Wine press review for Thursday, February 19, 2026!

Italian wineries

Cantina Terre d'Oltrepò faces insolvency. The Oltrepò cooperative, already in compulsory administrative liquidation, now risks insolvency. The liquidator's report highlights an irreversible financial crisis, exacerbated by the freeze on bank loans starting in early 2025. This case is emblematic of the structural weaknesses of some large cooperatives.

Cantine I Favati looks to the US West Coast. The Irpinia winery embarks on a strategic mission to the United States, with tastings and dinners in San Francisco for industry professionals. This positioning initiative focuses on authentic Italian wine regions, with the support of wine director Shelley Lindgren.

Moncalisse debuts on international markets with Trentodoc. An exclusive event in London marks the international launch of the new winery founded by Julia and Karoline Walch. Italian sparkling wines remain a key pillar of exports, with sparkling wines expected to generate between €1.6 and €1.7 billion in 2024 and 2025.

Leone de Castris joins "Les Hénokiens." The historic Salento winery joins the international club of companies with over 200 years of history. This recognition reinforces the cultural, heritage, and industrial value of Italian wine worldwide.

Castello di Uviglie: Classic Method and Monferrato UNESCO. A winery that intertwines history, centuries-old crus, and territorial valorization. The vineyards, some documented since 1491, tell the story of a Monferrato where wine is an integral part of the cultural landscape.

Costa Arènte, Valpantèna in the spotlight Ten years after its acquisition by Genagricola, the winery celebrates its journey within the Le Tenute del Leone Alato project, which combines winemaking quality, territorial storytelling, and experience.

Manduria producers tasting in Brescia. Free tasting of Apulian wines and Primitivo di Manduria DOC and DOCG, with a focus on sustainability and biodiversity.

Vecchie Terre di Montefili presents two new Gran Selezione wines : the 2026 Chianti Classico Collection debuts Vinea Vecchia and Vinea Nel Bosco, two high-altitude Sangiovese wines that express an agronomic vision of precision and respect for natural rhythms.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Italian exports 2025: 3.3% despite tariffs. Istat data confirms growth in exports and the trade surplus. Trade with the United States remains under close scrutiny, but the manufacturing system demonstrates resilience and internationalization.

Record-breaking Italian agri-food exports: €73 billion . In 2025, agri-food exports are expected to grow by 5%. Wine is slowing (-3.6% in the first 11 months), but it still represents 10% of the total, confirming its strategic position as a Made in Italy asset.

Langhe: from scandal to world leadership The story of the rebirth of Langhe viticulture after the adulterations, thanks to the DOC, the controls and a quality model that today is a global reference.

Too Much Unsold Wine: A Critical Analysis by Jancis Robinson The Master of Wine photographs a global crisis of overproduction and declining consumption: Australia, France, and New Zealand are grappling with full tanks and production models that need to be rethought.

EU wine exports are declining: PDO wines are the hardest hit. Over €460 million has been lost in three years. Bottled PDO wines are posting the worst performance, despite being the driving force of European exports.

Italian wine: exports stable at €8 billion. Despite international tensions, wine remains an ambassador of Italianness. Consolidation of traditional markets and expansion into Asia and India are levers for future growth.

Wine Export Labeling 2026: Focus on operating rules for the EU, USA, and Canada and training courses dedicated to regulatory compliance: the label as a key to market access.

The Ciravegna Case, 40 Years After the Methanol Affair A wound still open in the history of Italian wine: the families of the victims demand remembrance and justice.

Walks in Sardinia: the Carignano Trails in Sulcis. Slow wine tourism among centuries-old vineyards, abandoned mines, and archaeology, with stops at the Carignano del Sulcis wineries.

Molise, a new agriculture between the sea and the hills. The Molisìr project offers a structured vision of contemporary southern agriculture, including oil, wheat, and pasta.

Agricultural cohousing for seniors. Agricoltura Nuova's CARE project proposes a replicable model of a residential agricultural community, combining social inclusion and the recovery of rural heritage.

International

No/low alcohol: the category to bet on. According to Circana, non-alcoholic beverages are experiencing double-digit growth in value and volume. The Be No area debuts at Wine Paris, signaling a structural convergence between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

European wine exports in difficulty Analysis of global markets: declining EU exports and the need to rethink production mixes and commercial strategies.

Wine events

The future of Monferrato begins with wine – March 3, Acqui Terme. Joint conference of the Consortia of Acqui, Barbera d'Asti, Monferrato, and Asti Spumante: an integrated vision of wine as an economic, social, and landscape lever.

Luca Maroni's Best Italian Wines 2026 – Rome From February 20th to 22nd at the Salone delle Fontane: tastings, masterclasses, and meetings for the 25th edition of the event.

Wild Wines 2026 – Rome, March 7-9. An independent fair dedicated to natural wines and artisanal agriculture, a benchmark for a conscious drinking culture.

MareMMMa – Alberese, March 1-2, 2026 Two days dedicated to Maremma wines: wine lovers on Sunday, operators on Monday.

Umbria Tops at Slow Wine Fair 2026. Fourth consecutive participation with an ever-growing presence at the Bologna fair dedicated to good, clean, and fair wine.

The Other Tuscany teams up During the Preview Week, the “diffuse” Tuscany presents itself as a system, promoting lesser-known but strategic denominations and territories.

Wine Marketing: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone. Experts warn at Wine Paris: business models need to be rethought to address uncertainties and structural changes in the market.

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