Wine press review for Thursday, April 9, 2026!

Italian wineries

Ornellaia, art and high-end at auction. Ornellaia brings "Vendemmia d'Artista 2023 – La Vitality," signed by Marina Abramovic, to Bonhams with large formats and exclusive experiences. This move strengthens the brand's luxury and international positioning, while also supporting philanthropic causes.

The journalist who chooses natural wine in the Matese area. Francesco Fossa, a television correspondent, is developing a micro-winery in the Caserta area, producing around 4,000 bottles annually. A small-scale, artisanal project with a distinctive identity and a distinctly unconventional feel, built with strong local roots.

Collis suspends Terre d'Oltrepò relaunch. The relaunch project promoted by Collis Veneto Wine Group for Terre d'Oltrepò has been put on hold, at least for now. The support received has proven insufficient to financially and operationally support the operation.

Pietramatta and Nove Lune at Vinitaly with amphorae and PIWI. The two Bergamo-based wineries of the Sala brothers will be presenting at Vinitaly in the "Amphora Revolution" area. The focus will be on cellar innovation, resistant grape varieties, the classic method, and experimentation with materials.

Terre Margaritelli is researching low-alcohol wines with the University of Perugia. The Umbrian winery is launching a scientific project using indigenous yeasts to produce wines with a low alcohol content without artificial intervention. This approach combines research, territorial identity, and new consumer trends.

Cantina del Taburno takes center stage at Vinitaly. The Rillo Group brings Cantina del Taburno and La Fortezza to Verona, with tastings focusing on Falanghina, Aglianico del Taburno, and Metodo Classico. This initiative aims to boost the visibility of the Sannio region.

Feudo Apiano, a new winery and territorial identity for Fiano di Avellino. Angelo Silano consolidates his project in Lapio with a new winery and a focus on the Fiano crus. This consistent growth enhances technical expertise, terroir, and niche positioning.

Monte Maletto and the mountain Carema. The spotlight is on the wines of Monte Maletto, a young winery already recognized for its stylistic precision. The Carema stands out as a mountain Nebbiolo, more slender, taut, and spicy, with a strong territorial personality.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Restaurant wine and the markup issue. The gap between the new wine market and the old restaurant model is growing. Premiumization holds up on the value side, but the menu markup system risks penalizing consumption, rotation, and affordability.

Agriculture in Sicily, nearly €100 million for generational turnover. The Sicilian Region has published the provisional rankings for calls for applications for young and new farmers. This is an important measure to foster new entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture.

Vineyard defense strategy: starting well makes all the difference. Early management of the growing cycle is considered a crucial tool for preventing downy mildew, powdery mildew, and botrytis. Early prevention remains key to yield, physiological balance, and final quality.

Altroconsumo's best white wine under €10. Of the 48 wines tested, the Zavalloni Romagna Albana Secco DOCG 2024 stands out as the best buy. Among the organic wines, the Antonelli San Marco Montefalco Grechetto DOC 2024 stands out.

Italian wine can still innovate. According to Fabiola Sfodera, the Italian wine industry has already demonstrated its ability to respond to crises with innovation in quality, communication, and technology. In a more selective market, growth will come from quality consumption and value.

Wine e-commerce on the rise: more searches, greater attention to quality and affordability. In the first quarter of 2026, wine searches on Trovaprezzi.it increased by 10%. Sparkling wines dominate, followed by reds and whites, while interest in premium labels and more informed purchases is growing.

Agivi: dealcoholized products and AI should be integrated, not tolerated. Young wine entrepreneurs see dealcoholized products and artificial intelligence as tools to be carefully incorporated into business strategies. The key is not replacing traditional wine, but expanding the offering and improving efficiency.

2026 still complex, but premium and youth markets open up. Market analyses indicate a still challenging scenario, but with encouraging signs: premium segments holding up, interest from young people, growing attention for no/low alcohol and sustainability.

International

Bollinger opens its new cellar and begins its journey toward its 200th anniversary. Maison Bollinger inaugurates a new production facility in Aÿ, described as one of the most significant transformations since its founding. This investment combines prestige, architecture, and brand continuity.

Dom Pérignon relaunches three key vintages of its style. The new 2017 releases, Rosé 2010, and Plénitude 2 2008, showcase the maison's dedication to maturation and stylistic coherence. This initiative reinforces the brand's legacy and the value of time in the cellar.

The EU compromise on Australian Prosecco divides producers. The European agreement allows for a transitional use of the DOC and IGP labels in Australia, with a planned end in ten years. This delicate compromise leaves open tensions on identity and commercial levels.

From Lebanon, Sept Winery, blocked by the war, issues an appeal. The Lebanese biodynamic winery denounces its inability to travel, export, and attend international trade fairs due to the conflict. A powerful reminder of the need for productive survival in crisis-stricken areas.

Chiara Pepe from Abruzzo to Hermitage. Emidio Pepe's winemaker will lead the viticulture and winemaking operations at Domaine de La Chapelle in Hermitage starting with the 2026 harvest. This represents an internationally recognized recognition of Italian expertise.

Spain opens 2026 with a decline in wine exports. In January 2026, Spanish exports fell 15.1% in value and 21.4% in volume. This figure confirms the fragility of the international wine trade at this stage.

Wine events

Natural wine: sustainability, wellness, and new audiences. With Summa, ViniVeri, and VinNatur Tasting, April remains a key month for natural wine events. The connection between sustainability, local culture, and engagement with discerning wine lovers is growing.

Vinitaly 2026: Sicily presents 164 wineries. The Sicilian group focuses on biodiversity, organic products, and native grape varieties with dedicated panels and masterclasses. The island's presence in Verona confirms a high-intensity promotional strategy.

"Viva – International Wine Exhibition" in Vicenza On April 12th and 13th, Vicenza will host over 70 European producers, talks, masterclasses, and a food area. This event focuses on natural, organic, and sustainable wines, with strong urban and regional roots.

The 10 wines not to be missed at Vinitaly according to Giancarlo Gariglio. The classic selection of must-see wines at the fair returns. A useful tool for orienting professionals and enthusiasts among the pavilions, emerging labels, and trends to be identified.

Casa Toscana debuts at Vinitaly with an institutional stand. For the first time, the Tuscany Region will be present with its own official space. The strategy aims to unite large consortia, lesser-known territories, small producers, and heroic viticulture in a unified narrative.

Vinitaly: Verona nears a sell-out, ministers expected, and large attendance. The city is preparing for a major economic and media impact, with 4,000 exhibitors and 97,000 trade visitors expected. The event confirms its position as a key platform for Italian wine.

Vinitaly and the City lights up Verona from April 10th to 12th. The Fuorisalone will enliven the historic center with over 70 events including tastings, mixology, art, and wine regions. This increasingly strategic format expands audiences beyond the trade fair business.

The Valdobbiadene DOCG Show turns 70. The seventieth edition of a historic event for the Prosecco Superiore region opens in Col San Martino. Local involvement is strong, including among the younger generations.

Strategic Summary of the Day: Today's review shows a sector that remains under pressure, but continues to respond with three specific levers: premiumization , production innovation , and experiential positioning . On the one hand, concrete critical issues emerge regarding exports, restaurant margins, and the sustainability of certain supply chain models; on the other, positive signs are emerging regarding low-alcohol products, scientific research, events, natural wines, and the ability of Italian regions to better present themselves to the markets.

Thanks for listening, we remind you that today's wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .

See you tomorrow.