Wine press review for Sunday, July 5, 2026!

A brief overview of the main news in the wine sector, including wineries, markets, wine tourism, and events.

VINEYARD, CLIMATE AND VITICULTURE

Heat in the vineyards: first signs of stress, but no cause for alarm

The heatwave affecting much of Europe is beginning to have its first effects on Italian vineyards. Agronomists and researchers are reporting initial signs of drying and sunburn on grapes, especially in Northern Italy. The situation remains under control, but the coming rains will be crucial for the development of the winemaking season.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Prosecco and the North East

• Carpenè Malvolti presents the new Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut "Revival 1924", a historic tribute to the winery's first Prosecco label.
• BiancaVigna confirms the quality of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive di Collalto 2025, produced from 32 hectares of organic vineyards.
• Marco Felluga continues the Collio tradition with the 2024 Pinot Grigio Mongris, now led by the sixth generation of the family.

Piedmont

• Oddero confirms its role among the great Barolo producers with the 2022 vintage.
• Cordero di Montezemolo presents the 2025 Langhe Arneis from the organic vineyards of Tenuta Monfalletto.
• Contratto enhances the Alta Langa with the Pas Dosé Millesimato 2022.

Tuscany

• Della Gherardesca expands its range with the 2025 Rosato Sibilla, made from Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes from Bolgheri and the Tuscan coast.

Sicily

• Tenute Ballasanti continues its project on Etna with the Bianco Donna Manuela 2023.
• San Giaime experiments with the refinement of the "Sotto Sale" Classic Method, matured for 36 months in the Madonie salt mine.
• Siddùra presents "Èros", an innovative red wine designed to be served chilled between 10 and 12°C.

Southern Italy

• Cantina Santoro enhances the Falerno del Massico through centuries-old vineyards.
• Cantina Faraone celebrates the excellent 2025 harvest with a particularly expressive Passerina and the new Trebbiano d'Abruzzo "Le Vigne".

Lombardy

• The Monte di Lombardia Foundation acquires the historic Scagno winery in Oltrepò Pavese, entrusting its management to Cantine Ermes.
• The Cantina Sociale di Quistello reopens direct sales after the fire that damaged part of the building.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Orange Wine and Natural Wine: Two Different Concepts

More and more consumers are confusing orange wines with natural wines. In reality, the former refers to a production technique, while the latter describes a cultivation and winemaking philosophy.

Sensory analysis of wine

An in-depth look at the five senses involved in tasting, with particular attention to the often underestimated roles of hearing and touch.

Crystals in wine

The so-called "wine diamonds" are simple tartrate crystals, a natural phenomenon that does not represent any qualitative defect.

The Verduno Pelaverga

Among the most contemporary Italian reds thanks to its freshness, drinkability, and versatility even during the summer.

Asprinio of Aversa

The first historic tasting demonstrates the interesting evolution over time of one of Campania's most distinctive grape varieties.

Pizza and Asti DOCG

The Consortium focuses on the younger generation by offering a combination of pizza and sparkling wine through dedicated tastings.

MARKETS, TRENDS AND INTERNATIONAL

Wines designed to be served chilled are on the rise

The debut of Siddùra's "Èros" highlights a new consumer trend toward lighter, summerier, and more immediate red wines.

Home tastings

From California to Romagna, the phenomenon of private tastings and in-home wine education is growing.

Territory bitters

The revival of Italian artisanal liqueurs continues, increasingly linked to the promotion of local agricultural production and mixology.

WINE TOURISM AND EVENTS

The Nights of Wine

The Wine Cities calendar continues in Friuli Venezia Giulia with tastings, culture, and promotion of the region.

Dinners in the Vineyard

The Euganean Hills welcome back a series of summer events featuring vineyards, historic villas, and local cuisine.

Open Cellars in the Wine Villages

Sunset tastings and cellar tours confirm the growth of experiential wine tourism.

San Michele Farmhouse

Sundays dedicated to wine tourism continue in the Brescia hills, with aperitifs among the vineyards and organic wines.

Glasses in Tonnara 2026

One of the island's most important wine festivals returns to Portoscuso, Sardinia, with over thirty participating wineries.

HISTORY AND CULTURE OF WINE

The former Wine and Cheese Cellars

A journey through the history of the ancient structures of Valganna, a testament to Lombardy's wine and dairy economy.

Mezzane Valley

Twelve winemakers join forces to promote a region rich in identity, biodiversity, and quality viticulture.

TODAY'S TRENDS

• Climate increasingly decisive in vineyard management.
• There is growing interest in fresh, light, ready-to-drink wines.
• Wine tourism continues to be one of the main drivers of development for Italian wineries.
• Increasing attention to sustainability, native grape varieties, and the valorization of local areas.
• Cellar experiences are becoming an integral part of wineries' marketing strategies.

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Press review provided by Wine Idea.