Wine press review for Friday, November 14, 2025!

ITALIAN WINERIES

Torrevento returns to 100% family ownership. The historic Apulian winery reacquires 51% of the shares from Prosit Group, regaining full control. The transaction is part of a strategic repositioning of both companies.

Vallisoli in the 2026 Rare Wine List National recognition for the white 33/33/33 (2020), micro-production of 2,000 bottles: official entry into the Gambero Rosso selection dedicated to excellent artisanal productions.

San Giorgio: success for the new "Primo Fiore". Great participation at the presentation of the new wine, with tastings, roasted chestnuts, and an open weekend to celebrate the 2025 harvest.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY (ITALY)

US tariffs and industry rhetoric: Minister Lollobrigida urges everyone to tone down their alarmism: the real effects of the tariffs will only be assessed at the end of the year. Meanwhile, in the US, importers have slowed down orders after having built up stocks in recent months.

Italian wine: between excellence and new global challenges. After ten years of growth (2014-2024) and doubled exports, the sector is facing climate change, demographic changes, and declining consumption. The strategy remains the same: collaborate, invest in communication, and open new markets.

Rome Business School: 2024 exports to reach €8.1 billion, Italy the world's leading exporter by volume, second by value. The uncertainty surrounding new 15% US tariffs is growing, risking €300 million in losses on Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, and Tuscan reds.

Domestic landscape: the issue of prices and markups. The Minister calls on restaurateurs to avoid excessive price increases and improve customer communication to avoid damaging the entire sector.

Natural wine: an endless debate. "Natural wine" continues to be a cultural rather than a technical category, a blend of production philosophy and marketing. Professor Michele Antonio Fino calls it "an effective food brand, but one with little historical foundation."

Additives on the label (or not) A reminder of the regulatory complexity: over 60 permitted adjuvants and additives do not need to be listed on the label, except for allergens. A hot topic for consumer transparency.

INTERNATIONAL

Kirkland Prosecco explosion: over 940,000 bottles recalled in the U.S. Bottles at risk of exploding due to defective glass or internal overpressure. Ten documented cases, one injured. Costco urges home disposal.

Champagne: 2025 also sees a decline in Italy. Imports fell 10.5% in the first six months. Not a recession, but a climate of economic distrust that is leading Italians to save rather than consume.

California: Unharvested grapes in Napa vineyards. A sign of a structural crisis: declining consumption, overproduction, and the end of an expansionary cycle closely resembling Italy's difficulties.

Vietnam: a new frontier for Italian wine. The market favors bold reds, eye-catching labels, and "gift-like" packaging. A premium positioning can work, especially for brands with a strong identity.

ENEOLOGY, RESEARCH AND WINE CULTURE

Wine and health: red improves iron metabolism. A study by the University of Split found that moderate consumption of Plavac Mali reduces hepcidin and increases EPO and ERFE, promoting red blood cell production. Science partially confirms ancient folk wisdom.

Natalia Palmowska-Messina and women's winemaking Researcher and founder of a grape-based cosmetics brand, she shares her passion for Timorasso, Brunello, Chianti, Montepulciano, and Amarone.

Vermouth and Christmas: the Cocchi Panettone with Historic Vermouth is here , a collaboration with Albertengo. It combines spices, citrus, ginger, and chocolate in a product that has already become a seasonal icon.

WINE EVENTS

Signature wine dinner in Palermo “Di Fetta in Fetta” hosts an exclusive dinner for twelve guests with a tasting of Échezeaux Grand Cru from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

Autumn in the Winery in Western Sicily. Stops in Marsala, Menfi, and Camporeale. The IRVO project continues to promote local areas and wineries with immersive experiences, cuisine, and artistic performances.

MARKET NEWS – FLASH

• Sandro Bottega: Prosecco down 8% in the last three months, amid tariffs, uncertainty, and slowing consumption. • Italian exports at record levels in 2024, but tariff uncertainty weighs on 2026 planning.

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