Wine press review for Sunday, October 25, 2026!

1. ITALIAN WINERIES

Tommasi Family Estates is Gambero Rosso's 2027 Winery of the Year.

Tommasi Family Estates has been named Winery of the Year by Gambero Rosso's Vini d'Italia 2027 guide. This recognition recognizes 125 years of family history, the promotion of Valpolicella, and investments in eight Italian regions. The group boasts 957 hectares of vineyards, approximately 5 million bottles annually, a turnover of €35 million, and an export share of 85%. The award's ambassador is the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Ca' Florian 2018, awarded the Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses) award.

Torre Rosazza: the 2021 Friulano Masiero Riserva

Torre Rosazza, in the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC appellation, presents the Friulano Masiero Riserva 2021, aged for 12 months in steel and tonneau. The wine expresses notes of white flowers, citrus, and toasted almonds, with a smooth palate and an intense finish. The estate boasts 70 hectares of vineyards and is part of Tenute Leone Alato, a group of six Italian wineries with approximately 600 hectares of vineyards and a combined production of 2.5 million bottles.

Caravaglio and Thomas Duroux: A New Interpretation of Malvasia delle Lipari

The Caravaglio winery, founded in 1989 by Nino Caravaglio, develops new expressions of dry Malvasia di Lipari together with Thomas Duroux, CEO of Château Palmer and former winemaker at Ornellaia. The 2024 Malvasia Piano della Croce, sourced from the sandy, volcanic soils of Salina, ferments in 800-liter barrels and ages for 12 months. It offers aromas of peach, kiwi, citrus, and spice, complemented by savory and smoky notes. The winery farms 20 hectares of organic land on the Aeolian Islands and produces approximately 50,000 bottles.

Barbi Farm: The Return of the 2024 Brusco dei Barbi

The historic Montalcino winery renews its Brusco dei Barbi, a wine created in the 1960s and 1970s from an experiment with Sangiovese, designed to pair with the farm's cheeses. The 2024 vintage offers aromas of cherry, lavender, pomegranate, and sage, with a fresh, smooth, and balsamic palate. The estate encompasses 332 hectares between Montalcino and Scansano, 75 of which are vineyards, with an average annual production of over 500,000 bottles.

LEA launches Franc Lizêr, the range of dealcoholized and low-alcohol wines

The Spadotto family, owners of the LEA winery in the Friuli Grave DOC, is developing Franc Lizêr, a project dedicated to alcohol-free and low-alcohol wines. The Alcohol-Free Spumante Dry Blanc de Blancs made from Glera grapes offers aromas of apple, pear, peach, and acacia blossom, with a citrusy finish. The line includes white and rosé sparkling wines, zero-alcohol red and white wines, and wines with a 6% ABV. The winery has 105 hectares of vineyards and produces approximately 100,000 bottles.

Podere Sapaio: The 2024 Bolgheri Rosso Volpolo

Founded in 1999 by Massimo Piccin, Podere Sapaio now owns 40 hectares, 27 of which are vineyards in Bolgheri, Castagneto Carducci, and Bibbona. The 2024 Volpolo, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, ages for 14 months in barriques and then in concrete. It offers notes of red berries, Mediterranean scrub, and flowers, with a freshness, savory finish and a peppery finish. The new Sapaio Pavilion, dedicated to the eponymous wine, is scheduled to open in 2027.

Castello Bonomi: the 2004 Lucrezia Black Label Franciacorta Reserve

Castello Bonomi presents the Riserva Lucrezia Etichetta Nera 2004, a Franciacorta Extra Brut made from 100% Pinot Noir. The wine spent 242 months on the lees, disgorging in July 2025, followed by a further 15 months of maturation. Produced exclusively in the finest vintages, it is distinguished by its fine perlage, candied citrus, balsamic herbs, ripe fruit, and notes of toasted nuts.

Passopisciaro: the white wine of Etna Passobianco 2024

Passopisciaro, a project launched on Etna in 2000 by Andrea Franchetti, is among the wineries that have contributed to the valorization of the volcano's northern slope and its ancient vineyards. The winery was born from the restoration of vineyards and ancient buildings in the Guardiola district, focusing on the potential of a terroir characterized by its altitude and strong soil and climate characteristics. The 2024 Passobianco represents the white expression of the winery's project.

Bruno Verdi: Possession of Vergombera 2025, the Bonarda of Oltrepò Pavese

The Bruno Verdi winery offers a 2025 Bonarda Frizzante made from 100% Croatina, in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese. The wine expresses ripe fruit, peppery notes, and lively tannins, balanced by residual sugar and effervescence. The average online price is approximately €9.80. This confirms the value of Bonarda Frizzante in the local tradition, alongside the growing interest in Pinot Noir.

Frasca La Guaragna: Investments in Nice's Barbera

The winemaking project of Curt Frasca, an American entrepreneur of Italian origins, was born in Monferrato. He fell in love with the Nizza and Barbera region in 2017. In collaboration with winemaker Matteo Gerbi, he developed a project dedicated to promoting the grape variety and local identity, combining winemaking expertise with an international entrepreneurial vision.

Petra is among the 15 most beautiful wineries in Italy according to Forbes Italia.

The Petra winery, located in Suvereto in the Val di Cornia, has been ranked among the 15 most beautiful Italian wineries by Forbes Italia. Designed by architect Mario Botta, it stands out for its integration of contemporary architecture with the vineyard landscape, with a structure partially carved into the hillside. Antinori nel Chianti Classico takes first place; Cantine Dei, Tenuta Castelbuono, Ceretto, Feudi di San Gregorio, Donnafugata, Berlucchi, and Ferrari Trento also appear on the list.

Oltrepò Pavese: growing interest in wine, villages, and slow tourism

The Oltrepò Pavese is a wine tourism destination characterized by hills, historic villages, vineyards, and local cuisine. The offerings combine tastings, winery tours, walks, and local restaurants, enhancing an area that aims to strengthen its tourism identity.

Eboli's Secret Cellar awarded by Il Golosario

Cantina Segreta di Eboli has received the Faccino Radioso (Radiant Face) award from the Il Golosario food guide. Founder and chef Andrea Nanna will receive the award in Milan on November 2nd and will participate in a four-handed dinner with Gaetano Marinaccio in Rho the following day. This recognition recognizes a culinary offering that interprets Eboli's tradition through research and the quality of its ingredients.

2. ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

Veneto wine exports: €2.93 billion in 2025, but average prices drop

According to Veneto Agricoltura, Veneto wine exports reached €2.93 billion in 2025, down 1.1% from 2024, despite a 1.2% increase in volume. The average price fell 2.3%, to €3.64 per liter. The decline worsened in the first half of 2026, when exports fell 8.4% to €1.32 billion.

Independent winemakers: direct sales and wine tourism on the rise

The FIVI-Nomisma Wine Monitor survey shows that, over the past three years, independent winemakers have seen increases in revenue through direct sales and wine tourism, while the HoReCa channel has declined in importance, though it remains important. The Federation, which brings together over 1,800 producers, highlights the difficulty of shipping wine to European tourists after purchase at the winery, due to the lack of tax simplification at the European level.

Collio: 96% of operators know the name

The Nomisma Wine Monitor survey for the Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio, conducted among 100 restaurants and wine shops, found that 96% of respondents are familiar with Collio wines, and 81% include them on their menus or in their assortment. In a pressured restaurant market, the appellation is showing strong resilience and positive prospects for supply over the next five years. The survey was presented during Collio Evolution 2026.

Artificial Intelligence and Wine: New Opportunities for the Supply Chain

The book "The Algorithm in the Glass: A Manual of Artificial Intelligence for Viticulturists and Wine Enthusiasts ," by Massimo Somaschini, analyzes the applications of AI in viticulture and enology. Areas covered include predictive soil analysis, sensors and drones, water stress management, disease forecasting, harvesting, defect control, blending, and blockchain-based traceability. The central theme is the balance between technological innovation, data quality, and human expertise.

Harvest and summer heat: high quality despite the temperatures

At GiovinBacco, Romagna producers are discussing the effects of increasingly hot summers. The Cesare Gallegati winery in Faenza reports an overall stable harvest, with healthy grapes, good analytical parameters, and ripening about a week early, without significant water stress. Fermentation has concluded successfully. Meanwhile, the Brisighella-Anima dei Tre Colli association, which brings together 19 producers, is pursuing the Brix project to promote Albana and the Romagna region.

Dealcoholized red wine and cardiovascular health: results of a laboratory study

A study published October 23 in the journal ESC Heart Failure observed the effects of dealcoholized red wine and some of its compounds on human cardiac and endothelial tissue in vitro. The findings could help distinguish the effects of ethanol from those of other wine components. The research was not conducted on humans and does not prove that drinking red wine improves cardiovascular health .

Guide "The 100 Best Wines and Winemakers of Italy" 2027

The Corriere della Sera guide, written by Luciano Ferraro, with a wine selection curated by James Suckling and a foreword by Aldo Grasso, will be presented on October 29th in Milan and will be available on newsstands from October 30th. The volume chronicles producers, territories, and changes in the sector, encompassing tradition, new wine regions, climate change, and changing consumer habits. Special prizes are also available.

Gambero Rosso 2027: Trentino-Alto Adige's Three Glasses

Gambero Rosso's Vini d'Italia 2027 guide highlights the finest wines from Trentino and Alto Adige, from Trentodoc to Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, as well as Lagrein and Gewürztraminer. The selection distinguishes the two areas by grape varieties, denominations, and terroir. Trentino is represented by 14 labels, with a particular focus on classic method sparkling wines and mountain wines.

Valpolicella mourns: farewell to winemaker Luigi "Gigi" Andreoli

The Verona winemaking community bids farewell to Luigi Andreoli, 82, oenologist and founder of a historic independent analysis and consulting laboratory in San Floriano. A graduate of the Conegliano School of Oenology, he worked at the Cantina Sociale di Negrar before launching, in the early 1980s, a pioneering organization that combined analysis, technical consulting, and administrative assistance. He was known for his extraordinary ability to recognize aromas and flavors and for his work as a trainer and jury member in competitions.

3. INTERNATIONAL WINE AND FOREIGN MARKETS

Italian wine tourism: the United States represents a strategic market

American tourists are increasingly important for Italian food and wine tourism. In the first half of 2026, 1.9 million American travelers arrived in Italy, with over 17.7 million overnight stays and spending up 7.5% compared to the previous year. According to data cited by ENIT, in 2025, approximately 30,000 Americans chose Italy primarily for a food and wine vacation. The Italian wine tourism sector is worth approximately €3.1 billion. Campania can strengthen its appeal by combining wineries, Taurasi, gastronomy, landscapes, and archaeological sites.

Merano WineFestival 2026: 810 wineries and four top-rated wines

The 35th edition of the Merano WineFestival will take place from November 6th to 10th at the Kurhaus in Merano, featuring 810 wineries, over 2,600 products for tasting, and four wines that have achieved the top score of 100/100 in the WineHunter Award Platinum for the first time. The program includes over 350 Italian wineries, more than 100 international producers from 12 countries, masterclasses, and in-depth discussions. There will also be space for organic, biodynamic, and sustainability viticulture. The creation of a permanent wine observatory has been announced for 2027.

French wines in Sardinia: Vive la France is coming!

On Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Chiostro del Carmine in Oristano will host Vive la France!, a tasting room dedicated to French wines. Producers and projects from Burgundy, the Loire, Minervois, and French Catalonia will be present, including Anne Gros, Paul Gros, Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot, Clau de Nell, and Danjou-Banessy. Sardinia will be represented by the Antonio Mele Winery of Mamoiada. Tastings at the producers' stands and the opportunity to purchase bottles are scheduled.

4. WINE EVENTS, AWARDS AND WINE TOURISM

Milan Wine Week honors 50 wine tourism wineries

The ninth edition of Milan Wine Week, running until October 25th, places special emphasis on winery hospitality, awarding 50 wineries that excel in wine tourism. Among the names cited are Berlucchi, Antinori, and Sella Mosca. Direct sales and on-site experiences represent growth opportunities for even small and medium-sized wineries.

GiovinBacco 2026: In Ravenna, wine also looks to the non-alcoholic world.

From October 23rd to 25th, Ravenna's historic center will host the 34th edition of GiovinBacco – Sangiovese in Festa, featuring wineries, tastings, food, and local products. New to the festival is a space dedicated to 0.0% non-alcoholic fermented beverages, including proxies, kombucha, cider, and kefir water. The event thus expands its offerings to capture new consumption habits and engage non-drinkers.

San Martino Trophy: Six award-winning red wines from the Euganean Hills

Six wines won first prize in the 31st Selection of the Consortium of Red Wines Colli Euganei DOC 2026, with blind tastings conducted by experts, tasters, and producers. The awards ceremony will be held on October 24th at 5:00 PM at Villa Pollini, in Luvigliano di Torreglia, inaugurating the 54th Colli Euganei DOC and DOCG Wine Exhibition.

Barolo en primeur 2026: record-breaking €1.14 million

The sixth edition of Barolo en primeur raised €1.14 million at Grinzane Cavour Castle. The charity auction included 14 barrels of Barolo Gustava 2025, seven municipal lots of Barolo and Barbaresco donated by 39 wineries, and 31 historic bottles. The project's total proceeds since 2021 have reached €5,674,800, which will be donated to over 120 social, healthcare, educational, and cultural initiatives. The auction of the fifteenth barrel is scheduled for November 8th, during the Alba White Truffle World Auction.

Collio Evolution 2026: Research and Development of the Appellation

Collio Evolution 2026 focuses on the relationship between the appellation, restaurants, and the perception of quality. The Nomisma Wine Monitor study presented during the event highlights the high level of awareness of Collio wines among Italian restaurants and wine shops and their widespread presence on wine lists. The initiative aims to identify new strategies to strengthen the appellation's value in a shrinking HoReCa market.

Open Cellars on San Martino: over 53 wineries in Friuli Venezia Giulia

On November 7th and 8th, Cantine Aperte a San Martino (Open Cellars in San Martino), an initiative by the Movimento Turismo del Vino (Wine Tourism Movement), will be held involving over 53 wineries in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Visitors will be able to meet the producers, taste their wines, and learn about their stories. The presentation took place at the Pitars winery in San Martino al Tagliamento. Regional Council President Mauro Bordin emphasized the economic and tourism value of the collaboration between wineries and the local area.

Forty Years of Aquila Reale Riserva: Cesarini Sforza Celebrates Trentodoc

Cesarini Sforza is celebrating the fortieth anniversary of Aquila Reale Riserva, created with the first harvest in Trentino in 1986. This classic method is tied to the Maso Sette Fontane Chardonnay vineyard, which became a cru in 2001. For the anniversary, the winery organized an event in Milan, with a tasting dedicated to the history of the Riserva and its various vintages, including the 2001 magnums.

Langhe and Roero: Autumn foliage in Barolo, Barbaresco, and the wineries.

Between late October and early November, the Langhe hills offer the colors of the foliage, with vineyards tinged with gold and copper. The suggested itinerary includes La Morra, Barolo with the WiMu – Wine Museum, Castiglione Falletto, and Grinzane Cavour, home to the Langhe Museum and the Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour. The route can continue to Barbaresco, passing villages, scenic overlooks, winery tours, and tastings.

Press review: other weekend events

Over the weekend of October 23rd to 25th, Lombardy offers numerous events, including food, wine, and festivals. Among the highlighted initiatives is Calendario Rosso Live, a musical and solidarity evening scheduled for October 24th at Base Milano, dedicated to raising awareness of gender-based violence. The event supports Donnexstrada and focuses on economic violence and women's independence.

In short, the Italian wine sector is undergoing a transformation, marked by pressure on prices and traditional channels, but also by the opportunities offered by direct sales, wine tourism, technological innovation, and new consumption models. Territory, quality, sustainability, and the ability to tell the story of wine remain key elements for business competitiveness.

The QUIDQUID wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.

See you at the next edition.