes for the 7 winners chosen from 21 finalists, with blind tastings and a jury of 40 professionals.
“Foreign Wines” in Verona: ten producers at Osteria Ratafià (December 21) Event dedicated to natural and artisanal wine (ticket €15 including a glass and tastings), with winemakers from various Italian regions and a focus on community and discovery.
Villa d’Este: wine as an experience, a monumental cellar, and high-level hospitality. A Christmas lifestyle story on Lake Como: atmosphere, dining, and the cellar as the narrative heart of the place.
Marche: initiatives on well-being, the environment, and quality supply chains. Focus on regional policies (Law 7/2023) and initiatives: food education, districts, protection of quality products, collaboration with Slow Food, and territorial valorization.
QUIDQUID – Strategic Business Advisor
Where value isn’t talked about: it’s demonstrated. Thanks for listening: today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT . See you tomorrow.