Wine press review for Friday, February 27, 2026!

Italian wineries

A historic Ligurian winery relaunches Vermentino in a former warehouse in the Imperia area. The Laura Aschero winery, a landmark on the Western Ligurian Riviera, embodies a model of family continuity and modernization: from vineyards handed over to third parties in the 1970s to a technologically advanced winery beneath the Pontedassio square, now run by the second and third generations.

Enio Ottaviani, from the demijohn to the model cellar in Romagna A story of wine as a social and family language: from bulk sales between Romagna and Marche in the 1960s to an identity project that unites land and sea, mobility and roots.

Cantina Girlan presents "Piz Rosé," a mountain rosé made from Pinot Noir. A new, contemporary interpretation of Pinot Noir: high-altitude plots, freshness, and drinkability respond to evolving consumer trends. A rosé conceived as an expression of its terroir, not a mere accessory.

Ventiventi extends its Classic Method refinement process. In the winemaking district north of Modena, the Razzaboni family is investing in time: five of their flagship wines have spent months on the lees, confirming a consistent, non-industrial quality strategy.

Malvasia delle Lipari DOC from Tenuta di Castellaro, a symbol of heroic viticulture. On the lava terraces of Lipari, a passito with a distinctive identity is born, the result of agricultural recovery, mass selection, and the protection of Mediterranean biodiversity.

Domini Veneti and Cantina Valpolicella Negrar: from organic to integrated pest management. After years of organic farming, some of the members have chosen SQNPI certification. A concrete reflection on the relationship between sustainability, perceived quality, and economic viability.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Cristina Mercuri, the first Italian Master of Wine. From a legal career to the pinnacle of global wine education: a historic achievement that strengthens the international standing of Italian wine, both culturally and educationally.

Why some bottles don't show the producer's name Regulatory focus on the ICQRF code, the alternative provided by law to the company name on the label: responsibility, traceability and transparency in the supply chain.

The Methanol Scandal: Why It Could Never Happen Again Today An analysis of the strengthening of controls, from the role of the ICQRF to organizations like Valoritalia , which certifies over half of Italy's DOC/DOCG.

Precision viticulture in the Cinque Terre: the Hero-Vine project kicks off. Drones and precision agriculture are being used in Liguria's terraced vineyards to reduce water and spray use by up to 70%, with the goal of preserving the landscape and family farms.

International

United States: Gallo closes wineries and lays off 93 workers. The American giant E&J Gallo Winery continues its downsizing: closures in California and staff cuts confirm the structural difficulties of the global market.

Spain: Wine exports down 3.3% in value for 2025. Geopolitical instability, tariffs, and declining consumption are also affecting Madrid: volumes are down and there's an urgent need to diversify outlet markets.

Canada: US tariffs benefit Canadian wine An unexpected side effect of US trade policies: measurable growth for Ontario and British Columbia, with the Niagara Peninsula and Okanagan Valley leading the way.

France: Consumption in decline and young people away from wine. Alarming data presented at the Salon International de l'Agriculture : declining consumption, grubbing-up, and EU funds for the distillation of surpluses.

Wine events and supply chain

IO VINO – Selection of Native Grape Varieties | March 15, 2026, Rome. Focus on the Marche and Campania regions at the Courtyard by Marriott Roma Central Park: biodiversity, identity, and targeted tastings.

Enovitis Business at Fiera Milano Rho Technologies for vineyards and winemaking in conjunction with SIMEI : smart farming, machinery, and digital solutions for the supply chain.

Casoni Liquori debuts at Tirreno CT in Marina di Carrara, with a graphic restyling of the “I Classici” line for the historic distillery in Finale Emilia.

Assovini Sicilia takes center stage at FINE Wine Tourism Marketplace (Valladolid). Wine tourism and international B2B: over 2,000 meetings scheduled with global buyers.

Salone del Vino Torino 2026 | February 28 – March 2 OGR Turin hosts over 500 wineries, masterclasses, talks, and new digital wine languages.

The Other Tuscany: From Outsider to Plural System The “non-major” denominations become a space for structured comparison, overcoming the logic of smaller consortia.

mareMMMa, the nature of wine doubles in Alberese Two days (wine lovers and operators), 113 companies and 582 wines: the widest selection ever seen in Maremma, Montecucco and Morellino di Scansano.

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