Wine press review for Saturday, January 17, 2026!

Italian wineries

• Barone Pizzini presents a great new rosé and relaunches the Pinot Noir challenge in Franciacorta : extreme quality of the raw material is the key to competing with the great international rosés.
• Cantina Girlan , the South Tyrolean paradox: a cooperative capable of producing elite wines and establishing itself on world markets starting from 200 members and 230 hectares of vineyards.
• Fradiles Winery :
  • Domos de Pedra Mandrolisai DOC Rosato, freshness and immediate drinkability from a Sardinian sapling.
  • Memorias Creccherie Mandrolisai DOC Superiore, a cru wine from historic Gennargentu vineyards.
• Count Vistarino : since 1850, the Pinot Noir that has set a precedent in Oltrepò Pavese, between history, know-how and sparkling blanc de noirs.
• Tonnino – Baglio Ceuso (Alcamo DOC) : the myth of Ceuso and the modern vision of Alcamo between iconic reds and markets that today reward whites.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

• Resistant grape varieties (PIWI) : There is growing interest in Prosecco and Pinot Grigio as a lever to reduce treatments and cope with extreme climates, but Italy remains behind in adopting them.
• Organic vineyards are declining : conversion to organic vineyards has decreased by 8%. Climate change calls into question the economic sustainability of the organic model, especially in the North.
• Cantina Italia Report – Masaf / ICQRF : high inventories (over 59 million hl of wine as of December 31, 2025) are raising structural alarm bells for the sector.
• The 2026 scenario for Italian wine : stagnant consumption, a more selective balance, and limited growth. Competition hinges on marketing precision and consistent positioning.
• Veneto is a national leader : production and exports are growing, with Glera and the Prosecco system at the forefront. Vineyard area stands at 104,397 hectares, rising to 1,000 hectares by 2025.
• Dry January and moderation : growing attention is paid to lighter wines, conscious consumption, and the cultural importance of wine at the table.
• New mountaineers and Alpine viticulture : villages, mountain pastures, and historic DOCs such as Freisa and Doux d'Henry are being reborn in the Turin mountains.

International

• Global alcohol crisis : from Campari to Diageo , sales stagnate and stocks are under pressure. The industry struggles to reach younger generations.
• U.S., winery values plummet : According to a report by Silicon Valley Bank , values could drop as much as 40%. Sales recovery isn't expected until 2028.

Wine events and wine culture

• Slow Wine Fair : vineyard work, rights, and social inclusion at the heart of the narrative of "fair" viticulture.
• The Other Tuscany : a preview on February 18th in Florence with 8 Consortia and a lesser-known but strategic Tuscany.
• Slow Wine World Tour – Monaco : on January 19, 33 Italian producers and two Consortia will be attending a walk-around tasting for professionals.
• 5StarWines – the Book : ten years of rigorous selection, celebratory edition at Vinitaly 2026.
• Appunti diVini – “I Vini del Cuore” : fifth edition of the social guide created by Olga Sofia Schiaffino , between story, experience and community.
• A weekend of wine and culture : tastings, art itineraries, and live music, including gelato, Marsala, and themed urban tours.

Thanks for listening. Today's wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .

See you tomorrow.