Wine press review for Sunday, March 22, 2026

The Italian wine sector continues to churn amid signs of resilience, production transformations, new commercial directions, and growing integration between wine, territory, tourism, and events. In the background, 2025 closed with a decline that, however, appears more moderate than that of other international competitors, while 2026 offers glimpses of recovery.

Italian wineries

Contract, from the nineteenth century to the contemporary Classic Method

The historic Contratto winery confirms its pioneering role in Italian sparkling wine production. Founded in 1867, it was among the first Italian producers to experiment with the French sparkling wine model, developing its own identity in the early 20th century with vintage wines and lines dedicated to international markets. Today, it represents an example of how tradition can become a lever for advanced positioning.

Palmento Costanzo: Ten Years of Excellence on Mount Etna

At the Park Hyatt in Milan, the Etna winery Palmento Costanzo celebrated its "DI SEI" collection with a masterclass dedicated to the volcano's wines. The project marks the evolution of a company that has built its identity on the valorization of the vineyards in Contrada Santo Spirito and the restoration of an ancient palmento, becoming one of the most interesting expressions of contemporary Etna.

Marisa Cuomo named Italy's most beautiful "sea view" winery.

The Furore winery, a symbol of heroic viticulture on the Amalfi Coast, took first place in a survey of Italian wineries overlooking the sea. This recognition recognizes not only its impact on the landscape, but also its ability to transform the territory into an identity and narrative asset.

Faraone Wines: Wine as a Sensory Experience and Hospitality

In Giulianova, the Faraone winery hosted "Ruvide Avvolgenze," a tasting that created an original journey through Italian and French wines and cheeses. The event confirms the growing commitment of many Italian wineries to more immersive hospitality experiences, where wine becomes a tool for storytelling, experimentation, and interaction with the public.

Gionata Cognata and the revival of viticulture in the Polcevera Valley

Gionata Cognata's story reveals the most fragile and authentic side of Italian micro-viticulture. After bringing wine back to an area that had almost disappeared from the Ligurian winemaking landscape, the producer saw a large portion of his production jeopardized by a defective batch of corks. It's a story that highlights how, especially for small wineries, every vintage represents a decisive challenge.

Leonardo da Vinci Winery in compulsory administrative liquidation

The long history of the Tuscan cooperative founded in 1961 has come to an end with a bankruptcy proceeding. The decision by the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy highlights a situation of serious insolvency, with short-term debts significantly exceeding current assets. This case refocuses attention on the economic sustainability of some historic cooperatives in the sector.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Nomisma: Italy suffered in 2025, but held up better than others

According to Denis Pantini of Wine Monitor Nomisma, Italian wine closed 2025 with a 3.7% decline in value, but with a less negative performance than France, Spain, Australia, Chile, and the United States. This data suggests a less alarmist interpretation: in a complex global context, Italy has shown superior resilience, and if the weaker markets were to rebound, 2026 might not end in the red.

Exports 2025: Piedmont surpasses €1.15 billion, Veneto remains the leader.

The regional export market confirms Veneto as the leading region with €2.92 billion, and Piedmont as the third Italian region with over €1.15 billion in exports. Despite the overall decline in the sector, some regions continue to demonstrate structural resilience, strengthening wine's role as a strategic asset for the local economy.

Germany is a key market for Italian wine.

Germany remains one of the most important foreign markets for Italian wine, with imports from the country worth €1.14 billion in 2025. However, the consensus is that it is a solid yet selective market, where those operators capable of adapting to a sophisticated consumer, sensitive to value for money and the clarity of the offering, can thrive.

Inflation and wine: consumer prices in Italy show moderate growth

On the price front, Italy has seen a 7.4% increase in consumer wine prices over ten years, among the lowest in Europe. This remains a key issue at a time when consumer purchasing power has declined and eating out is particularly affected. This discussion involves the entire supply chain, from producers to distributors, all the way to restaurants.

Alcohol-free wine: a new segment for new consumers

Alcohol-free wine is entering the sector's strategic debate as a potential lever to tap into new audiences and specific markets, especially in Northern Europe, America, and Australia. The topic, discussed at the Laimburg Research Center, highlights the sector's openness to different consumption patterns in Italy as well, while still excluding PDO wines.

Vineyard Restructuring and Conversion: New Regional Notice

The call for applications for support for the vineyard restructuring and conversion project envisaged by the National Viticulture Support Plan has been published. This strategic measure will renovate vineyards, adapt production to market needs, and strengthen the competitiveness of wineries.

Toscana IGT: Changes Approved in Italy

The Masaf National Wine Committee has approved changes to the Toscana IGT wine regulations. Among the main changes are the strengthening of the "Toscana" designation and the introduction of the sparkling wine category, both Charmat and Classic Method, white and rosé. This move could open up new production and commercial opportunities for the regional system.

Italian Riesling: A Missed Opportunity for Oltrepò Pavese

The return of the international "Grow du Monde" competition has rekindled attention on Riesling Italico, a grape variety that, according to many observers, represents a great opportunity that is still under-exploited in the Oltrepò Pavese region. The topic is significant because it addresses a fundamental issue in Italian wine: the ability, not always fully expressed, to build value on distinctive varieties.

Nebbiolo: A strong identity in an uncertain context

Sergio Germano, president of the Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe and Dogliani Consortium, emphasizes how Nebbiolo continues to be a reliable choice in a disoriented world. The success of Grandi Langhe, with 7,700 entries and over 500 foreigners, confirms the strength of territorial identity as a competitive advantage.

Michel Rolland, farewell to a symbolic figure in world winemaking.

The passing of Michel Rolland marks the end of an era. The first true global "flying winemaker," he profoundly influenced the language of modern wine and collaborated with important Italian wineries such as Caprai, Biserno, Tenuta del Nicchio, Ornellaia, and Masseto. His legacy extends not only to winemaking style, but also to the very role of the consultant in the creation of contemporary wine.

International

Wines Experience: Over 200 Italian Wineries Debut in London

On April 26 and 27, London will host the first edition of Wines Experience, a new B2B platform that will bring over 200 Italian wineries to the British capital. The format focuses on digital matchmaking, pre-scheduled events, blind tastings, and data collection on British market preferences. This approach is geared toward concrete business rather than mere trade show exposure.

The UK remains a strategic market

The choice of London as the inaugural venue is no coincidence: the United Kingdom is the third-largest destination market for Italian wine, with a value of approximately €857 million and a 10-11% share of total exports. In a time of general slowdown, maintaining a presence in stable and mature markets remains a strategic priority.

The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles chooses Cirò

From March 27th to 29th, Calabria will host the rosé section of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, featuring 1,100 wines from 30 countries and 55 international judges. The event strengthens the international visibility of Cirò and Calabria as regions capable of hosting high-profile wine events.

Wine events

The Prosecco Hills at the 2026 Paralympic Games

The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene were featured at Casa Veneto in Cortina, during a panel discussion on accessible Veneto destinations. The focus on inclusivity and accessible itineraries opens an interesting perspective on the relationship between UNESCO heritage, tourism, and accessibility.

Valpolicella nominated for UNESCO recognition with the drying ritual

The nomination of the Valpolicella grape drying ritual for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status marks a significant step forward in symbolism and culture. Appassimento is presented as a collective knowledge that intertwines technique, landscape, community, and production identity.

Wine tourism: weddings, events, and new winery features

Tenute del Cerro reflects an increasingly clear trend: the winery is no longer just a place of production, but also a space for weddings, conventions, guided tours, and experiences. Wine tourism is thus confirmed as a strategic complement to wine sales.

Doctor Wine in Parma with the Essential Guide to Italian Wines 2026

Monte delle Vigne hosted the presentation of the new Essential Guide to Italian Wines with Daniele Cernilli. This event combined tastings, in-depth analysis, and promotion of Emilian wines, confirming the role of guides as tools for connecting producers, critics, and the market.

Pandolfini launches a new fine wine auction in Florence

"La Joie du Vin," an auction of collectible wines organized by Pandolfini, returns on April 9th and 10th. Highlights include a tasting dedicated to Château d'Yquem and the presence of rare lots, including a 1920 Yquem. This is a sign of the vitality of the fine wines and collectibles segment.

Calabria: The "Sinus Underwater Wines" project kicks off

In mid-April, an underwater aging trial will begin in the Gulf of San Nicola Arcella, involving wine, classic method, dessert wines, beer, liqueurs, and even a perfume. This project combines research, local promotion, and sensory experimentation.

Sicily and South Tyrol in conversation at the table

The "From Sicily to South Tyrol" tasting dinner at the San Ferdinando Restaurant in Nizza di Sicilia brought together two Italian regional excellences in a gastronomic journey that celebrates their identity. It's an example of how wine continues to convey a regional narrative, even outside of strictly trade fair formats.

Cantina Errante, spontaneous fermentation and creative contamination

With "Mirabolani 2024," Cantina Errante presents a release that blends spontaneous fermentation, wild fruit, and brewing culture. This news is outside the realm of winemaking, but it's interesting for those interested in the new intersections between fermented products, craftsmanship, and the story of the region.

Strategic summary of the day

Today's snapshot shows a sector that, despite being under pressure, has not lost its ability to react. Five clear trends emerge: Italy's resilience in exports compared to competitors , the centrality of key foreign markets such as Germany and the United Kingdom , openness to new segments such as dealcoholized wine , strengthening the link between wine, territory, and culture , and the growing importance of wine tourism and events as levers of value .

Alongside these positive signs, there remain important areas for attention: corporate crises, economic and financial fragility, price pressure, and the need to rethink certain varieties or territories that are still undervalued.

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

See you tomorrow.