Wine press review for Saturday, August 2, 2025

Italian Wineries

Crisis in Oltrepò Pavese

• The Oltrepò wineries are at risk of operational paralysis. The largest cooperative in the area is without a management team, and the wineries in Broni and Stradella risk not opening for the 2025 harvest. The Oltrepò Wine Consortium takes a stand: "We stand with the winemakers and their employees; we must act together."
• Alarm raised among the institutions. Urgent letter to Minister Lollobrigida, President Fontana, and local mayors: "There is a lack of funds for maintenance, risk of halting the transfer."

New generations between tradition and difficulties

• Langhe: Giacomo Vaira's complaint. Young winemakers struggle to find workers: "Without farmers, we risk losing the soul of wine. Cooperatives are the last resort."

Awards and recognitions

• Cantina Valtidone triumphs at Vinistra. Four silver medals for its aromatic Malvasia di Candia: Piacenza tradition honored in Croatia.
• Casa Cecchin and its heroic sparkling winemaking. The Monti Lessini DOC celebrates the "Engineer" with the 2018 Pas Dosé reserve, in honor of founder Renato Cecchin.
• Zest in Sorrento: new wine cellar and summer menu. The Grand Hotel La Favorita restaurant launches a 500-item wine cellar and an elegant menu designed by Chef Iavarone.

Cultural and identity initiatives

• Bio Cantina Sociale Orsogna and the Garden of Forgotten Roses. "Sacred" cuttings to preserve Abruzzo's biodiversity and spiritual traditions. A project combining biodynamic viticulture, memory, and faith.

Italian Wine and Oenology

The future of the wine sector

• Donvito (University of Florence): "Italian wine is full of energy, but it needs renewal." The analysis focuses on marketing and managerial skills.
• Confagricoltura: The 2025 harvest is promising, but a revitalization is needed. Quality is improving, but inventory levels are worrying. The Wine Federation raises the alarm: "The market needs a turnaround."

Research and experimentation

• Experimental viticulture in Vadena (BZ), on August 6th. The Laimburg Center presents results on physiology, varieties, protection, and cultivation techniques.

International: tariffs and global scenarios

US tariffs: a barrage against European wine

• A 15% tariff on EU wines will take effect on August 7. Trump signs the Executive Order, affecting iconic Italian exports such as Prosecco, Brunello, and Moscato.
• CIA: "The glass is half empty." President Fini: "Unilateral penalty, 20% off American shelves. Italian wine under attack."
• Trade organizations are calling for negotiations. The wine sector still hopes for a "zero-for-zero" outcome, but uncertainties remain.
• Spirits are still safe, but wine isn't. Unequal treatment linked to the trade balance: American importers are starting to reckon.
• Europe under pressure. While Canada faces 35% tariffs and Switzerland 39%, goods shipped before August 7th and arriving by October 5th are excluded.
• The European Union is cautious. Commissioner Sefcovic: "Stability for businesses, but further steps are needed."

Wine Events

Tastings and territory

• Ardesio DiVino: raise a glass to the culture of wine. The Bergamo event celebrates wine as Italy's cultural, economic, and social heritage.
• Morbegno in Cantina: Autumn between history and wine. Three weekends in September and October to explore Valtellina's wines and secret spots, accompanied by music and entertainment.

Seasonal trends

• Summer 2025: drinking between tradition and innovation. From the elegant whites of Zenato to the magnums of Sansonina in Laguna, including the new "Adorata" seasonal beer.

Curiosity

Wine thefts in London

• A tuk-tuk driver steals €30,000 worth of wine. Iuliu Kubola, 61, was caught thanks to surveillance cameras. The theft occurred in a restaurant's cellar: wine is increasingly in the spotlight.

Thanks for following along! Today's press review was curated by QUIDQUID . Stay tuned tomorrow for more news from the world of wine!