Wine press review for Friday, October 23, 2026!

A summary organized by topic, designed for immediate reading and clear indexing on search engines and artificial intelligence platforms.

1. ITALIAN WINERIES

Marina Cvetic, Masciarelli: the title of Cavaliere del Lavoro. The head of the historic Abruzzo winery Masciarelli received the honor from the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, at the Quirinale Palace. The award recognizes Cvetic's contribution to the growth of Abruzzo wine and its international success. 2026 also marks the 35th anniversary of the Marina Cvetic line.

Farina Wines presents the new vintages of the Remo Farina line. The Verona-based winery presents three labels: Montefante Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva 2021, Montecorna Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore 2024, and Corte Conti Cavalli Rosso Veronese IGT 2023. The Art Ferment Wine Tour project combines tastings, winery tours, and contemporary art.

Umani Ronchi awarded for sustainability. The Marche-based winery has been ranked among the Top 100 Excellence, Top 75 Innovation, and Top 75 Performance rankings of the 2026 Sustainability Award. Initiatives include organic farming, biodiversity conservation, photovoltaic systems, water recovery, lightweight bottles, and research into sustainable viticulture.

Cantina di Cona, a cooperative since 1960. Founded by local farmers, this Veneto winery has become a benchmark for the provinces of Venice and Padua. Its business model is based on the processing of members' grapes, direct sales, and the supply of wine for bottling.

Poderi Campopian di Tinazzi: high-altitude viticulture and hospitality. Located at 670 meters above sea level in Valpolicella, the Tinazzi family's estate represents a response to the changing climate. The altitude and the terroir offer opportunities to preserve the wines' freshness and balance and develop new hospitality experiences.

Wine Garden opens in Prata di Pordenone. Le Monde and La Ponca inaugurate a space dedicated to wine tasting, typical Friulian products, and events. The project transcends the traditional retail model, offering a meeting place surrounded by greenery and designed to showcase the local area.

2. ITALIAN WINE, MARKET AND OENOLOGY

Italian wine market: €3.1 billion, but sales are declining. According to NielsenIQ, in the twelve months ending August 2026, the Italian market is worth €3.1 billion, with over 713 million liters sold. The market recorded a decline of 1.3% in value and 2.8% in volume. Sparkling wines and Champagne grew by 1.1% in value and 1.4% in volume, while Metodo Classico sparkling wines recorded increases of over 6% in value and 9% in volume. Dynamic appellations include Lugana DOC, Langhe DOC, Primitivo di Manduria DOC, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC, and Vermentino di Gallura DOCG.

Italian wine, signs of recovery for non-EU exports. Between July and September 2026, exports to non-European markets grew by nearly 8% in value. In the first nine months of the year, turnover reached approximately €3.3 billion, a 3% decrease compared to 2025. The United States is driving the quarterly recovery, with exports increasing by nearly 17% in value. Sales to Russia, China, and Brazil are also growing, but it remains to be seen how much the recovery depends on restocking inventories.

Franciacorta: high reputation, but greater knowledge of its production method is needed. An Ipsos Doxa survey presented during Milan Wine Week found that 94% of Italians are familiar with the name Franciacorta, but only 42% understand its production method. 75% say they've tasted it at least once, and 50% drink it. Quality, prestige, and a connection to the region are its main strengths; the challenge is to expand consumption opportunities beyond special occasions.

Independent winemakers: direct sales and wine tourism support revenues. The Nomisma Wine Monitor-FIVI survey, presented in Rome on October 22, shows that direct sales represent an average of 20% of the revenues of member companies that adopt this channel, while wine tourism contributes 14% of their revenues. Over 90% of winemakers sell directly from their wineries, and 56% report an increase in wine tourism revenues over the past two to three years. Member companies cultivate an average of approximately 11 hectares, 85% of which are located in hillsides or mountains.

Natural wine: high prices and accessibility at the center of the debate. On the eve of the fourth edition of the Augusta fair in Turin, founder Piero Crocenzi draws attention to rising prices and the lengthening of the supply chain. Distribution, restaurants, the scarcity of certain labels, and speculative practices can drive away consumers. The sector is challenged to reconcile economic sustainability, production identity, and accessibility.

Natural wine and residues: a comparison of production sustainability. The debate on winemaking and agricultural practices contrasts the use of pesticides, organic farming, and the perception of healthiness. Compliance with legal limits does not exhaust the discussion on multiple residues, while organic practices limit the use of certain substances. Natural wine, however, does not automatically equate to greater healthiness: alcohol content remains a key factor in assessing consumption.

Climate change and premature aging: Nicola Biasi proposes an algorithm. Rising temperatures are altering grape ripening and the evolution of wines, which can be ready for consumption too soon and lose freshness and aging potential. Nicola Biasi proposes an algorithm-based approach to study and preserve aging potential, with the goal of improving the longevity of wines.

Aosta Valley: 38 grape varieties and 450 hectares of mountain wine. Aosta Valley viticulture leverages a rich biodiversity and extreme terrain. Morainic and sandy soils, slopes exceeding 30%, terraces, and manual cultivation characterize approximately 450 hectares of vineyards, with an average annual production of approximately 16,000 hectoliters. The regional DOC represents a model of mountain viticulture with a strong territorial identity.

Malvasia, Mediterranean heritage and a cultural project. The Venetian Malvasia Pop Up project showcases the 19 Malvasia varietals present in Italy through tastings, itineraries, and cultural initiatives. The historic connection with Venice and the Serenissima's trade routes inspired an experience that won the 2026 Iter Vitis Award for the best wine-related food and wine experience.

Wine as conviviality: a plea from wine critic Eric Asimov. In the New York Times, the wine critic invites us to rediscover wine as a shared beverage, linked to the table and socializing, rather than as an exclusive symbol of prestige or expertise. The message emphasizes the importance of accessible opportunities, gastronomic culture, and moderate and informed consumption.

The 100 Best Wines and Winemakers of Italy 2027. The new Corriere della Sera guide, edited by Luciano Ferraro with a selection of wines by James Suckling, chronicles the evolution of the sector through producers, territories, and appellations. Eredi Fuligni's 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is listed in the previews as Italy's best wine. The presentation is scheduled in Milan on October 29th, with newsstands launching October 30th.

3. WINERIES AND INTERNATIONAL WINE

Champagne: Italy is slowing, but the market remains robust in the long term. In 2025, Champagne shipments to Italy fell 7%, to 7.79 million bottles, compared to a global contraction of 2.1%. In the first nine months of 2026, global shipments from France grew 3.2%, with exports increasing 6.8%. For Italy, available data indicate substantial stability compared to 2025. Over the past ten years, the Italian market has nevertheless grown from 6.4 to 7.8 million bottles.

Krug presents the Grande Cuvée 174ème Edition. The house presented the new edition of its flagship Champagne in Florence, a blend of wines from numerous vintages and crus. The composition comprises 54% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay, and 17% Meunier, with 36% reserve wines. The 2018 vintage makes up 64% of the blend, complemented by a selection of wines from other vintages.

Slovenian Styria, Europe's Best Wine Region 2027. The Slovenian region of Styria has been recognized as the European Best Wine Region 2027 by European Best Destinations. The region's recognition is based on the quality of its wines, cultural heritage, wine tourism itineraries, gastronomy, hospitality, and sustainability. Maribor is home to Stara trta, a historic, still-productive vine recognized by the Guinness Book of Records.

Nikka launches two 40-year-old Japanese whiskies. The new Artist Series features eight single casks from Japanese distilleries Yoichi and Miyagikyo, including two whiskies distilled in 1986 and matured for four decades. The collection, designed by La Maison du Whisky and distributed in Italy by Velier, combines distillation and fine photography. The presentation took place at Whisky Live Paris 2026.

4. WINE EVENTS, WINE TOURISM AND TERRITORIES

Milan Wine Week 2026: Market, Consumers, and New Strategies. NielsenIQ's Wine IQ forum presented data on the Italian wine market, highlighting the driving role of sparkling wines and the need to reach more discerning consumers. The event, taking place in Milan until October 25, also explored the relationship between appellation awareness, consumption opportunities, and knowledge of production methods.

WineAI Forum in Conegliano: Artificial Intelligence in the Vineyard and Cellar. On Monday, October 26, at CIRVE in Conegliano, researchers and companies will discuss artificial intelligence, sensors, drones, precision viticulture, and the digitalization of winemaking processes. The program includes discussions on the market, predictive models, regulatory aspects, and sensory analysis, as well as vineyard trials and application workshops.

FIVI: A discussion on the future of independent winemakers in Rome. The "Vino & Futuro" initiative, held on October 22nd at the Capitoline Hill, presented the results of the Nomisma-FIVI research on the opportunities for direct sales, wine tourism, and the promotion of wine in the restaurant industry. The discussion focused on production identity, biodiversity, consumer relations, and the economic sustainability of family-run businesses.

Velia and Magna Graecia: wine at the center of the FISAR congress. On Saturday, October 24th, at the Velia Archaeological Park, the FISAR national congress explores the connection between wine, archaeology, and regional promotion. The initiative involves institutions, universities, and experts and aims to develop new synergies between cultural heritage, agri-food production, and wine tourism. The congress will take place in Ascea Marina from October 23rd to 25th.

BEVI 2026: Sansepolcro showcases the wines of the Tiber Valley. The Borgo Eccellenze Vinicole Italiane event returns to Sansepolcro on October 24th and 25th. Producers from the Upper Tiber Valley include Aliotti, the Milton winery, and the Ombraluce project, which is committed to the restoration of old vineyards and Apennine viticulture. Tastings and meetings featuring local wines are scheduled.

Autumn in the Cellar: concludes in Sicily. The event, promoted by IRVO, concludes on October 24th in Sambuca di Sicilia and on October 25th in Marsala. The program highlights the wine-growing landscapes, rural traditions, and cultural identity of the regions, in conjunction with the first Italian Wine Landscape Day, promoted by Iter Vitis.

Quartu, Contus, and Sonus de Prama: winery tours and tastings. On October 23rd and 24th, the Fois and Fra Ponti wineries will host events dedicated to the culture of Campidano wine. Tastings, traditional products, music, and stories revive the memory of the ancient magasinus de binu (wine merchants) and highlight the local food and wine heritage.

Evino previews the FIVI Wine Market with "Being Winemakers." On Friday, October 23rd, in Selvazzano Dentro, Enoteca Evino offers a guided tasting with winemaker Claudia of the Del Rebene winery. This event previews the Independent Winemakers Wine Market, scheduled for BolognaFiere from November 21st to 23rd, 2026.

Monteleone21 wins the Global Best of Wine Tourism award. The Masi-based winery in Valpolicella received international recognition during the Great Wine Capitals conference in New Zealand. The award recognizes the estate's food and wine experience and immersive hospitality. The Verona Chamber of Commerce will also spearhead a project to create an international academy dedicated to wine tourism.

Malvasia Pop Up: Venice showcases Italian varietals. This cultural and food and wine project dedicated to the 19 Italian Malvasia varietals combines tastings, navigation, and urban itineraries. The 2026 Iter Vitis Award recognizes the ability to use wine as a tool for cultural storytelling, tourism promotion, and sustainable development.

DRINK – The Art of Winemaking explores the Collio region on Sky Arte. The new episode, "A Toast with Casanova," premieres Saturday, October 24th and takes viewers to Spessa Castle, in the province of Gorizia. The program explores the history of Friulian viticulture, its architectural heritage, and the relationship between tradition, winemaking research, and hospitality.

5. HIGHLIGHTS: TRENDS AND PROSPECTS

Today's news outlines five priorities for the Italian wine sector:

• Direct sales and wine tourism: increasingly important tools for strengthening margins and consumer relationships.
• Markets and consumption: the value of Italian wine remains high, but declining volumes require new marketing strategies.
• Innovation and climate: artificial intelligence, precision viticulture, and research into the evolution of wine become strategic levers.
• Sustainability and territorial identity: biodiversity, mountain viticulture, responsible agricultural practices, and landscape protection strengthen the recognizability of our products.
• Communication and new consumption opportunities: appellations must transform awareness into knowledge, making wine more understandable and accessible to a wider audience.

WINE IDEA – Wine Press Review Friday, October 23, 2026

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