Wine press review for Thursday, May 21, 2026!

Italian wineries

Marsala DOC on the way to the Additional Geographical Units (UGA). The Marsala DOC Consortium begins the process of obtaining recognition for the Additional Geographical Units: Stagnone, Altopiano dei Bagli, Triglia, and San Nicola. The goal: to enhance territorial differences and strengthen Marsala's global identity.

Kurtatsch Winery presents its new Alto Adige Uga wines. The Alto Adige cooperative is launching nine wines from eight different Uga wines, focusing on the zoning and climate adaptation of Gewürztraminer thanks to vineyards distributed between 220 and 900 meters above sea level.

Tenuta del Paguro and underwater aging Off the coast of Ravenna, Tenuta del Paguro continues its aging project in the Adriatic Sea: bottles are immersed 30 meters deep for twelve months at constant temperature and pressure.

Principe di Corleone opens its doors for Cantine Aperte. On May 31st, the Sicilian winery will host vineyard tours, tastings, and live music as part of the national initiative of the Movimento Turismo del Vino.

Piedmontese Ruchè in the spotlight after the brawl at the wine festival. The Ruchè Festival ended amid controversy and tension after a clash between two historic local producers. The industry fears damage to the Piedmontese grape's reputation.

Emilia-Romagna focuses on contemporary, naturally low-alcohol wines. Davide Frascari, president of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Wine Shop, relaunches the region's versatility: fresh, accessible wines with naturally lower alcohol content, in line with new consumption trends.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Wine Exports: Focus on New Emerging Markets Wine Monitor-Nomisma identifies 13 emerging markets for Italian wine, including India, Mexico, Poland, Thailand, and Colombia. Wine imports to these countries are expected to grow by an average of 7.1% annually from 2019 to 2025.

Mediobanca Report: Italian wine slows. Sales of Italy's leading producers are projected to decline 2.8% in 2025, with exports down 3.4% and margins sharply compressed. Sparkling wines and premium wines are holding up better, while smaller producers are struggling.

Frescobaldi: A more managerial sector is needed. The UIV president calls for greater production rationalization and reduced yields to avoid oversupply and further depreciation of Italian wines.

US slows for Italian wine According to Mediobanca, the American market will decline 6.3% for Italian wine in 2025. Problems related to declining global consumption and international uncertainty remain central.

Piwi-resistant grape varieties are increasingly central to the winemaking debate. Piwi-resistant grape varieties are gaining in interest thanks to their sustainability and climate resilience. Discussions remain open regarding their possible inclusion in DOC and DOCG designations.

Italian white wines undervalued abroad According to several international observers, Italy's great white wines still suffer from ineffective communication, both linguistically and perceptually, compared to their international competitors.

Vintage Labeling: Regulatory Clarifications UIV delves into the rules governing vintage labeling for DOC, DOCG, IGP, and generic wines, highlighting the differences between European and national regulations.

US-EU Tariff Agreement: Bottega Cautiously Optimistic. Sandro Bottega considers the trade agreement between Washington and Brussels a positive development, but warns that energy, inflation, and geopolitical tensions remain the main challenges for wine SMEs.

ISWC 2026: Italy leads the way with 459 awards. Excellent performances by Amarone, Prosecco, Valpolicella Ripasso, Barolo, Franciacorta, and Etna DOC at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Horeca 2026: beverages recovering but consumption still fragile In the first quarter of 2026, Horeca sell-out grew by 6% in value compared to 2025, but remained below 2024 levels. Spirits, aperitifs and energy drinks performed well.

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI exports exceed 93%: Exports exceed €380 million, with distribution in over 130 countries. Asia and non-European markets are growing despite international logistics tensions.

International

Wine-Searcher Acquires Billionaire Olivier Goudet. The international wine data platform has joined the ranks of French investor Olivier Goudet. Investments in AI and a strengthening of the US market are planned.

Champagne remains strong in Italy. The Italian Sommelier Foundation's "Champagne Oscars" confirm the strong connection between the Italian market and French Champagne. Italy is the world's fifth largest market for Champagne consumption.

Alternative crops to address a changing climate. The European symposium in Vienna highlights the need to diversify agricultural crops: quinoa, hemp, dry rice, and legumes become strategic tools for resilience.

EU Fertilizer Action Plan: Farmers Critical The European Commission presents the new Fertilizer Action Plan, but the agricultural sector complains about a lack of concrete measures and insufficient financial resources.

Wine events

VitignoItalia closes with over 10,000 visitors. The 20th edition of the Neapolitan event confirms a strong presence of international buyers, press, and professionals, thanks also to the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE).

OST – Temporary Starred Osteria continues in Casentino. A new event on May 28th at the Lanificio di Stia will feature starred chefs and local restaurants to promote food and wine and tourism in Casentino.

World Biodiversity Day: Focus on Organic Farming FederBio relaunches the role of biodiversity and biodistricts as key tools for agricultural sustainability and territorial resilience.

Hospitality Award – Notes on Inclusivity and Hospitality The award promoted by Hospitality and WMF dedicated to the use of music in the hotel and restaurant industry as a tool for inclusion and well-being is underway.

Oristano joins the Wine Cities. The Sardinian city is banking on Vernaccia di Oristano as a lever for identity for tourism, culture, and territorial development.

CantinArte returns to Nurachi. The Caddeo Winery hosts a new cultural evening featuring literature, wine, and local produce as part of the CantinArte festival.

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