Wine press review for Thursday, November 12, 2026!

A summary of the most significant developments for producers, industry operators, and investors.

1. Italian wineries: companies, investments, and key players

Mionetto presents two new Prosecco Superiore DOCGs. The winery expands its Luxury Collection dedicated to restaurants with Rive di Col San Martino Extra Brut and San Pietro di Barbozza Brut, showcasing the characteristics of the vineyards in the Valdobbiadene hills.

Marisa Cuomo has been recognized for her new winery in Agerola. The approximately 3,500-square-meter complex, designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind, has won the Saint-Gobain Gyproc Italia 2026 Trophy in the Innovation category.

Bruno Verdi highlights Pinot Meunier in the Oltrepò Pavese region. The 2020 Mé Dosaggio Zero, a Metodo Classico produced in 1,500 bottles, demonstrates the grape's potential for producing quality sparkling wines.

Damilano recounts the evolution of Barolo Cannubi. The historic Piedmontese winery showcases the geological and climatic characteristics of the Cannubi hill through its Riserva Cannubi 1752 and a comparison of different vintages.

Gravner and the longevity of Ribolla Gialla. A tasting of five vintages, from 2007 to 2018, highlights the identity of Oslavia wines and the Gravner family's production journey.

MAN winery awarded among the Rare Italian Wines. The 2021 Blanc de Noirs Nature from this young winery in the Cembra Valley received recognition from Gambero Rosso, confirming the value of small, quality wineries.

Sicily, the return of young people to viticulture. The story of the Navarra family, in the Caltanissetta hinterland, illustrates how generational change can contribute to the agricultural and entrepreneurial revival of the region.

2. Italian wine and oenology: market, regulations and innovation

Lugana DOC is growing in large-scale retail trade. In the twelve months ending August 2026, the appellation recorded 18.1% value and 18.4% volume growth, according to NielsenIQ, standing out in an overall weak market.

Chianti Classico: protection of the Gran Selezione designation. The Senate approved a regulatory change that reserves the designation for the Chianti Classico denomination. This category represents 5% of production and includes 256 labels certified at least once.

Sicily: €15 million for wineries. The Region is funding 92 projects through the Winery Investments call, supporting production modernization, competitiveness, and wine tourism.

Wine tourism: 14% of revenue comes from hospitality. According to Nomisma Wine Monitor for FIVI, wine tourism generates an average of 14% of revenue for businesses that engage in it. Direct sales at wineries contribute approximately 20%.

New prospects for organized wine tourism. The sector aims to create integrated tourist destinations through collaboration between wineries, consortia, and local operators, also in light of the new initiatives of the Masaf (National Association of Wine Tourism).

Wine markups in the restaurant industry are under scrutiny. Producers report that consumer prices are sometimes excessively high, which can deter purchases. The relationship between price, affordability, and purchasing power remains key.

Greenwashing: Greater attention to environmental communication. The new regulations require particular caution when using terms like "eco-friendly," "natural," and "zero impact" on labels, advertising, websites, and social media.

Vino Novello 2026: highlighting regional varietals. The new labels, from Teroldego to Negroamaro, will be on sale starting October 30th. Both wines use carbonic maceration, according to the category's regulations.

Collio Evolution 2026 showcases Pinot Grigio. The tasting of 88 samples confirms the stylistic diversity and territorial character of Collio wines, characterized by structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

Italian red wines: quality even under €10. A test of 48 labels shows that price doesn't necessarily determine quality. Among the wines highlighted are Di Majo Norante Sangiovese and Cusumano Nero d'Avola.

Bottle closures and the minerality of white wines. A study published in OENO One highlights how the oxygen permeability of corks can influence the sensory perception of minerality during aging.

3. International: markets, recognition and new opportunities

China: 67% of Italian organic wine consumers plan to increase their purchases. According to Nomisma, despite the contraction of the Chinese wine market, Italian organic wine offers growth opportunities. 49% of non-consumers surveyed also stated a potential future interest.

Crcles introduces new digital wine clubs for wineries. The platform allows producers to develop private clubs, select members, and offer exclusive wines and experiences. The stated goal is to reach 100 producers within twelve months.

Antinori makes Wine Spectator's Global Top 10. The 2023 Fay Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, a California-based winery owned by Marchesi Antinori, reaches sixth place in the ranking.

Golden Vines Awards 2026: Gaja and Conterno take center stage. Angelo Gaja enters the Hall of Fame, while Giacomo Conterno receives recognition as Europe's Best Fine Wine Producer.

4. Wine events, tourism and wine culture

Open Cellars on San Martino – Italy, November 1-15. Tastings, tours, and local initiatives promoted by the Wine Tourism Movement to promote autumn hospitality.

Living Roots – Serralunga d'Alba, December 2. International conference in Fontanafredda dedicated to the protection of old vines, genetic heritage, and climate resilience.

Dissolvenze – Cantina Moros, November 13. An evening dedicated to wine, art, and the traditions of San Martino, concluding the Kico Mion exhibition.

Dolce Canavese 2026 – Piedmont. The best sweet and savory products, created through collaboration between 17 wineries and 17 local artisans, were awarded.

Törggelen – Alto Adige, until November. This autumn tradition combines new wine, chestnuts, local cuisine, and cellar tours.

Langhe: wine, truffles, and sustainability. Josetta Saffirio offers experiences that connect the forest heritage, truffle culture, and the great Piedmontese wines.

Strategic reading of WINEIDEA News

The news of November 12 highlights an Italian wine sector that, despite facing challenges in consumption and distribution, continues to develop new opportunities.

Five main directions emerge:

1. Foreign markets: Italian organic wine offers interesting prospects in China, but requires greater commercial visibility.
2. Promoting the appellations: Lugana, Chianti Classico, Collio, and Prosecco Superiore demonstrate the importance of territorial identity.
3. Direct sales and wine tourism: the ongoing relationship with consumers becomes a tangible source of revenue.
4. Innovation and investment: new wineries, digital platforms, and public funding can strengthen competitiveness.
5. Quality and positioning: in a more selective market, recognition, consistent pricing, and commercial ability become crucial.

The message for wineries: producing good wine remains essential, but today the value of a company increasingly depends on its ability to sell it, build customer loyalty, protect margins, and enhance its assets.