Wine press review for Friday, January 16, 2026!

Italian wineries

Masciarelli joins Altagamma and strengthens the role of Italian wine in the luxury sector. Joining the Altagamma Foundation: high-end positioning, international image, and the narrative of Made in Italy. Production over 2 million bottles, exports to over 60 countries.

Vetunna: cooperation, history and growth in Umbria From the Cantina Sociale (1960) to a structured cooperative model: 140 members, approximately 180 hectares, production of around 1.5 million litres/year.

Casa Vinicola Criserà and heroic viticulture on the Costa Viola. A story of extreme Calabrian viticulture between terraces, manual labor, and recognition (Cervim).

Terre d'Oltrepò: Collis also wants La Versa. Update on the Terre d'Oltrepò dossier: Councilor Beduschi reiterates that La Versa is included in the process and that no other offers are on the table.

DANIELA MASTROBERARDINO re-elected president of “Le Donne del Vino” 2026–2028 Unanimous confirmation and new board with broad representation on a regional basis.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Prosecco DOC continues to grow in 2025: 667 million bottles (1.1%). The “locomotive” push continues: 3.6 billion euros in value, over 82% exported to 164 countries; 60.3 million bottles of rosé (10% of the category).

Italian wine exports continue to decline: €6.5 billion in October 2025 (-2.7%). Istat (WineNews analysis): -1.4% in volume (1.76 billion liters). The United States weighs heavily: €1.5 billion January–October, -5.6% (due to tariffs and declining consumption).

Wine, health, and communication: from the "clinical" to the social. A presentation by Giovanni Scapagnini (nutritional gerosciences): wine as a social/convivial factor and stress management, a topic often "unmeasured" in studies.

Sandro Veronesi (Oniverse/Oniwines/Signorvino): "Either we endure or we work together." A push for a counter-narrative: healthy consumption, both at mealtimes and in social settings; investment in evidence-based and cultural communications, not just marketing.

EU Wine Package: Simplification, Transparency, Alcohol-Free Products, and Crisis Measures. Coldiretti approves EP Agriculture Committee approval; clearer labeling ("alcohol-free" / "reduced alcohol"), more streamlined authorization and promotion procedures; "resources are needed now."

First settlement: €15 million released. MASAF Decree: criteria and allocation of funds to support the start-up of new agricultural businesses.

CMO Wine: AGEA publishes operating instructions for "Investments" 2026–2027. Aid for tangible/intangible investments (facilities, infrastructure, marketing). For the 2026/27 marketing year, annual projects only (funds available until the 2027 financial year).

AI and food and wine tourism: young people ask for ideas and inspiration From the Italian Food and Wine Tourism Report 2025: AI used for translations (69%), ideas/inspirations (60% — 75% in 25–34), destination/accommodation comparisons (58%).

Pricing and the psychology of the glass: the "anchor" that makes you spend more. Focus on pricing mechanisms (anchoring) and positioning strategies: how the perception of the reference guides the choice.

Wine in 300 words: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Poggiarso 2020 (Castello di Meleto) Mini-review: Low-yield Sangiovese, large barrel, fruit/wood balance, freshness and resolved tannins.

"Judge the wine, not the man who makes it": Against idolatry in the world of wine. Cultural commentary: The risk of "idols" and fandom calls for a return to critical thinking and judgment on the content (wine).

PEF for wine: Packamama reserves capacity for Avantium (Releaf) Packaging: biopolymer (PEF) from plant-based raw materials; focus on logistics/transport and reducing emissions along the supply chain.

World Pizza Day 2026: LOAL talks about the pizza-wine pairing. A narrative of contemporary and convivial consumption: pizza is not just “beer”, but also an immediate and gastronomic wine.

Editorial note: "Health" content should always be read with caution and in context (dose, lifestyle, individual risk). Online, it's best to use sober titles and reference scientific sources.

International

France Bio: Ban on approximately 20 copper-based fungicides starting January 15, 2026 (ANSES). Winemakers are alarmed: fewer tools against downy mildew in the most exposed areas; ANSES's reasoning is based on worker safety (data insufficient to rule out risks).

EU-Mercosur Agreement: "Prosecco" in Brazil for another 10 years. Draft finalized: protection for some GIs, but "gaps" regarding Italian-sounding labels; Italy favors the agreement at Coreper (January 9), with signing expected in Paraguay on January 17.

Bellinzona, "Christmas in the City" controversy: local wines missing and sparkling wine prices. Federviti Bellinzona and Mesolcina criticizes the village's management: the issue is territorial identity and consistency of the beverage offering.

Wine events

Amarone Opera Prima (Verona) January 30 – February 1 Consorzio Valpolicella: 2021 vintage, with narrative connection to UNESCO Italian Cuisine and the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics (Verona protagonist of the ceremonies).

Vinitaly India Roadshow 2026: New Delhi, January 15–16. Over 30 companies; goal: meetings with 200 Ho.Re.Ca. operators and buyer selection for Vinitaly Verona; masterclass and gala dinner at the Embassy.

Falstaff Big Bottle Party 2026 (Düsseldorf, eve of ProWein) Event open to Falstaff readers before the ProWein 2026 trade fair (15–17 March), with tastings and meetings with producers.

Wine Tech Challenge: Open innovation for the Eatable Adventures UniCredit supply chain : Call for wine-tech startups, with Italian players (including Mack & Schühle Italia, Paladin, Pasqua, VasonGroup) and testing of solutions along the supply chain.

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