Wine press review for Sunday, May 31, 2026!

Italian Wine and Oenology

Piedmont takes center stage at Vinexpo Asia

Piedmontese wines enjoyed a resounding success in Hong Kong. During a livestream, over 4,000 bottles were sold in just 20 minutes. Thirty-five regional producers, committed to developing the Asian market, were present.

Wine beyond the bottle

The debate at Vinitaly 2026 revealed a new vision of sustainability that encompasses health, communication, local communities, consumers, and climate change.

Large-scale retail trade slows down

Supermarket wine sales have dropped by approximately 20 million liters. Prosecco sales, however, continue to grow, while DOC still wines are slowing.

Collio and Colli Orientali join forces

The two main Friulian consortia are launching a joint project to strengthen the international promotion of their respective territories.

Assoenologi looks to the future

The 79th National Congress of Assoenologi concluded in Conegliano, addressing the sector's key issues: sustainability, innovation, markets, health, and new generations.

The redemption of the Barolo Boys

Elio Altare retraces the revolution that transformed modern Barolo and changed the destiny of the Langhe.

Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie stars at the Giro d'Italia

The Consortium confirms the role of Pinot Grigio as the Official Wine of the Corsa Rosa, consolidating the international visibility of the denomination.

Tastings and Territories

Fiegl – Collio Bianco Cuvée Blanc Leopold 2023

A Friulian white wine with great structure and longevity, obtained mainly from Ribolla Gialla and Friulano.

Venica & Venica – Ronco delle Mele 2025

One of the Collio's leading Sauvignon Blancs, characterised by freshness, flavour and an elegant aromatic profile.

Colmello di Grotta – Coldigrotta Yellow Ribolla 2022

Organic interpretation of Ribolla Gialla, aged in steel and amphora.

Primosic – Klin 2017

Historic white wine from Collio produced using traditional techniques and long macerations.

Settesoli Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT

Among the best quality-price ratios available in large-scale Italian distribution.

Noventa Botticino

The 2024 Aura rosé showcases the Brescia area, where the wine is born among the famous Botticino marble quarries.

Ghemme and Gattinara

Focus on Alt(r)o Piemonte, a historic Nebbiolo area that continues to represent one of the most interesting areas of Italian winemaking.

International and Spirits

Meregalli Spirits expands its portfolio

The Brazilian cachaça Magnífica de Faria and the Mexican sotol Cardenxe, two spirits with strong ties to their respective territories, have been added to the catalogue.

Karuizawa 1960 at auction

One of only 41 existing bottles of the famous Japanese whisky will be sold by Catawiki

with a valuation of more than 300,000 euros.

Stalin's Secret Vault

A historic collection of approximately 40,000 bottles that belonged to Stalin has been reopened in Tbilisi and will be sold at international auctions in the coming months.

Wine Events

Open Cellars 2026

A record weekend for Italian wine tourism, with thousands of visitors to wineries participating in the Wine Tourism Movement.

Leading regions:

• Sicily: 30 participating wineries, a historic record.
• Sardinia: Contini Winery.
• Campania: itineraries in Irpinia, including wine, art, and gastronomy.
• Eastern Sicily: Cambria Wine Club.

Great Wine Festival 2026

On September 26 and 27, Villa Farsetti will host over 400 wines from 27 countries, confirming its position as one of Italy's leading events dedicated to international wine.

Teramane Hills and Wine

The first event dedicated to the historic Colline Teramane DOCG will debut in Teramo on June 6th.

On the Malvasia Routes

The cultural project that retraces the ancient trade routes of Malvasia between the Adriatic and the Mediterranean seas begins on June 6th in Chioggia.

Franchini: Archaeology and Wine in Valpolicella

Guided tours of a 3rd-century Roman villa combined with tastings in the historic 1460 Corte Forlago.

Strategic Trends of the Week

Three signals emerge clearly:

1. Asia continues to represent a major growth area for Italian wine , with Piedmont and Prosecco particularly dynamic.
2. Wine tourism confirms its role as a key driver of development , with Cantine Aperte registering record numbers throughout Italy.
3. The sector is accelerating its focus on sustainability and territorial identity , elements that are increasingly central to differentiating Italian wine on international markets.

A review offered by Wine Idea – Information, markets, and opportunities for Italian wine.