Italian Wineries
Bottega grows despite tariffs and market uncertainty
The Veneto-based winery and distillery Bottega SpA closed 2025 with a turnover of 98 million euros (3%) , confirming the solidity of the brand despite international turbulence. With over 80% of production destined for export and a presence in 165 countries , the company strengthens its global positioning, with key markets such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Scandinavia.
The Milan presentation also saw the launch of Alexander Whisky , the company's first 100% Italian whisky, aged in Amarone, Brunello, and Chianti barrels. Among the new releases is Bottega Stardust Gold 2021 , a collectible Prosecco DOC Extra Brut worth €250 a bottle .
Vinicola Cherchi: Identity and Native Grape Varieties for Sardinia's Future
In the Sardinian wine scene, the role of wineries that focus on terroir, authenticity, and native grape varieties is growing. The historic Vinicola Cherchi in Usini (Sassari) represents one of the most consistent examples of this strategy, with a project that values biodiversity and sustainability.
The new communication approach also aims to simplify the language of wine , bringing new generations and less expert consumers closer together.
Aglianico lands: Sannio, a land of quality and territorial identity
The Terre d'Aglianico winery, led by Libero Rillo at the foot of Mount Taburno, strengthens its international reputation thanks to the gold medal obtained at the Città del Vino International Wine Competition with the EBE 2024 Falanghina del Sannio Taburno DOC wine.
The recognition confirms the growing role of Sannio as a wine tourism and cultural destination .
Astroni Winery awarded for inclusive wine tourism
Hospitality manager Cristina Varchetta of Cantine Astroni (Campi Flegrei) received the award in the “Inclusive” category at the national Best Wine Hospitality Manager 2026 competition.
The award recognizes a wine tourism model capable of engaging diverse audiences: wine lovers, families, children, and even non-wine drinkers.
Ancient Migliaccio Cellars: History and Wine Between Naples and Ponza
The history of the Migliaccio winery dates back to 1734 , when Charles of Bourbon encouraged the repopulation of the Pontine Islands. Since then, the Migliaccio family has been linked to viticulture on the island of Ponza , producing wines such as Fieno Bianco Lazio IGT 2024 , an expression of a unique Mediterranean terroir.
Italian Wine and Oenology
Slow Wine 2026: Sardinia between tradition and new energy
The Slow Wine guide confirms the vitality of Sardinian viticulture. Fifty-one wineries are included , five of which have been awarded the Chiocciola , a recognition given to the companies that best interpret Slow Food values.
Among the most dynamic areas, the following stand out:
At the same time, the rediscovery of historic vines such as Arvisionadu, Nuragus and Malvasia is growing.
Chianti Classico: Growth Led by Riserva and Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico continues to strengthen its qualitative positioning thanks to the Riserva and Gran Selezione categories, which represent the premium range of the denomination.
The area is also considering becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site , which could further strengthen the international value of the denomination.
Chianti and Morellino di Scansano: more elegant and drinkable wines
From the previews of Chianti Lovers & Rosso Morellino a new stylistic direction emerges:
Chianti production in 2025 stood at 620,000 hectolitres , below the initial forecast of 750,000.
Major anti-fraud operation in Italian wine
The “Vinum Mentitum” operation, conducted by the Guardia di Finanza and Icqrf, led to the seizure of 2.5 million litres of falsely certified DOP and IGP wine , for a value of more than 4 million euros .
The investigations involved wineries in various Italian regions including:
An important signal in the defense of denominations.
International
Russia: Italy still the world's leading wine exporter
In 2025, Italy will confirm its position as Russia's leading wine supplier , with exports worth 234.5 million dollars , despite a 16% drop compared to 2024 .
The following are:
The decline reflects the general decline in Russian imports (-11%).
China declines for Italian wine
According to Nomisma Wine Monitor , exports to China have fallen by around 15% in a year , confirming the difficulty of the Asian market.
At the same time, Italian companies are looking for new alternative markets , especially in:
France: National plan to reduce wine production
The French government has announced a strategic plan that will lead to a reduction in production of 5–6 million hectoliters by 2035 , with the elimination of around 100,000 hectares of vineyards .
The measure stems from the decline in domestic consumption and difficulties in exports.
This reflection also concerns Italy, where stocks have exceeded 61 million hectoliters according to Cantina Italia data.
Wine Events
Valdobbiadene: The Ancient Fair of San Gregorio returns
From 7 to 9 March 2026, Valdobbiadene will host one of the most historic agricultural events in the area.
The event will involve:
Oltrepò Pavese: "Pinot Noir, Women, and Flavors" tasting
On March 7th , a tasting dedicated to Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Noir will be held at the Táia Winery in Montecalvo Versiggia .
The sensory journey includes four interpretations of the grape variety:
X-Bacco: Natural Wine in Community Centers
The X-Bacco vol.3 – Natural and Artisanal Wine Festival event brought attention back to the culture of "grassroots" wine, linked to the tradition of Critical Wine and the figure of Luigi Veronelli.
A cultural phenomenon that unites agricultural production, social activism, and new wine communities.
Wine Tourism
Winedering and the new tourism among vineyards
Wine tourism continues to grow thanks to platforms like Winedering , which allow you to book online:
Wine is increasingly becoming a reason for travel , not just a product to be consumed.
Strategic Insight of the Day
Looking at all this news together, a very interesting dynamic emerges.
Wine today moves on three simultaneous axes :
In other words: the value is no longer just in the bottle. It's in the system that surrounds it .
Those who govern territory, hospitality, branding, and distribution will continue to grow even in challenging market times.
This is exactly the kind of dynamic that makes structured wine estates and iconic territories increasingly sought-after strategic assets.
Today's wine press review was provided by WINEIDEA.IT
See you tomorrow for the latest news from the world of wine.
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