Wine press review for Monday, February 16, 2026!

Italian wineries

• Poderi Luigi Einaudi: Barolo DOCG Ravera 2022 (Novello) debuts. A new Cru/MGA in the portfolio: Nebbiolo from a single vineyard (approximately 400 m, south/southeast exposure, Sant'Agata Marl). "Limited production terroir" as a reputational and commercial lever.
• Pio Cesare: Over a Century of History and Generational Transition. Identity Story and Family Governance: Post-2021 Continuity with the Fifth Generation (Federica Boffa, Pio, and Cesare Benvenuto). Key Themes: Succession, Leadership, and Brand Stewardship.
• Sankt Pauls Winery: new Pinot Bianco “Kalkberg” and focus on soils Historic cooperative (1907) with communities of winemakers and vineyards between 400–650 m: geological narrative (limestone, porphyry, gneiss, basalt) as positioning driver.
• Molise: the cellar in an old farmhouse and the "new red" of the area. Case study of a small region that focuses on quality and native grape varieties: small scale as an advantage (care, authenticity, curiosity of the evolved consumer).
• La Caplana (Bosio, AL): a great white wine under €15 between Piedmont and Liguria. Frontier storytelling (Ligurian Apennines, sea breezes, white clay) accessible pricing: a credible “value wine” theme.
• Il Verro (Formicola, CE): “niche” grape varieties and a return to the land Pallagrello/Casavecchia and experimentation (pure Coda di Pecora): biodiversity entrepreneurial project with a managerial profile.
• Cavalier Mennato Falluto Wineries (Torrecuso, BN): Memory, Award, and Agritourism. Family continuity, Samnite roots, and a dual spirit (vineyard/winery hospitality). Theme: wine tourism as a stabilizer of marginalization.
• Caruso & Minini (Marsala): brand ambassadors in 40 countries. Evolution "from suppliers to complete supply chain": partnerships and international marketing as a growth lever.
• Perillo (Irpinia): Taurasi 2014, elegance and management in a difficult vintage. Technical narrative “time as an ally”: useful for communicating stylistic solidity and value in the long-lived red segment.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

• Gambero Rosso: The 12 Best Gewürztraminers (Many Under €20) Educational focus on aromatic grape varieties (terpenes) and the South Tyrolean origin/identity (Termeno/Tramin). Message: quality, affordability, and price.
• Cantina Vignaioli di Scansano: Vermentino “Vigna Fiorini” 2024. “Unconventional” vinification (over-ripening on the vine, carbonic fermentation in stainless steel and fine lees): rich aromatic profile and savory palate. Contents: technique as differentiation.
• Gentleman Ranking: 100 Best Italian Reds 2026 Ranking constructed by cross-referencing guides/scores: useful as a reputation thermometer and for reading "shifts" in the hierarchies.
• Vermouth di Torino: A Resurgence and the Question of Identity. Not Just a Cocktail Trend: A Return to the Proper Name as a Cultural and Conservative Key.
• Wine culture and pop storytelling: “Sentimental Tasting” by Giulia Latini. The language of tasting used to discuss choices and memory: a sign of how wine is entering new editorial formats.
• Wine list: the best in Europe is Italian (Trattoria al Cacciatore – La Subida, Cormòns) International “Star Wine List of the Year” award: Italy is strong not only in production, but also in service and cellar management.

International

• "War" over designations: the 'Lumbarda DOP' case (Croatia) and Lombardy's reaction. Tension over phonetics/toponymy (Lumbarda/Lombarda) and protection at EU level: a sensitive issue for consortia and territorial branding.

Wine events

• Wine tourism: Elba DOC Consortium – interview with the new president, Antonio Arrighi. Consortium governance and Elba's positioning within the regional context (PrimAnteprima 2025). Wine tourism as a strategic destination.
• Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Preview: 4.5/5 rating for 2023. Technical assessment by the commission (finesse/balance, structure, analytical parameters). Market message: vintage ready to "speak" to the consumer.
• Previews of Tuscany 2026: focus on "Le Pievi" (2022 and 2021 vintages, blind tastings). UGA as a lever for segmentation and promotion. Pay attention to samples that are not all present and some still undergoing maturation.
• Caiarossa: presentation of the new vintages “Icons 2022 – I Rossi” (February 21, Riparbella) An on-site event featuring a tour of soils and microclimates and comparisons with previous vintages: the perfect format for the press, trade, and top clients.
• Fieragricola 2026 (Veronafiere): Over 100,000 attendees and a focus on innovation. Technology and supply chains: smart irrigation, digitalization, biosolutions, renewables. Direct impact on viticulture: "costs/climate/productivity."
• Inclusion: “The teetotal sommelier” (AIS) for young people with disabilities 16 Alcohol-free training, geared towards skills and employment: a cultural and social project that strengthens the sector's reputation.

Industry focus (cross-cutting theme, to be highlighted on the homepage)

• 2025 harvest stable (0.7%) but inventories rising: UIV calls for reforms. 2025 production reported at 44.383 million hl; inventories indicated at 61 million hl (6% year-on-year). Signal: supply chain balance still fragile, with pressure on prices and inventory management.

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