Wine press review for Saturday, October 18, 2025!

Italian wineries

La Gerla: the dream of a former advertising executive turned Brunello. Since 1978, La Gerla has continued Sergio Rossi's vision between Canalicchio and Castelnuovo dell'Abate. Today, Donatella Rossi leads a winery that symbolizes the balance between Ilcinese history and modernity.

Pio Cesare: the only winery still operating in the center of Alba. Founded in 1881, this historic Piedmontese winery preserves the understated, international style of Barolo and Barbaresco. At the helm is the fifth generation: Federica Boffa and Cesare Benvenuto Pio.

Contini 1898 Winery: Vernaccia as a symbol of Sardinian identity. Awarded in Rome during the 2025 Gala of Italian Excellence, the historic Cabras winery represents Sardinia around the world with a wine that speaks of the sea, time, and memory.

Solidarity appeal for Menti Vini . A fire has struck the Menti Vini winery in Montebello Vicentino. The appeal invites you to support the winery by purchasing the volcanic wines that represent it, the fruit of generations of work.

RARE CHAMPAGNE AND REDS: the cellar of the IYO restaurant in Milan. At Claudio Liu's starred restaurant, the menu curated by Danilo Tacconi is a sensory journey through great Champagnes and rare reds, a sign of a dialogue between wine culture and haute cuisine.

Italian wine and oenology

Gambero Rosso's "Vini d'Italia 2026" celebrates Italy's excellence . The 39th edition of the guide showcases a vibrant and innovative Italian wine scene. Tuscany and Umbria lead the way, featuring modern technology and a return to amphorae and cocciopesto vats.

The Menfi DOC launches the challenge: the idea of a Protection Consortium is born. For the thirtieth anniversary of the denomination, the Menfi producers are embarking on the path towards a consortium that promotes the territory, community vision, and identity.

Collio Award 2025: WineNews recognized for digital storytelling. The portal was awarded for the best audiovisual storytelling of Collio, one of Italy's most prestigious white wine regions.

Wine in the Away-from-Home Market: Declining Consumption but New Awareness. According to major distributors, volumes are decreasing, but the demand for quality is growing. Young people and mixology are challenging the centrality of wine in restaurants.

From the vineyard to the cellar: new production frontiers. Sustainability, innovation, and technology are redefining winemaking in Italy. From the soil to the aging process, the vision of quality is changing.

Carmignano Trefiano Riserva 2021 Capezzana: pure elegance. The historic blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, and Canaiolo shines in a vintage that delivers finesse and silky tannins. One of the finest Trefiano vintages.

Wine and international oenology

LVMH, signs of recovery for the Champagne & Wine division: 3% in 9 months The French giant recorded an increase in wines and sparkling wines, driving the Wine & Spirits division despite the contraction in the Cognac & Spirits sector.

Cave La Romaine in Flanthey is the best Swiss winery of 2025. Valais dominates the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse, winning in seven categories. Cantina Fawino in Mendrisio is named "Newcomer."

Why European wineries struggle to become wine tourism destinations An international study of 1,310 companies reveals the critical issues: lack of staff and time are holding back their opening to wine tourists, especially in Europe.

Italian agri-food exports to the US decline. Tariffs introduced by the Trump administration are weighing on summer exports. Customs fees are rising (15%) and shipments of wine and other specialty products are slowing.

Events and wine culture

MetodoContemporaneo: Art and Wine in Dialogue at the University of Verona. The first permanent observatory on the relationship between contemporary art and wine regions is born. A scientific project that unites aesthetics and production culture.

Autumn in the Cellar: Eight Stops in Sicily, Amidst Art, Flavor, and Theater. From October 25th to November 16th, eight wineries open their doors for a sensory journey with tastings, cooking shows, and the "Cunto Culinario" show.

Piacenza Wine Fair 2025 From November 22nd to 24th, 250 producers from 19 Italian regions (and from Austria, France, Georgia, Slovenia) for an event that combines glasses, culture, and stories waiting to be discovered.

Novellando: Novello wine tasting in Cosenza. On October 31st, an evening at the Enoteca Regionale with Spadafora 1915 featuring music, poetry, and stories. Toast autumn with the scent of young wine.

Essere Vignaioli: Dinner with FIVI producers in Sorano On October 25th at the Ottava Rima Winery, a convivial meeting with independent winemakers: five courses and local wines.

Montevago Wine Festival: 28th Edition of Flavors and Tradition. On October 25th and 26th, the village of Montevago celebrates the wines of the Belice Valley with tastings, music, and culture.

Milan Wine Week 2025: Awards for the Best Wine Lists. Among the winners was Nando al Pallone in Vitorchiano for the Hotel Restaurant category. Awards also went to the retail and distribution sectors.

But is it beer or wine? The IGA of ONAV Padova explores the boundary. A tasting dedicated to "Italian Grape Ales," craft beers made with grape must: the meeting point between brewing culture and Italian winemaking identity.

Closure

Thanks for listening and reading. Today's wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT , in collaboration with QUIDQUID – Strategies for the Value of Wine and Territories . Until next time, we'll continue to observe the world of wine with a strategic mind and a passionate eye.