Wine press review for Thursday, July 30, 2026!

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents a new summary of the main news from the Italian and international wine sector.

Italian Wineries

2026 harvest without official forecasts. For the first time, Assoenologi, UIV, and Ismea are abandoning the traditional September estimates. Climate instability makes forecasts too uncertain, and data will only be released at the end of the harvest.

Riccardo Cotarella: The sector needs to be rebalanced. The president of Assoenologi (Italian Wine Association) proposes a temporary halt to new vineyards, reduced yields, targeted uprooting, and crisis distillation to address overproduction, declining consumption, and struggling exports. Harvest begins early. The first harvests are already underway in Sicily, Franciacorta, Oltrepò Pavese, and the Vicenza area. Weather conditions have accelerated grape ripening, and quality expectations are positive, despite a challenging year. Cantina Tollo grows with the "Vigneto Avanzato" (Advanced Vineyard). The Abruzzo-based cooperative is expanding its vineyard holdings by 133 hectares, introducing a model that remunerates members based on the area cultivated, rather than the quintals produced. DOC Friuli towards Ribolla Gialla still and Rosé. The Consortium has begun modifying the regulations to expand the designation, following evolving international demand. Berlucchi invests in the Oltrepò Pavese. Paolo Ziliani aims to enhance the area, following the successful model established in Franciacorta through quality and collaboration between producers. Quagliano, the rebirth of the Saluzzo hills. New wineries led by young winemakers are reviving this historic Piedmontese grape variety with organic and strongly territorial viticulture.

Italian Wine and Oenology

European Exports Continue to Decline. In the first four months of 2026, Italy recorded a 6.2% decline in exports of PDO wines. White and sparkling wines held up better, while red wines continued to suffer on international markets.

Too Much Wine in the Cellar Inventories reach record levels: approximately 59 million hectoliters in Italy. Calls to reduce production potential are growing, and uprooting is no longer considered taboo. Red Even in Summer. Winemaker Graziana Grassini recalls how climate change has made many red wines softer and fresher, even ideal when served at 14-16°C during the summer season. Costaripa Relaunches Rosé Culture. Rosé is presented as an expression of dedicated viticulture and a territorial identity built over over a century of history in Valtènesi. Experiences and Territory . Stories continue dedicated to organic viticulture in Friuli, the cellars of Collio, the monasteries that still produce wine, Piedmontese wines for aperitifs, and restaurants nestled among the vineyards of the Langhe. Inspections at Cantine Aperte. In the Montefalco area, a winery was reported for organizing a public performance without the necessary permits during the event.

International Markets

Louis Roederer enters Burgundy The historic Champagne group acquires Domaine Pierre Damoy, its first investment in Burgundy in its 250-year history.

An 1811 Riesling up for auction An extremely rare bottle from Weingut Bassermann-Jordan is being offered on Catawiki with an estimate between 10,000 and 13,000 euros.

Wine Events

Franciacorta in Cantina Festival From September 18th to 20th, tastings, visits, and meetings with producers to promote the Franciacorta region and culture.

Wine Nights in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Four events featuring tastings, music, culture, and the promotion of regional food and wine excellence. Città del Vino International Wine Competition. The Piedmontese wineries that won the international competition for denomination wines will be awarded in Casale Monferrato. Piacenza Expo 2026 Wine Fair launches a photography contest dedicated to vineyard work and the culture of conviviality, open to professional and amateur photographers. Le Manzane opens registration for the Solidarity Harvest. The traditional charity event among the vineyards of Conegliano Valdobbiadene returns, scheduled for September 6th.

In summary

The day is dominated by three main themes:

• 2026 harvest : unpredictable weather, early harvest, and abandonment of official estimates.
• Wine market : exports still declining, high inventories and demand to rebalance production potential.
• Positive signs : investments in major denominations, growth in wine tourism, new regulations, and the promotion of local areas through cultural events and initiatives.

See you at the next show.