Wineries, Italian wines and wine news.
Italian wineries
Masciarelli joins Altagamma. The historic Abruzzo winery, led by Marina Cvetic, joins the Altagamma Foundation, strengthening the presence of Italian wine in the luxury and high-end segments (now comprising 22 wine & food brands in the network). A key sign: an increasingly institutionalized premium positioning, with positive effects on reputation and pricing.
Cantina del Taburno (Foglianise): new direction and restyling. Acquired by entrepreneur Enzo Rillo, the winery now boasts a new winemaker (Raffaele De Marco), updated labels, and new wines (including a Sannio DOC Barbera made from Camaiola grapes). Key developments include an industrial and commercial relaunch through product, image, and expertise.
Sankt Pauls: Evolution of the top-of-the-line wines (Appiano, Alto Adige) Historic cooperative (1907): new governance and sales team, focus on freshness and elegance in top-of-the-line wines, with a significant membership base (190 members, 187 hectares). Key signal: the cooperatives are “representing themselves” with a clearer identity and channel strategy.
Sankt Pauls relaunches itself: “Pinot Bianco flagship.” Repositioning on the domestic market: territorial identity, streamlining the range, and pushing into the HoReCa sector (a marginal presence in large-scale retail trade). Key signals: fewer labels, greater recognition, and greater commercial presence.
Colli Zugna Winery: 97-year-old supplier seeks justice. A landmark legal case (fraud/dilution) involving suppliers has resurfaced, reinforcing the issue of “responsibility and protection” along the supply chain. A key sign: governance, oversight, and transparency remain reputational assets.
Marchesi di Barolo: Monument in Turin to Marchesa Giulia di Barolo. A cultural and identity-building tribute that intertwines wine, history, and social impact (Opera Barolo). Key message: the value narrative (not just the product) continues to generate brand capital.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Too much wine in the cellar: inventory on the rise (MASAF data) . As of November 30, 2025: 53.4 million hl of bottled wine in storage (8.6% vs. 2024), musts and fermenting wine . In the Northeast, Prosecco DOC is holding up, but Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie, IGP Veneto, and Soave are growing strongly. Key signal: “oversized” market → pressure on prices, rotation, and inventory management.
Dealcoholized wines: Castel invests and pushes to expand to appellation wines. A €10 million investment in the Loire Valley, using low-temperature vacuum distillation technology (goal: preserving aromas and structure). Key signal: no/low alcohol goes from being a curiosity to becoming an industrial infrastructure.
Consumption: Ethical Quality (Food Wine & Co, Rome Tor Vergata – Gambero Rosso) Consumers, amid inflation and a decline in premium consumption, demand consistency: “good” isn’t enough; they need credible ethical choices. Key message: sustainability and values aren’t just claims: they become purchasing criteria.
Gambero Rosso: The best Barbera d’Asti wines receive awards. Focus on the grape variety and the Monferrato region (DOCG since 2008) and its diverse soil and climate. Key finding: “classic” appellations continue to generate engagement when well-presented.
Terroir and soil: identity irreplaceable by technology. Reflection (Corriere Vinicolo) on the role of soil and the distinction between “varietal” and “terroir” wines. Key message: identity and sustainability depend on understanding the soil’s limitations, not just on practices.
Distribution as a “sentiment hub.” From the discussion in Rome: after the post-Covid euphoria, 2026 is seen as a year of adjustment (cautious consumption, health, less cultural appeal, still high supply). Key signal: those who distribute filter the market reality: it pays to listen to them.
Volcanic Lazio and “outsider” choices (Federico Veronesi / Tenimenti Leone) A return to the land and agricultural practices as a counter-current strategic choice in a “difficult” territory. Key signal: true differentiation arises when the strategy embraces complexity, not when it avoids it.
International
Wine tariffs: European producers call for unity. EU-US tensions are resurfacing: producers are demanding a “unified” response, without hysteria. Key signal: geopolitical risk = concrete trade risk, especially in the US.
Wine events
Fattoria La Maliosa (Saturnia): “Love is Blind” – blind tastings (February 12–15) Experiential format for Valentine’s Day: blind tasting (3 natural EVO wines) and platter. Key takeaway: wine tourism = memorable experience, not just tasting.
Andar per Cantine – LIVE (Livorno, March 7–8, 2026) Launch event for the Tuscan wine tourism guide: “Wine Comes to the City” at the Officine Storiche di Porta a Mare. Key message: urban-territorial fusion to broaden audiences and accessibility.
Cantine d’Italia 2026 (Go Wine) Guide for wine tourists: 911 wineries, 270 “Impronte d’eccellenza” (Imprints of Excellence), over 5,140 wines featured; strong Piedmont presence. Key message: wine tourism is measured and rewarded: competition for the quality of hospitality is growing.
“Visione Vino” Community (TEHA Group) “Visione Vino” Forum (Voghera, 16–17 October 2026) Territorial research and positioning process, also focusing on Oltrepò Pavese; 2026 Strategic Report closing. Key signal: territories are seeking strategic direction (competitiveness, human capital, sustainability).
“Visione Vino Oltrepò” is born: Pinot Noir as ambassador. Presentation at Palazzo Lombardia: Oltrepò as a key area (Pinot Noir and sparkling wine growth). Key signal: Oltrepò is attempting to transform “potential” into a trajectory (branding system).
Umbria del Vino 2026: Competition tastings begin. A competition featuring 57 wineries and a jury led by Riccardo Cotarella. Key message: regional institutional events as a lever for selection and visibility.
Weekend of January 23–25, 2026: Food and wine festivals, fairs, and events. An overview of events, including tastings, workshops, and markets tied to local areas and supply chains. Key takeaway: wine remains an attraction, but it wins when integrated with culture and craftsmanship.
Closing: Thanks for listening: today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT . See you tomorrow.