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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