Wine press review for Saturday, October 3, 2026!

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Italian wine, wineries, international markets, research, wine tourism, and events.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Argea nears the entrance to Franciacorta with Contadi Castaldi

The Argea winery group, controlled by the Clessidra fund, is reportedly close to acquiring Contadi Castaldi , the Franciacorta brand of the Terra Moretti Group. The deal, reported by Il Sole 24 Ore and not yet confirmed by Argea, would further strengthen the group's position in the Italian sparkling wine segment.

Fontanafredda: The Strategic Role of Suppliers in Barolo Production

Fontanafredda , a historic winery in Serralunga d'Alba, claims that approximately 6% of the Barolo of the denomination passes through its cellars. In addition to its 120 hectares of directly managed and certified organic vineyards , the company works with a network of suppliers, an important element of its production model.

Monchiero Carbone: Roero Arneis Riserva at the top of Italian white wines

The 2020 Roero Arneis Riserva Renesio Incisa from Monchiero Carbone , a winery in Canale d'Alba, has been named Best White Wine in Italy by Gambero Rosso's 2026 Italian Wines Guide. This is reportedly the first time the award has been given to a Piedmontese white wine.

Tenuta del Travale among the 50 "Rare Wines" of Italy

Eleuteria Special Edition 2022 from Tenuta del Travale, a small winery in Rovito, in the province of Cosenza, has been included in the Gambero Rosso Guide to Italian Wines 2027's list of 50 "Rare Wines." It is a pure Nerello Mascalese, aged in cocciopesto amphorae and produced in just 630 numbered bottles . The estate produces approximately 10,000 bottles annually.

Sarah's Vineyard: Prosecco Superiore harvest increasingly early

In Vittorio Veneto, La Vigna di Sarah began harvesting its Glera grapes before dawn on August 17th . This represents a significant shift from the late September-October harvests of previous generations. The winery now has approximately 20 hectares of Glera grapes destined for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG and also uses night harvesting to preserve the grapes' acidity and quality.

Easter and Superga combine wine, fashion, and lifestyle.

The Verona-based Pasqua winery and Superga launch "Superga x Pasqua," a limited-edition rubber boot inspired by farm work but also designed for urban wear. This collaboration confirms the growing fusion of wine, fashion, lifestyle, and Made in Italy .

Fratelli Vogadori: A wine tourism experience in the heart of Valpolicella

In Negrar di Valpolicella, Fratelli Vogadori offers a tour of the vineyards, cellar, and drying room, including a tour of the appassimento process for the grapes used to make Amarone. The experience concludes with a guided tasting of five wines paired with the company's extra virgin olive oil.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Women increasingly present at the helm of winemaking companies

In Italy, over 28% of wineries are run by women . Among the female entrepreneurs interviewed, over 80% stated a multi-year strategic vision, more than 75% considered environmental sustainability a priority, and 70% considered promoting the local area. Greater attention to training, human resources management, and generational transition also emerged.

Wine tourism: in 2026, the winery experience will surpass the convenience of purchasing.

In 2026 , 18 million Italians will be involved in wine-related experiences , 4.5 million more than in 2024. An interesting shift concerns the motivations: 27% of wine tourists prefer visiting a family-run winery , compared to 25% who are primarily interested in purchasing wine at a favorable price. The value of the experience, the local area, and the direct relationship with the producer is therefore growing.

Alto Adige: small vineyards and a strong focus on quality

Alto Adige represents approximately 1% of Italy's vineyard area , with approximately 5,800 hectares and 4,800 wineries . Alongside the traditional Schiava and Lagrein, the region has built a strong reputation for white wines, particularly Pinot Bianco, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Grigio. Climate, temperature ranges, ventilation, and cooperative organization are considered central elements of the Alto Adige quality model.

Marche: Historic recognition for rosé wines

For the first time in 40 years, two rosé wines from the Marche region have received Tre Bicchieri : La Calcinara's Conero Rosato Mun '25 , made from Montepulciano, and a Metodo Classico Rosé from LE Tempo , made from Sangiovese. The white wine sector also remains strong, with Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Verdicchio di Matelica.

Ripatransone wins four Tre Bicchieri 2027 awards

Four wineries from Ripatransone , in the Ascoli Piceno area, are among the 24 Marche wineries awarded the Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri 2027 award. The labels are Offida Pecorino 2025 Tenuta Santori, Offida Pecorino 2025 Numa, Offida Pecorino Mercantino 2025 Cantina dei Colli Ripani, and Piceno Superiore Nero di Vite 2018 from Le Caniette .

Cartizze: 107 hectares, the symbol of Conegliano Valdobbiadene

Cartizze , the heart of Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, encompasses just 107 hectares between San Pietro di Barbozza, Santo Stefano, and Saccol. Steep slopes, favorable exposure, and a unique soil composition make it one of Italy's most prestigious and valuable winegrowing areas.

Agrivoltaics in the vineyard: the Apulian experience

A project launched in 2009 in the Laterza area of Puglia uses photovoltaic panels above the vineyards. Research conducted with the Universities of Bari and Verona indicates effects on the microclimate, water availability, and ripening times. The system also produces nearly 1 MW of energy . The model is being studied as a possible response to viticulture's adaptation to climate change.

Grape marc, prunings, and biochar to regenerate vineyards

The MORVISA project, funded by the Emilia-Romagna Region and coordinated by Ri.Nova, studies the reuse of vineyard residues through compost and biochar. The experiments aim to increase soil organic matter, improve water retention and carbon storage, and reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers.

Open wine: the cold slows oxidation

The shelf life of a bottle after opening depends on the type and structure of the wine, the amount remaining, and storage conditions. Therefore, there is no universal shelf life. However, a general rule remains valid: storing in the refrigerator slows down the oxidation process , even for red wines.

INTERNATIONAL

Champagne: First signs of stabilization in 2026

After three consecutive years of declining shipments, the Champagne market is showing signs of stabilizing. From 326 million bottles in 2022, shipments dropped to 266 million in 2025. In the first half of 2026, shipments reached 107.1 million bottles , a 1.2% increase compared to the same period of the previous year and exports up 3.8% .

Wine and Health: CEEV Relaunches the Theme of Responsible Consumption

A debate on the relationship between wine, health, and responsible consumption was held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, promoted by the Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV). The debate is part of a broader European debate on the revision of cancer prevention policies, health claims on labels, and potential restrictions on the marketing of alcoholic beverages.

Barolo Festival 2027 in New York

From January 27 to 30, 2027, the "Festa del Barolo" returns to New York, an event organized by Antonio Galloni of Vinous and dedicated to Nebbiolo and the great expressions of the Langhe. New participants include Prunotto, Elio Sandri, and Giovanni Manzone , alongside historic producers such as Giacomo Conterno, Vietti, Burlotto, Sandrone, Massolino, Roagna, and other Barolo names.

WINE EVENTS AND WINE TOURISM

Veneto Wine Stars in Conegliano

The fifth edition of Veneto Wine Stars will take place in Conegliano on the weekends of October 2-4 and 9-11 . The event is part of the "Conegliano Valdobbiadene Italian City of Wine 2026/2027" program and aims to promote regional wine production.

Open Cellars for Harvest until October 25th

The Movimento Turismo del Vino's "Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia 2026" (Open Cellars in Harvest 2026) continues until October 25th . Member companies offer experiences including grape harvesting, pressing, must making, fermentation, and cellar life, with a focus on direct contact between visitors, producers, and the local area.

The 2026 Harvest returns to Milan's Fashion District.

From October 5th to 11th , the MonteNapoleone District's "La Vendemmia" returns for its 17th edition. Milan's luxury boutiques, hotels, and restaurants will host numerous Italian wineries, creating a direct connection between wine, high-end fashion, fashion, hospitality, and lifestyle .

Bolgheri takes center stage at “Degustando”

On October 8th , at GABE Tenute in San Pietro di Feletto, the “Tasting… GABE Selections” series dedicates an evening to Bolgheri , featuring Podere Conca and a journey dedicated to getting to know the Tuscan territory.

Varchi in Vigna returns to Montevarchi

From October 9th to 11th , the historic center of Montevarchi hosts the second edition of “Varchi in Vigna,” an event dedicated to wine, agri-food production, tastings, and the promotion of local companies.

Red October in the Euganean Hills

On October 18th , Villa Selvatico in Battaglia Terme hosts "Red October," featuring over 100 labels presented directly by producers from the Euganean Hills. There are three themed tasting areas: whites, reds, and Bordeaux blends, old varietals, and experimental wines.

Italian Wine Guide 2027: Tastings at 18 Wine Bars

Gambero Rosso's 2027 Italian Wine Guide Festival will take place from October 1st to 9th . Thirty-five wineries and 18 Italian wine shops will participate, with a calendar of tastings dedicated to the labels selected in the new guide.

“Sciör del Tòrcol” celebrates the wines of Valle Camonica

On October 3rd and 4th, Losine hosts the 22nd edition of "Sciör del Tòrcol," an exhibition dedicated to Valle Camonica viticulture. Historic wineries, Valcamonica IGT wines, food products, and local traditions enliven the historic center.

THEMES TO FOLLOW

The October 3 review highlights some interesting signs for the sector: consolidation and acquisitions among wine groups, growth in experiential wine tourism, a greater role for women in business management, viticulture's adaptation to climate change, a circular economy in the vineyard, and the growing fusion of wine, tourism, fashion, and lifestyle .

On the international front, Champagne is showing the first signs of stabilization after three difficult years, while in Europe the delicate debate between wine, health, communication, and responsible consumption remains open.

In Italy, a shift in the relationship with consumers is particularly evident: the winery is no longer just a place where wine is produced and purchased, but rather an experience, a relationship with the producer, and a gateway to the region.

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

See you tomorrow.