Wine Press Review for Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Italian Wineries

Cecchi Family Invests in Montalcino with Aminta. The historic Tuscan winery strengthens its presence in the Brunello wine industry with an €8 million investment in the Aminta estate in Castelnuovo dell'Abate. The 2018 acquisition and recent €850,000 renovation consolidate the Cecchi family's territorial strategy, which closed with €40 million in revenue in 2024.

The nuances of Morellino di Scansano During the event organized by the Consortium led by Bernardo Guicciardini Calamai, the public was able to discover the different expressions of Morellino DOCG, visiting three representative wineries and tasting the most authentic versions of Sangiovese di Maremma.

Cantine Ermes begins the 2025 harvest in Sicily. The harvest begins in Gibellina, in the southwest of the island, at the Cantine Ermes cooperative: over 14,000 hectares of vineyards and 2,700 members across six regions. An early start, but consistent with the new climate dynamics.

Italian Wine and Italian Oenology

Wine exports: the sector slows, only sparkling wines shine . In the first four months of 2025, Italian wine recorded a 0.86% decline in value. However, Prosecco DOP stands out, with a 1.5% decline in value and 3.4% in volume. Sparkling wines account for over 25% of total exports, proving to be the driving force for the sector.

The 2025/26 budget has been restructured: more funds for restructuring and investments. MASAF is redistributing the €323.8 million earmarked for wine: less promotion, more resources for vineyard restructuring (€151.8 million) and investments (€60.7 million), responding to requests from Coldiretti and Filiera Italia.

Italian wine under attack: associations appeal to Minister Lollobrigida. Assoenologi, Federvini, Federdoc, and other organizations are calling for a national communications campaign to counter the demonization of wine in international health forums. The minister responds with a strong statement of support.

Piedmont argues over the "wine crisis." In Asti, politicians are divided: according to Councilor Isnardi, the crisis is serious, with 100,000 hectoliters of Moscato unsold; for Councilor Bongioanni, the situation is under control. Is it an economic crisis or merely a perceived one?

International Wine and Foreign Oenology

US tariffs and the devaluation of the dollar: Italian exports are suffering. Valeria Radici Odero (Frecciarossa) complains: "30% tariffs and an unfavorable exchange rate risk increasing prices by 50%." Dominic Nocerino, a US importer, confirms: "Trade is suffering, the restaurant industry is in crisis. Wine is following suit."

Canada: US exports plummet (-97.2%). A chance for Italian wine? A drastic drop in US exports to Canada could open new opportunities for Italian wine, boosted by its €1.9 billion in exports to the US. But the environment remains fragile, amid the Chinese crisis, US uncertainty, and a general decline in global volumes.

France: Organic vineyards decline (-4%). Organic production in France is slowing: 6,724 hectares in 2024. The causes? High costs and pest attacks, especially downy mildew. Provence alone recorded a 4% decline, while regions like Nouvelle-Aquitaine saw a 13% decline.

Prosecco conquers the French: penetration reaches 52%. According to Nomisma Wine Monitor, over half of French adults have drunk Prosecco in the last year. The Italian product thus consolidates its overtaking of Champagne and its international leadership, driven by the Val d'Oca Consortium.

Wine and Cultural Events

Magical Notes among the Vineyards: Music and Wine in Val d'Orcia. The event organized by Tenuta Sanoner and the Fondazione Paesaggi Musicali Toscani returns on July 29th: sunset concerts among the hills, featuring artists such as Francesco Paolo Scola and Fausto Quintabà.

ExtraWine 2025: wine invades the village of Extrepieraz (Aosta Valley) On Saturday, July 26, the streets of Brusson will transform into a scattered winery: tastings, music, and conviviality in an event that combines tradition and modernity at high altitude.

Aperitivo con l'Arte stops at the Parovel Winery (Trieste). On July 24th, the show dedicated to Fernando Botero will enliven the Parovel Winery with art and tastings. A blend of cultural reflection and quality wine, produced by the Adelinquere association.

Column – Wine and Cuisine

Wine for Everyone – Recipe: Guinea Fowl Stuffed with Cherries and Friuli DOC Pinot Grigio. A tasty creation from Ronc di Guglielmo : the sweetness of Bagnaria cherries pairs with the aromatic profile of a Friulian Pinot Grigio. Serves 10, with tips for a rich and balanced filling.

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