Wine press review for Friday, July 31, 2026!

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents a new summary of the main news from the Italian and international wine sector.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Tommasi Family Estates focuses on growth through aggregation

The Verona-based group confirms its expansion strategy through acquisitions and a multi-brand portfolio, considered essential for competing on international markets.

Cantina Tollo expands its vineyard portfolio

Thanks to the "Vigneto Avanzato" project, the cooperative acquired 133 new hectares, exceeding its total of 2,490 hectares, ensuring greater profitability for its members and promoting native grape varieties.

Castignano finds stability again

President Omar Traini withdraws his resignation after the members' unanimous support, confirming the continuity of management of the historic cooperative winery in the Marche region.

Ferraris Agricola grows despite the market

In the first six months of 2026, it recorded a 6% turnover and 15% share of Ruchè sales, confirming the good performance of the denomination.

Vigne Storte Winery

The Campania-based company continues to invest in sustainability, renewable energy, and promoting the local area through wines with strong identities.

Olianas Estate

The Sardinian winery consolidates its model based on biodynamics, regenerative agriculture, and the valorization of native grape varieties.

Centopassi

Libera Terra cooperatives confirm that quality winemaking, organic farming, and social commitment can coexist, creating economic and cultural value.

Cormòns Producers' Cellar

The Pinot Bianco from the Friulian cooperative is considered among the best in Italy for its quality-price ratio, highlighting the work of over 100 winemaking families.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

The first wine guide was born in the Middle Ages

The first descriptions of Italian vines date back to the "Liber Ruralium Commodorum" by Pier de' Crescenzi (1305), considered one of the first works dedicated to Italian oenology.

Restaurant markups: a proposal from Ricci Curbastro

The president of Equalitas proposes replacing the traditional multiplicative markup with a fixed margin, making prices more transparent and sustainable.

The bubbles that are the stars of summer

Among the best recommended labels are Italian Prosecco Superiore, Franciacorta, TrentoDoc, Durello, Lambrusco and Metodo Classico.

Summer 2026: Consumption of chilled red wines on the rise

A new market trend is emerging towards light, sparkling red wines consumed at low temperatures.

2026 harvest at historic lows

From Trapani to Franciacorta, the harvest begins 7-10 days early, confirming the effects of climate change.

Franciacorta: first harvest of July

For the first time in history, the grape harvest begins on July 30th, an event defined as extraordinary by the Consortium.

Passito di Pantelleria to President Mattarella

On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Pantelleria National Park, the President of the Republic receives a commemorative bottle of the famous Passito DOC.

Agricultural Consortia of Italy Grows in the Northeast

A transaction worth more than €81 million has been completed with the entry of the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Treviso-Belluno Agricultural Consortia.

Vine defense

• Technical meetings against Flavescence Dorée in Piedmont.

Powdery mildew is increasingly being fought with preventative strategies.

New multifunctional irrigation techniques improve the quality and resistance of grapes to heat.

Agriculture

• A tax credit of up to 20% for agricultural diesel fuel is coming.

Hailstorms in Piedmont are compromising up to 80% of crops in some wine-growing areas.

INTERNATIONAL

Fires threaten Europe's major vineyards

France and Spain are facing fires that are threatening wine production, with particular attention to the phenomenon of "smoke taint."

The market for no- and low-alcohol wines is growing.

According to IWSR, strong growth in consumption continues in the main global markets, especially among younger consumers.

Champagne increasingly a protagonist of wine tourism

The Maisons and small vignerons are registering a growing international tourist interest.

Champagne: the earliest harvest in history

In France, too, climate change is bringing the grape harvest forward by about two weeks compared to the historical average.

The excellence of the Classic Method

An in-depth look at the best sparkling wines produced using the classic method, from Champagne to Italy's major appellations.

WINE EVENTS

Wine Nights – Friuli Venezia Giulia

From July 31st to August 1st, events will take place in Corno di Rosazzo, Povoletto, Duino Aurisina, and Pocenia, featuring tastings and initiatives dedicated to wine culture.

Modena: a tasting tour of Emilian excellence

An experience dedicated to the great wines and typical products of Emilia-Romagna in the historic center of Modena.

Etna protagonist

The "Vulcano, Vineyards, and Hospitality" masterclass highlights Carricante and the connection between wine, territory, and wine tourism.

Valtidone Wine Fest 2026

Four Sundays in September dedicated to the wines of the Piacenza Hills, with tastings, shows, and events in the villages of the Tidone Valley.

OltreGusto 2026

Oltrepò Pavese hosts two evenings dedicated to the area's gastronomic identity, featuring local chefs, restaurants, and wineries.

The most relevant news of the day

• The 2026 harvest was brought forward throughout Italy, marking the first July harvest in Franciacorta's history.
• Tommasi Family Estates confirms its growth model through aggregation and multi-branding.
• Cantina Tollo expands its vineyard area with another 133 hectares.
• No and Low Alcohol wines are growing in the main international markets.
• Fires in France and Spain are putting some of Europe's most important wine-growing areas at risk.
• A tax credit for agricultural diesel fuel is now available, and investments in vineyard protection and agronomic innovation continue.

See you at the next show.