Wine press review for Friday, February 13, 2026

Italian wineries

A winery in a 16th-century quarry: a €10 million project in Manduria. A new wine citadel is being built in the heart of Puglia, nestled in a 16th-century tuff quarry. The project, spearheaded by entrepreneur Luigi Blasi, calls for a futuristic winery nestled within a 130-hectare estate, with an estimated employment impact of dozens. This operation combines historic restoration, territorial development, and an industrial vision.

Cantina dell'Arte: Vivallis celebrates Depero in Rovereto. The Vivallis Winery in Nogaredo dedicates a permanent room to Fortunato Depero, merging art, territory, and wine. The initiative strengthens the winery's cultural positioning and highlights the Depero Bianco and Rosso wines as expressions of the Vallagarina's identity.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

"Yes!" Prosecco DOC: Italian sparkling wines conquer France. In the homeland of Champagne, Prosecco DOC consolidates its position: France becomes the world's third-largest market. In 2025, 667 million bottles were declared (1.1%), with over 82% destined for export to over 160 countries. At Wine Paris, the Consortium was a key player with 34 companies.

The Gentleman ranking crowns Gaja's Barbaresco Sorì Tildin 2022 as the best Italian red wine . Giacosa, Antinori, and Sassicaia also make the podium: a collective tale of Italian excellence according to international critics.

Over 60 million hectoliters in the cellar: the inventory issue. At Wine Paris, Lamberto Frescobaldi (UIV) reports the most significant data: inventories are at an all-time high, the market is slowing, and bulk wine is struggling. The "Italian winery" is growing, but its value is struggling to keep pace with volumes.

Tuscany's wine industry holds its own on the markets. With €1.2 billion in exports (15% of the national total), Tuscany looks ahead with confidence, despite recording a 2.7% decline in labeling and bottling in 2025. The shared awareness: a change of pace in communication is needed, especially for the great reds.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano soars abroad. In 2025, 64.5% of sales will be on international markets. With a total value approaching one billion euros, Nobile confirms its position as an economic pillar and regional ambassador, ahead of the 2026 Preview.

Guaranteed PGI | "Post-Natural" Wine After decades of debate, the concept of natural wine is evolving. A "post-ideological" phase is emerging, where method, transparency, and consistency are key, overcoming the rigid distinction between natural and conventional.

Prosecco DOCG: trucks removed from the UNESCO hills. The Ecolog project aims to reduce traffic and smog by up to 40% by moving logistics hubs outside of Valdobbiadene and introducing electric vehicles. This is a key step towards sustainability and landscape protection.

International

French wine exports plummet: down 8% in value in 2025. According to FEVS, France has hit a 25-year low. The United States, China, and the euro/dollar exchange rate are weighing on exports. Champagne also grew in volume but lost more than 4% in value, a sign of pressure on margins.

Krug Vintage 2013: A Surprising Vintage Presented in Milan, Krug 's first 2013 vintage stands out for its freshness and acidic tension. A sign of how climate and style are redefining even the great maisons.

Wine, Mercosur, and the post-2027 CAP: Europe accelerates. The European Parliament overwhelmingly approves the new support framework for the wine sector. The message is clear: the crisis is structural and requires new tools for the market, protection, and transition.

The Wine Package is now law: what's changing? The definitions for "0.0%," "alcohol-free," and "reduced alcohol" wines have been approved. This is a crucial step for a rapidly growing no/low alcohol category, which now gains regulatory clarity.

Wine events

Wine Paris 2026: Italy Takes Center Stage CEO Rodolphe Lameyse announces a unique pavilion dedicated to Italy for 2027. With 6,500 exhibitors from 63 countries, Wine Paris consolidates its position as a global wine hub.

Southern Roots: Registration is now open for the 21st edition. From June 3 to 8, 2026, in Gioia del Colle, the event celebrates Southern Italian wines and oils with competitions, B2Bs, tours, and historic vertical tastings of native grape varieties.

From Paris to Tokyo: the Area39 model at the top of fairs At Wine Paris, Area39 designs the largest single-management space in Italy, involving over 160 entities in an integrated B2B hub.

Spazio Vignaiolo at Hospitality 2026 In Riva del Garda, 80 FIVI wineries will enliven the area dedicated to wine tourism and experiential hospitality, with tastings, seminars, and Slow Food cuisine.

Franciacorta takes center stage in Paris Between Wine Paris and an evening on the Seine, the Franciacorta Consortium strengthens its international positioning, bringing the Italian Metodo Classico to the iconic locations of the City of Light.

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