Wine press review for Sunday, January 18, 2026!

Italian wineries

The cooperative winery that produces one of the best Cannonau rosés. Cannonau, along with Vermentino, a symbol of Sardinia, is evolving toward fresher and more elegant interpretations. Tastings for the 2026 Vini d'Italia guide confirm a shift in style: less power, more finesse, silky tannins, and greater drinkability, without denying the grape variety's historic identity. (This story was reprinted twice in the article: consolidated content)

La Versa: No compensation for the winery's bankruptcy. Ten years after the collapse of the historic Oltrepò Pavese winery, creditors risk not receiving compensation. The convicted former directors are either penniless or unable to pay the sums awarded by the judges.

Eporedia Winery, a project by young Marco and Stefano. Founded in 2022, the winery produces four labels with vineyards between the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheatre and the Carema terraces. An example of a new local winemaking venture.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

58.6% of Italian wine is in the North, with Veneto leading the way. According to Cantina Italia report no. 1/2026 , as of December 31, 2025, Italian cellars held 59.5 million hectoliters of wine, plus musts and fermenting wines. The North accounts for nearly 60% of the stocks, with Veneto leading the way. (This story appears twice: consolidated content)

Agriculture Bonus 2026: Grants and Calls for Tenders. Incentives for young entrepreneurs, environmental measures, and machinery funding. The ISMEA Investe 2026 call for proposals, open since January 8th, is key, with approximately €100 million for the development and consolidation of the agri-food sector.

Occasional work in agriculture: rules and penalties. Law no. 199/2025 makes occasional work a legal requirement. Exceeding 45 days results in the contract being converted into a permanent one, with penalties for the employer.

Ungrafted Vines: Biodiversity Against Climate Change and New Tastes According to Mariano Murru (Assoenologi Sardegna), ungrafted vineyards represent a strategic asset for biodiversity, climate adaptation, and territorial enhancement.

Wines to drink in 2026: six appellations to bet on. A selection of new growth and appellations to be rediscovered, united by quality, identity, and stylistic consistency.

Monvigliero 2021 Barolo DOCG – Burlotto The Barolo di Verduno signed by Fabio Alessandria confirms itself as a collectible wine: extreme finesse, impeccable flavor texture and international prestige.

Solaia 1998 Magnum – Antinori An icon of Italian winemaking reinterpreted through its evolution over time: structure, longevity, and modernity born in the late 1970s.

Etna DOC: White wines will lead the way in 2025, while rosé wines will surge ahead with 6.27% of bottled wines. Etna Bianco and especially Etna Rosato (87%) are growing. Sparkling wines are also doing well, with over 300,000 bottles.

Veneto wine: production and exports growing despite tariffs. Veneto confirms its national leadership: 1,000 hectares of vineyards, 2025 harvest increasing (6.8%), strong presence of DOP grapes.

Italian Wine – Key Trends (January 12–16, 2026) 2026 will be a year of selection: less rush for volume, more commercial discipline, margin protection, and a clear identity. The market rewards those with structure.

International

(No specific international news reported in this edition)

Wine events and wine culture

Slow Wine's 2026 Snails: The Slow Wine guide Vite, Vigne, Vini d'Italia 2026 was presented in Milan: 2,016 wineries visited, 7,972 wines reviewed, 242 Snails awarded. A strong presence of organic and biodynamic wineries.

Costa degli Dei DOC at Beviamoci Sud Roma On January 31st and February 1st, the Calabrian denomination will be the protagonist with a masterclass dedicated to Zibibbo and Magliocco Canino.

World Pizza Day: 20 Wines for the Perfect Pairing Pizza is evolving, and so are its pairings: dough, toppings, and wines reflect local traditions and new gastronomic sensibilities.

Over-indebtedness: Confesercenti conference in Brindisi. A meeting dedicated to the tools of the Business Crisis Code to help citizens and entrepreneurs get back on track.

Insights & strategic vision

FORBUS – When quality is no longer enough. QUIDQUID's network of professionals manages complexity, markets, sales, wine tourism, and positioning. Not theoretical consultancy, but integrated execution.

You're not looking for a listing. You're looking for a transaction. TenuteAgricole24 and RuralEstate24: exclusive access to selected assets in wine, agriculture, and mineral water.

Strategic winemaking asset in Friuli Venezia Giulia: 74 hectares, 52 vineyards, a cellar with over 10,000 hl capacity, 70% exports. An already operational facility for those seeking immediate scale and industrial integration.

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