Wine press review for Monday, October 5, 2026!

Good morning,

The main news from the world of wine: Italian wineries, viticulture and oenology, the market and consumption, the international scene, and events.

ITALIAN CELLARS

Val Bormida: viticulture, environment, and the future of the region

In Bubbio, in the province of Asti, the Colombo winery, founded in 2003 by Antonio and Andrea Colombo, hosted the roundtable discussion "Val Bormida: the future is already here." The discussion focused on the relationship between viticulture, geology, biodiversity, climate change, and territorial development. Special attention was paid to the area's potential for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and the potential for enhancing the Bormida Valley's landscape, culture, and tourism.

Terlano Winery and the 30th anniversary of Pinot Bianco

Cantina Terlano's journey confirms Alto Adige's role in the development of great Italian white wines for aging. The winery's philosophy dates back to the 1950s, when cellar master Sebastian Stocker began preserving bottles of Pinot Bianco and Terlaner to monitor their evolution over time. This approach has helped change the perception of the longevity of Italian white wines.

Corte Sermana: Lugana focuses on the Reserve

On the southern shores of Lake Garda, Corte Sermana, owned by the Bottacini brothers, cultivates 5.5 hectares entirely of Turbiana grapes and produces approximately 20,000 bottles across four labels. Among these is the Lugana DOC Sermana Riserva 2021, the expression of a vintage characterized by slow ripening and a late harvest.

Librandi and the Gravello 2024

Librandi, a historic winery in Cirò Marina, presents the Calabria IGT Rosso Gravello 2024, a wine created in 1988 and aged for 12 months in barrique. The winery, founded by Antonio and Nicodemo Librandi, remains a benchmark for the qualitative growth and national recognition of Calabrian winemaking.

Valpanera: A New Generation for the Aquileia DOC

Vittorio Marcon, 25, and Luca Cigana, 29, represent the new generation of Valpanera, a project that aims to reinterpret the Aquileia DOC through experimentation, quality, and territorial identity. Nicola Biasi is responsible for the winemaking process. This young project combines Aquileia's historic roots with a contemporary image.

Rocca Sveva launches “VAL” and “SO” in 0.25-liter formats

Rocca Sveva, the Cadis 1898 winery, presents "VAL" and "SO": Valpolicella DOC and Soave DOC in 0.25-liter bottles with screw caps. The project was born to respond to evolving consumption patterns, with smaller quantities and greater convenience, while maintaining two denominations that are a hallmark of the Verona area.

Coppi Winery: Primitivo Senatore in the Bibenda Top 10

Cantine Coppi's Gioia del Colle DOP Primitivo Senatore 2023 has been named to Bibenda 2027's Top 10 Best Wines of Italy, selected from over 30,000 wines tasted. This is the first time this recognition has been awarded to a Gioia del Colle DOP Primitivo and marks Puglia's return to the Top 10 after three years.

Colli Ripani: Three Glasses of Pecorino

The Mercantino Offida Pecorino DOCG 2025 from Cantina dei Colli Ripani has been awarded the Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses) award. For the Marche-based cooperative, the award represents not only a recognition of quality, but also a tool for greater commercial credibility in both Italian and international markets.

Cantina La-Vis tells the story of Trentino through six wines.

The Ritratti line from Cantina La-Vis, launched in 1988 and renewed in 2022, offers a unique interpretation of Trentino through particularly suitable grape varieties and parcels. Vineyards located between 250 and 500 meters above sea level, low yields, and carefully selected winemaking techniques aim to highlight the distinctive characteristics of each terroir.

Cantina Caretto on Rai3: viticulture and climate change

The Caretto Loris Livio farm in San Giorgio Canavese is featured on Rai3 in a program dedicated to agriculture and the consequences of heat and drought. The winery's story thus becomes an opportunity to explore the challenges climate change is creating in vineyards.

ITALIAN WINE, OENOLOGY AND MARKET

Piedmont: World Winery Map photographs vineyards, cellars, and climate.

The international platform World Winery Map lists 4,268 wineries and 182,897 vineyards in Piedmont, with an average altitude of 269 meters. According to the climate indicators used by the platform, during the growing season, Piedmontese vineyards show average temperatures 1.6°C higher than those in Rioja. This data is based on climate models and indicators, not a direct comparison between individual weather stations.

Young People and Wine: Consumption Seeks a New Balance

The relationship between new generations and wine is changing. According to the discussion promoted by Agivi, health, moderation, consumption opportunities, local area, and authenticity are becoming central to communication. Even the "less but better" formula is being questioned: a decline in quantity does not automatically mean an increase in the quality of consumption.

Tre Bicchieri 2027: Veneto Goes Beyond Prosecco

Veneto has confirmed its position among the top regions in Gambero Rosso's 2027 Tre Bicchieri, with nearly fifty wines listed in the review, including Amarone, Soave, and numerous expressions of the Rive di Conegliano Valdobbiadene. This snapshot of the region's winemaking diversity extends far beyond Prosecco alone.

Emilia-Romagna: 15 wines earn Tre Bicchieri awards

The previews of Gambero Rosso's Vini d'Italia 2027 guide continue. Fifteen Tre Bicchieri-awarded wines from Emilia-Romagna have been announced.

Slow Wine 2027 honors Irpinia

Irpinia has confirmed its place as a leading wine region in the 2027 Slow Wine guide. Among the wineries awarded the "Chiocciola" (Snail) are Cantina del Barone, Rocca del Principe, Pietracupa, Luigi Tecce, Ciro Picariello, and Cantine dell'Angelo. The guide will be presented in Milan on October 17th.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Are consumer tastes changing?

The model of the great Cabernet Sauvignon—powerful, concentrated, aged in wood, and presented as a prestigious wine—is being challenged by evolving tastes. A segment of the market seems to be moving toward less ostentatious, more territorial wines characterized by elegance and drinkability.

Fattoria dei Barbi: the 2024 Tuscan Rosso Brusco

The 2024 Toscana Rosso Brusco dei Barbi from Fattoria dei Barbi is the result of a project initiated in 1969 by Giovanni Colombini. Primarily Sangiovese, it's designed to be enjoyed young while retaining a certain potential for aging.

Lambrusco Republic explores the complexity of Lambrusco.

A three-part miniseries delves into the world of Lambrusco, a family that encompasses numerous varietals with vastly different characteristics. From Grasparossa to Sorbara and Salamino, contemporary Lambrusco transcends the traditional image of a sweet wine and is increasingly available in dry and Metodo Classico versions.

Agrochemicals: the debate on the "cocktail effect" returns.

A study by the Ramazzini Institute in Bologna, part of the European SPRINT project, analyzes combined exposure to acetamiprid, glyphosate, and tebuconazole. The study reports statistically significant effects in the experimental model used and reopens the scientific debate on the effects of mixtures of active substances.

INTERNATIONAL AND MARKET SCENARIOS

Global wine consumption at its lowest level in nearly 70 years

According to data cited by AAWE, elaborated on the basis of the OIV database, in 2025 world wine consumption would have reached approximately 208 million hectolitres, one of the lowest levels in recent decades.

The phenomenon confirms a structural transformation of the market: more selective consumers, greater attention to health, growth of alternatives to wine, and changing consumption opportunities.

Italy is also listed among the markets experiencing a significant decline in consumption. For wineries, the challenge is therefore not just to produce quality, but to rethink formats, positioning, communication, and consumption opportunities.

Zalto and the search for the ideal glass

The story of the Austrian company Zalto tells the story of their quest for a glass capable of enhancing the aromas, acidity, tannins, and minerality of wine. The project is linked to Hans Denk and the glassmaking tradition of the Austrian Waldviertel.

EVENTS, WINE TOURISM AND WINE CULTURE

Wine Fair 2026 in Piacenza

From November 14 to 16, 2026, Piacenza Expo will host the new edition of the Wine Fair. The program includes nine guided tastings, the participation of nine independent Champagne winemakers, and the Piacenza Food & Wine Week.

Also making its debut is the "Shall we uncork something? Diversamente Masterclass" format, featuring 45-minute sessions designed to discuss wine and spirits in a language accessible to non-specialists.

Count Collalto at the TTG Travel Experience in Rimini

On October 14, 2026, Count Collalto will present the “Collalto Tourism – Collection Experiences” project at the TTG in Rimini, dedicated to wine tourism in the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, along with the new Agri Kit Kids, an initiative aimed at families and children.

Cinque Terre: Visit the Volastra Winery

On October 8th, a visit to the Cantina Cinque Terre, located in Groppo, Riomaggiore, is planned. The cooperative, with approximately 200 winemakers, is one of the symbols of heroic viticulture in the Cinque Terre. The program includes a guided tour, culture, and tasting.

Gallarate: The Wine Festival engages young people and families.

The Gallarate Wine Festival draws around 500 attendees in the opening evening, featuring tastings, music, and activities for children, including the traditional grape stomping. This format aims to introduce a diverse, even younger, audience to wine.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Today's news reveals some clear signs for the wine sector.

The region is once again at the center of wine's value, from the Bormida Valley to Piedmont, from Trentino to Puglia. At the same time, there's growing attention to climate change, sustainability, and the adaptability of viticulture.

On the market, however, the key issue remains the evolution of consumption. Smaller formats, new opportunities, moderation, and a stronger connection with younger generations indicate that it's not just how much wine we drink that's changing, but how, where, and why we drink it.

For producers and wineries, the challenge will be to transform these changes into new opportunities, working on identity, territory, experience, innovation, and the ability to convey the value of wine.

Wine Idea – Information, wine, regions, and businesses.

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