Wine news, Italian wine cellars.
Italian wineries
Prosecco DOC: Growth Continues in 2025. Despite a challenging wine environment, Prosecco DOC closed 2025 on a high note: 667 million bottles (1.1% increase over 2024) for a value of €3.6 billion. Over 82% of production is exported to 164 countries, confirming its position as the world’s leading Italian sparkling wine.
Classese Effect in the Oltrepò Pavese: Pinot Noir becomes the leading varietal grown in the area, surpassing Croatina and Barbera. This signals a growing specialization toward sparkling bases and more structured positioning.
Terre d’Oltrepò: Towards a solution by January. The Lombardy Region is accelerating the future of Lombardy’s leading cooperative winery. At the center is the possible entry of Collis Veneto Wine Group. Institutions are aiming to ensure operational continuity ahead of the next harvest.
Collis nears acquisition of Terre d’Oltrepò. Discussions within the Region strengthen the possibility of a shared industrial solution. Final decisions are expected by the end of the month.
Cantina Alois (Pontelatone) Family history and rediscovery of the Alto Casertano grape varieties: micro-vinifications and the valorization of native varieties as a dual track with respect to the historic textile activity.
Tenuta di Trinoro, wild Tuscany. Andrea Franchetti’s vision has transformed a remote area into a winemaking icon. A project that demonstrates how vision and territory can create value even outside the “easy” areas.
Cantine Ascheri, Bra Cantina, boutique hotel, and spa: a model of integrated hospitality where wine is language, experience, and connection.
Cantina Bambinuto (Santa Paolina) Greco di Tufo Riserva on the lees and new interpretations moved: a small company that has chosen direct vinification to preserve its value and identity.
Contemporary art and wine on Lake Garda. A winery that combines production, hospitality, and art collecting, confirming the cultural role of the winery.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Italian wine 2026: lower volumes, higher value. The sector is entering a phase of competitive maturity: defending margins, developing the right channels, and establishing a credible identity. The importance of Horeca and wine tourism as platforms for building relationships and loyalty is growing.
Mastroberardino: the future of great reds lies in Taurasi. The 2018 Stilèma Taurasi, awarded by Wine Enthusiast, becomes a symbol of how great Italian reds can interact with international markets without losing their character.
Wine as a Foundation of European Culture A debate on culture, identity, and wine: Europe as a civilization also founded on wine, along with bread and oil, central elements of its history.
The Wine of the Key and the Mouse. An unconventional wine story: tasting as a narrative and sensorial experience, far removed from labels and immediate certainties.
International
Liv-ex Power 100 2025: Return to Stability The fine wine market is showing signs of stability after a difficult 2024. More stable prices, greater liquidity, and interest in reliable labels.
EU-Mercosur Agreement: Opportunities for Italian Wine. UIV welcomes the agreement: possible progressive reduction of tariffs in South America and expansion of trade outlets, especially in Brazil.
European stock markets: alcohol stocks rally. In a tense geopolitical environment, spirits and defense stocks support the markets. In Milan, the beverage sector stands out.
Wine events, market and controls
Alcohol-Free: Italy Enters the Global Market. Confindustria Veneto Est emphasizes the strategic value of the alcohol-free decree: new markets, new consumption styles, especially outside Europe.
No/low-alcohol drinks: consumption is changing. According to Circana, 71% of European consumers are drinking less alcohol. Non-alcoholic drinks are growing (5.1%), while alcoholic drinks are declining.
Wine Proposal: 2026 Forecast: Moderate growth for wine and spirits, with a focus on sustainability and repositioning. Vermouth emerges as one of the most interesting bets.
Value of agricultural land in the Verona area Valpolicella remains the most “precious” area: up to €500,000/ha for vineyards in the top areas, unique in terms of size and value in Italy.
NAS checks: bottles of Gutturnio DOC seized. Increased activity along the agri-food supply chain to ensure safety, traceability, and correct labeling.
Gintoneria Investigation: Auction of Seized Bottles. The judicial auction of high-quality champagne has begun following plea bargains in the trial.
Mourning in the wine world – Farewell to Carlo Speri, a key figure in modern Valpolicella. – Umbria’s wine region mourns Arnaldo Caprai, the entrepreneur who made Montefalco an international name.
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