Wine press review for Sunday, October 12, 2025!

ITALIAN WINERIES

Cantina Contini 1898 receives the 2025 "Italian Excellence" Award. The historic Sardinian winery was recognized for 127 years of tradition and dedication to the region. The award, presented at the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, celebrates the company's ability to combine history and innovation in winemaking.

The 2025 harvest at the Pitigliano Winery: a complex year but high-quality grapes . The harvest concluded with positive results. The challenging weather conditions did not compromise the quality, which was excellent, especially for the white wines and the Bianco di Pitigliano DOC.

Cantina del Fucino: Grape deliveries begin, excellent quality. The Abruzzo cooperative has enjoyed a high-quality vintage and a return of young people to mountain viticulture. Market interest in wines produced above 700 meters above sea level is growing.

Niuge: Autumn Aperitif among the Rows of Barigadu In the heart of Sardinia, the small Niuge farm celebrates family tradition and native vines with a limited production and a strong link with the territory.

Cotarella family: the Antitrust Authority dismisses the Codacons case. The Antitrust Authority deemed no further investigation into the activities of the Cotarella Foundation and its associated companies necessary. The family welcomes the decision with serenity, reaffirming its ethical and local commitment.

Tragedy at the family winery in Castelcucco (Treviso). 44-year-old Matteo Forner, son of the owner of the Pat del Colmél winery, lost his life in an accident while cleaning a press. The local community is in mourning.

Benedetto Alessandro, “Mister Perricone”: betting on native varieties In Camporeale, in the heart of Sicily, the Alessandro di Camporeale company continues the journey it began twenty years ago, focusing on identity, local grape varieties, and a family vision.

ITALIAN WINE AND NATIONAL OENOLOGY

2025 Harvest: 36 million hectoliters of wine in stock. The data as of September 30 shows a reduction in inventories compared to July, but levels still higher than 2024. The abundant harvest is nearing its end amidst contrasting prospects.

Gambero Rosso's Tre Bicchieri 2026: 508 labels awarded. Of over 40,000 wines tasted, 508 earned the highest recognition. The selection highlights major brands and small artisans, confirming the vitality of the Italian wine scene.

Slow Wine 2026: 20 Top Wines for Sardinia The Slow Food guide extols the island's quality and sustainability, awarding twelve wineries the distinctive "Snail" and "Bottle" symbols and recognizing 17 "Slow Wines."

Sardinia's excellence: three rare wines and 17 Tre Bicchieri awards in the 2026 Gambero Rosso Guide. Gambero Rosso confirms the maturity of Sardinian viticulture, with 72 wineries and 650 wines reviewed. Three productions under 3,000 bottles earn the "Vino Raro" award.

Lollobrigida at Agrilevante relaunches the ISMEA Innovation Fund. The Minister of Agriculture highlights the ISMEA Innovation Fund: over 3,000 companies have already invested in digital and sustainable technologies for agricultural mechanization.

Tariffs on wine: Italian producers sacrifice margins . US tariffs cost Italy €61 million. Despite the impact, exports grew to €8.1 billion, with volumes expected to increase by 3.2% in 2024.

Health alert: "Alcohol is as carcinogenic as smoking and asbestos." Doctors from Turin's Molinette hospital are calling for controlled consumption and increased communication about alcohol-related risks.

Crisis in restaurants: wine consumption at the table drops by 30%. Restaurateurs and distributors are reporting a sharp drop in alcohol sales, due to roadside checks and changes in consumption habits.

INTERNATIONAL OENOLOGY

The "PriSecco" trademark is invalid, too similar to "Prosecco." The General Court of the European Union annuls the German "PriSecco" trademark for improperly evoking the "Prosecco DOC" designation. A symbolic victory for the protection of Italian trademarks.

Massive $99 million scam involving fake wines. Two British citizens are accused of selling fake investments in fine wines, backed by bottles that never existed. The investigation involves Bordeaux Cellars.

WINE AND CULTURAL EVENTS

Champagne Experience in Bologna: over 7,000 visitors. The first edition of the event dedicated to Champagne in Bologna was a record success, with 145 houses and over 700 labels for tasting.

Calici nel Borgo in Sammichele di Bari. On October 11th and 12th, the Apulian village comes alive with wine, music, and food. The event celebrates conviviality and local traditions in the streets of the historic center.

Autumn Wine at the Pumpkin Festival. Tastings, masterclasses, and a discovery of the Bosco Eliceo DOC. The event, with AIS Romagna and Barbara Mariotti, celebrates the wines and aromas of autumn.

Autumn Festivals and Celebrations 2025 in Abruzzo From chestnuts to new olive oil, Abruzzo celebrates local products with events, food and wine tours, and family-friendly events leading up to San Martino.

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