Today's review highlights a wine sector undergoing transformation: declining European production, more selective consumption, the growing importance of wine tourism, and new strategies to promote the regions, brands, and quality of Italian wines.
1. Italian wineries: companies, investments, and territories
Majesty of the Ant: Viticulture at a Thousand Meters in Garfagnana
Andrea Elmi and Marco Raffaelli are developing a mountain winemaking project in Careggine, in the Apuan Alps. The high-altitude vineyards and the restoration of old vines are an example of how to adapt to climate conditions.
Southwest Etna: a wine region to be promoted
Between Biancavilla, Adrano, and Ragalna, the southwestern slope of Etna boasts approximately 70 hectares of DOC vineyards, 20 producers, five wineries, and 100,000 bottles. These include Benanti, Tenute di Fessina, Setteporte, Feudo Cavaliere, and the Idda project.
Tenuta Santa Caterina: 23 hectares of organic vineyards in Monferrato
The Piedmontese estate led by Guido Carlo Alleva focuses on reclaiming the land and promoting Grignolino, a native grape variety characterized by freshness, aromatic finesse, and a strong territorial identity.
Soave Winery: Sustainability and Innovation
Cadis 1898's 2025–2026 Sustainability Report concerns a cooperative with approximately 1,600 members and 6,500 hectares of vineyards. Among its achievements: Equalitas and SQNPI certifications, the involvement of 120 members, and the development of photovoltaic energy.
Inserrata: Wine, Art, and Design in Tuscany
The San Miniato organic company, founded in 1997, integrates wine production, creativity, and contemporary visual communication to strengthen brand recognition.
Cantina San Giorgio: The new Primo Fiore 2026 debuts.
The new novello red wine from the 2026 harvest was presented in Monferrato, characterized by freshness, fruity aromas and an alcohol content of 12.5% vol.
Quartomoro di Sardegna awarded with the Tre Bicchieri
The Cannonau di Sardegna CNS Memorie di Vite 2022 received the highest recognition in the Gambero Rosso 2027 Italian Wine Guide. The Marrubiu winery promotes biodiversity and native Sardinian grape varieties.
Cantina San Nicola: quality and premium selections
The Pollutri cooperative presented its wines in Vasto Marina, including Pecorino, Cerasuolo, Montepulciano, and Ancestrale. The strategy aims to strengthen its reserves and higher-quality selections.
Tiefenthaler Family: New Winery in Cembra Valley
A winery integrated into the mountain landscape has been completed, dedicated to promoting high-altitude viticulture and the Trento DOC Ladinico, produced from vineyards between 450 and 750 meters above sea level.
2. Italian wine and oenology: market, consumption, and innovation
Wine tourism: Italy leads the way in average spending per booking
€107 is the average cost per wine tourism booking in Italy, 26% higher than in France and ahead of Portugal and Spain. This figure confirms the economic value of wine- and local-related experiences.
Food and wine tourism: five consumer profiles
A research presented by Roberta Garibaldi identifies five motivational profiles, which can also overlap:
For wineries, it becomes important to offer differentiated experiences, rather than standardized tourist offerings.
Italian DOP economy: nearly 25 billion euros
The Italian PDO and PGI agri-food system involves over 180,000 businesses. These designations can guarantee prices that are on average 20–30% higher than the original products, but concerns about US legislative initiatives are growing.
Amarone: evolution towards freshness and elegance
Gambero Rosso tastings confirm a stylistic transformation of Amarone della Valpolicella: less concentration, greater balance and drinkability. Maintaining its structure and identity remains essential.
Greenwashing: New Rules for Environmental Communication
The Italian legislation implementing the European EmpCo Directive requires greater attention to environmental declarations. Generic expressions such as "eco-friendly," "natural," or "zero impact" must be evaluated and supported by verifiable evidence.
Underground cellars: architecture and energy saving
There is growing interest in underground cellars, built into the ground to improve thermal stability, energy efficiency, and landscape integration. Italian examples include Antinori, Feudi di San Gregorio, and Tenute Lunelli.
DOC and DOCG grape prices: the 2026 San Martino price list has been published.
The Cuneo Chamber of Commerce has officially released the reference prices for the main agricultural products, including denomination grapes. The bulletin is a useful guide for local businesses.
Christmas 2026: Packaging and Premium Wines Take Center Stage
According to the NIQ data reported, December accounts for 15.1% of the annual value of red wine sales in the distribution considered and 23.4% of sales of bottles over €25. Gift boxes and large formats are particularly important commercially.
Barolo en primeur: nearly €1.2 million raised
The sixth edition of the charity auction closed at €1,197,500. A barrique of Barolo Gustava 2025 sold for €57,000 to a bidder from Hong Kong.
Wine Counterfeiting: Growing Risks for Brands
In Italy, 15 investigations between 2024 and 2026 led to the seizure of nearly 400,000 liters of counterfeit wine. This phenomenon highlights the importance of traceability, authentication, and protection of denominations.
CMO Sicilian Wine: Funding for Investments in Wineries
In the province of Trapani, 27 companies have been approved, with over €4.4 million in funding for approximately €8.8 million projects. In Sicily, 92 applications have been approved, within a regional allocation of €15 million.
Rubiu Winery: Wine and Dining in Sulcis
In Iglesias, Bottega Red offers a gastronomic experience that pairs pizzas inspired by Sardinian grape varieties with wines from the historic Rubiu Winery, showcasing the region and family tradition.
Amara Vergine: new limited edition
Sicilian producer Amaro Amara presents 3,800 bottles, aged for five years in walnut, acacia, oak, and cherry barriques. An example of premium diversification in the beverage sector.
3. International: production, research and awards
European grape harvest 2026: production declines
European Union
133.6 million hl
-4% on 2025
Italy
41.1 million hl
-7.6% on 2025
Copa-Cogeca estimates released on November 12, 2026, relating to wine and must. Provisional data.
European production is impacted by drought, heat, frost, and hailstorms. The contraction in production is compounded by weak consumption, high inventories, and export difficulties.
Wine Spectator: Two Italian wines at the top of the world
The 2021 Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva from Produttori del Barbaresco takes second place in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Top 10, while Caparzo’s 2021 Brunello di Montalcino comes in fourth.
Australia: Research on dealcoholized white wines
The University of Queensland is studying the loss of aroma compounds during dealcoholization. The goal is to improve the aroma and flavor of alcohol-free or low-alcohol wines (NOLO).
Farewell to Burton Anderson, a champion of Italian wine.
The historic American journalist and writer who helped introduce Italian wines, producers, and regions to the international public through books and specialized guides has passed away.
4. Wine events: appointments and initiatives
14
NOV
Trentino wines in Vinarius wine shops
Twenty Italian wine shops are hosting tastings and meetings with Trentino producers, promoting mountain wines and establishing direct relationships with consumers.
15–16
NOV
Vinacria Wine Fest – Giarre, Sicily
Over 100 Italian and international wineries will be at the Radicepura Botanical Park, with tastings, masterclasses, and professional meetings.
13–17
NOV
Vermouth di Torino PGI: Between Sport and Gastronomy
The Consortium participates in initiatives related to the ATP Finals in Turin and the Alba International White Truffle Fair.
29
NOV
Santadi Winery – Visits to the Barrique Cellar
Sunday openings in November and December, including during Pane & Olio in frantoio (Bread & Oil at the Mill). Tours cost €9 per person, and the company's wine shop is open.
BTO Florence 2026 – Digital Tourism and Food and Wine
An analysis of the new motivations of wine tourists has been presented, useful for designing more targeted wine tourism experiences.
Lords of Wine – Piedmont
The television program tells the story of Piedmont's producers, territories, and traditions through the stories of the people who have contributed to the development of Italian wine.
5. Strategic reading of WINE IDEA
The news of November 13th offers five suggestions for wineries, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Conclusion: the future of Italian wine will increasingly depend on companies' ability to transform quality, terroir, commercial organization, and consumer experience into sustainable profitability.
QUIDQUID News – Wine press review for November 13, 2026. A review curated by WINE IDEA, intended for producers, wineries, traders, investors, and industry professionals. An editorial summary of the news provided, with data and statements attributed to the respective sources.
COMMENTS
TO POST A COMMENT YOU MUST BE REGISTERED
No comments on Wine press review for Friday, November 13, 2026! have been written yet. Be the first to comment onWine press review for Friday, November 13, 2026!