Wine news, Italian wineries and wines.
1) Italian wineries
Tenuta di Bibbiano (Chianti Classico): Vertical tasting 1997–2019. A portrait of a “classicist” Sangiovese winery, combining elegance, sobriety, and a careful interpretation of individual vineyards. A focus also on the legacy of Giulio Gambelli, an absolute master of Sangiovese culture.
Specogna among the best agricultural companies in Italy (America Agricoltura Award) Recognition to Cristian and Michele Specogna (Corno di Rosazzo) for entrepreneurial ability, sustainability, and innovation, with enhancement of commercial relations with the USA.
Siddùra and the “dominance” of Vermentino di Gallura Three consecutive years of top results for different Vermentino di Gallura DOCGs: growing the denomination’s reputation and strengthening the “territorial value” (not just of the individual brand).
Calabria in turmoil: one of the most interesting wines is born near Cosenza. Signs of a qualitative and identity-building revival in Calabrian winemaking (also thanks to increased visibility and selection/guided tasting efforts).
Pollenzo Wine Bank: historic vintages and winemaking heritage. Over 50,000 bottles stored: conservation as a cultural and professional asset, with a growing role for enthusiasts and professionals.
2) Italian wine and Italian oenology
Oltrepò Pavese: Pinot Noir surpasses red varieties. A push for “Classese” is underway. Ampelographic and strategic changes are underway: classic method sparkling wines are increasingly central, with the aim of evolving “Classese” from a consortium brand to a denomination.
Piwi (resistant grape varieties): growth focused on Prosecco and Pinot Grigio. Resistant varieties as a structural lever: reduced spraying and greater climate resilience. Contextual note: Italy is perceived as “behind” its potential.
Transparency and back-labeling: the Xtrawine case and the “grey areas” Hot topic on traceability and consumer clarity: discussion on unidentifiable “producers” and how the rules are used (or circumvented) in practice.
Alcohol prices: Italy the cheapest in the EU (October 2025 data). According to Destatis, wine/spirits/beer prices are below the EU average; compared with more expensive countries (Finland leading the way). Implication: a price advantage, yes, but not enough if demand slows.
Out-of-home consumption: fewer trips, more selectivity, and a quality experience. Federvini/Tradelab: a slight decline in visits, but value growth at certain times (after dinner). Consumers aren’t “disappearing”: they’re buying better, more thoughtfully.
Treatment Registry: Digital Transition De facto Postponed to 2027. The Campaign Notebook (Agea) remains voluntary through 2026; mandatory as of January 1, 2027. Impact: An additional year to organize processes and data.
Zero-interest liquidity for farmers (CAI “Risultato Sicuro” initiative) Zero-interest commercial credit for purchases in 2026: useful financial leverage especially during investments and cash management.
Health and wine: Garattini’s “no” for longevity. A clear position (no wine, no red meat, no butter) in the debate on public health and consumption: a narrative that continues to weigh on general sentiment.
Curiosity outside the supply chain: “ecclesiastical diet” with wine always. Colourful news: wine required daily in the catering specifications of ecclesiastical structures (more of a cultural than a market issue).
3) International
Investment wines: an uncertain market, but Italy holds firm (Supertuscan) Liv-ex Power 100: after a tough 2024 and an even more severe 2025, a shift in mentality is emerging (“what’s best to buy now”), with timid signs of stabilization towards 2026.
EU: Wine consumption to decline through 2035. EU Agricultural Outlook 2025–35: forecast annual decline and overall decline compared to recent averages. Drivers: health, public policies, competition from other beverages.
China: Young people and new rituals – mulled wine booms, white wine is popular even in winter. Meituan data shows a sharp increase in white wine and a surge in searches for mulled wine kits. The signal: “ritual” and self-consoling consumption, rather than traditional.
Australia: Fire at Fowles Wines, 2026 vintage lost . Extreme weather event directly impacting vineyards and production. Brutal reminder: physical risk increasingly business-critical.
Wine Spectator – Top 10 Values 2025: Italy Present Highlights of Italian labels awarded for quality/price (examples: Chianti Classico Tenuta di Arceno; Barbera d’Asti Michele Chiarlo). Value: strong commercial leverage in a period of cautious demand.
4) Wine events
Art & Wine Siena (January 15, Piazza del Campo) A meeting between wine and contemporary art: leading producers, focus on signature labels and storytelling.
Haute Cuisine & Franciacorta (Ravenna, January 15) Show cooking and pairing with the historic Bersi Serlini winery: a “high value” experiential format, consistent with the most selective demand.
Visit and tasting at Monteversa (Euganean Hills, February 1st) A winery experience focusing on volcanic soil, territorial identity, and organic production: wine tourism as a conversion channel.
Casa Italia Milano Cortina 2026: LT Wine selects 26 labels International showcase during the Games (6–22 February 2026): positioning and reputation opportunities for Italian wine.
Vulture Italian City of Wine 2026–2027 Operational launch of the “system” project with institutions and consortia: not just an event, but a territorial journey (wine tourism identity).
Strategic reading of the day (2 lines, no unnecessary poetry)
2026 is shaping up to be a year of “less volume, more choice”: demand is structurally declining in Europe, but real opportunities exist where perceived quality, transparency, wine tourism, and the ability to embrace new rituals (No-Lo, experiential consumption, investment/collecting) are at stake. Meanwhile, regulation and climate are definitively entering the bottom line, not the press release.