Wine press review for Thursday, October 29, 2026!

1. ITALIAN WINERIES

San Michele Appiano Winery Among the 10 Icons of Wine

The South Tyrolean cooperative San Michele Appiano has been recognized by Gambero Rosso as one of the ten "Icons of Wine" for its contribution to the renewal and enhancement of Alto Adige viticulture over the past forty years. This award celebrates the work of the winery's members, collaborators, and partners.

Biondi-Santi: A Comparison of Six Brunello di Montalcino Reserves

A tasting led by technical director Federico Radi compared six Brunello di Montalcino Reserves from the Il Greppo estate, from the 1988, 1997, 2004, 2012, 2016, and 2019 vintages. The 1988 stood out, appreciated for its integrity, depth, persistence, and extraordinary harmony.

Puiatti Winery presents Sconfine

The Friulian winery, part of the Angelini Wines & Estates group, launches Sconfine, a new wine made from Chardonnay (55%), Friulano (30%), and Sauvignon (15%). Aged in concrete enhances the blend's harmony and greater structural breadth, enhancing the characteristics of the three varietals.

Vitivinicola Fenu focuses on Nuragus in Sardinia

Founded in 2024 by Andrea Fenu in Serdiana, southern Sardinia, the winery showcases Nuragus through old, low-yield vines and a distinctive approach. The first vintage, 2024, offers three labels: Estièri, a white aged in stainless steel; Pal'e Banda, a Nuragus macerated in amphora; and Frarìa, a red made from various varietals grown in the vineyard.

Tenute Nicosia awarded at the Merano Wine Festival

The Etna winery will participate in the Merano WineFestival, from 7 to 9 November, and in Catwalk Champagne & More on 10 November. It has obtained two Gold Awards for the 2019 and 2020 Sosta Tre Santi Classic Method and two Rosso Awards for the 2024 Etna Rosso Monte Gorna and the 2020 Riserva Vecchie Viti.

Monti Vermentino Winery: Three Sparkling Wines from Gallura

The Sardinian cooperative, founded in 1956 and the first to bottle Vermentino in 1960, showcases the region with its Vigne del Portale line: a Brut made from Vermentino, a rosé made from native red grapes, and a Moscato. The offering combines local identity, quality, and affordable prices.

Laudemio Frescobaldi debuts in the Magnum format

For the first time, Laudemio Frescobaldi Tuscan extra virgin olive oil will be available in a magnum format. The new format, presented in conjunction with the 2026 harvest, which began on October 5th, strengthens the bond between the culture of quality olive oil and that of wine, following a path the company began in the 1980s.

Tedeschi: Initial positive signs for the 2026 Amarone

The harvest in Valpolicella saw modest yields and good phenolic ripeness. According to winemaker Riccardo Tedeschi, the grapes promise structured, long-lived reds, with some similarities to 2022. The final profile of the Amarone will depend on the appassimento and subsequent winemaking processes.

Tuscan wineries' balance sheets: margins down 63%

According to Studio Impresa's DiVino management research center, the 130 Tuscan wineries analyzed recorded total revenues of €1.43 billion in 2025, a 0.2% decrease from 2024. 63% of the companies saw their EBITDA decline, with smaller companies particularly exposed. The red wine crisis is one of the main pressure factors.

Bardolino: A Hundred Years of Protection and New Generations

Bardolino celebrates the Consortium's centenary by focusing on freshness, flavor, moderate alcohol content, and drinkability. The denomination aims to strengthen its relationship with young people and foreign markets. Chiaretto sales reach 8.8 million bottles, approaching the 9.5 million of Bardolino Rosso.

The best white wine according to Altroconsumo

Altroconsumo's 36-bottle test awarded the Lunae Liguria di Levante IGT Bianco Labianca 2024 87 points out of 100, earning it the title of "Best Buy" at around €11. Among the organic wines, the Tenuta Santa Lucia Romagna Albana DOCG Secco Albarara 2025 stands out. The test included tasting and laboratory analysis.

Italian Wine: Gambero Rosso Awards 2027

The fortieth edition of the Vini d'Italia guide features 2,614 producers, over 23,000 wines, 540 Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses) awards, and 13 Special Awards. Among the announced accolades are the best Abruzzo red and the best Sicilian white, along with awards for young producers and the most significant Italian producers.

2. ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

Exports to the United States: Italian wine down 14.1%

In the first half of 2026, Italian wine exports to the United States fell 14.1% in value, to €849 million. The average price fell 7.8%. According to Ebury's analysis, tariffs, currency fluctuations, and trade tensions are increasing pressure on prices and sales conditions.

Dealcoholized wine: the European market is growing

The J. Hofstätter Estate illustrates the evolution of the alcohol-free segment through its Steinbock Zero Sparkling. According to Circana data cited in the analysis, in the twelve months ending June 2026, spending on low- and zero-alcohol beverages grew by 7.3% in the six main European markets, including Italy, while spending on traditional wine decreased by 1.5%.

Simei and Bevertech: Italy Leads Wine Technologies

From November 17 to 20, Simei returns to Fiera Milano Rho, along with the new Bevertech event, dedicated to beverage and liquid food technologies. According to a Simei-Mecs analysis, Italy accounts for approximately 47% of the global value of winemaking technologies and 60% of the wine packaging segment. In 2025, the global market for wine processing and packaging machinery was worth €2.6 billion.

Vitae Guide 2027: Four Ways to Discover Italian Wine

The Italian Sommelier Association presents its new Vitae Guide, compiled with over 1,000 tasters and based on the analysis of 11,399 wines and 2,417 wineries. The new guide is divided into four groups of 100 labels each: Great Wines, Local Wines, Revelation Wines, and Value Wines. Wines that have achieved at least 90 points are included.

Gambero Rosso: 540 Tre Bicchieri in the 2027 guide

The fortieth edition of Vini d'Italia awards 540 Tre Bicchieri, with Tuscany leading the way with 100, followed by Piedmont with 82, and Veneto with 49. The selection also includes 50 award-winning wines under €15 and 194 Tre Bicchieri Verdi, dedicated to sustainable production according to the guide's criteria.

The future of wine comes from experience

The Pambianco–PwC Wine&Food Summit highlighted the need to renew wine communication, highlighting experiences, local produce, and food pairings. Restaurants and producers can help consumers recognize quality, discover new labels, and better understand the product, without reducing it to price alone.

Giuseppe Carrus: Territorial identity helps overcome the crisis

For the editor of Gambero Rosso's Vini d'Italia guide, the future of the sector depends on its ability to express territorial identity and distinctiveness. In Abruzzo, in addition to Montepulciano and Trebbiano, there is growing interest in Pecorino and the revaluation of Cerasuolo, considered a wine of great value and not a second-rate type.

Organic, FederBio criticizes the proposal for the future CAP

FederBio expresses concern about the EU Council's position, which would make aid for the conversion and maintenance of organic farming optional for member states in the post-2027 CAP. According to the federation, this decision could reduce the continuity of funding, penalize companies committed to the ecological transition, and increase disparities between European countries.

Wine, health, and science: a more informed debate is needed.

Physician and neuroscientist Giovanni Scapagnini proposes a scientific approach to the relationship between wine, health, and longevity. His book, "La via del vino," promoted by Signorvino and published by Mondadori, will be available in January 2027. The project encourages us to distinguish scientific evidence from simplifications, also considering lifestyle and the need for responsible choices. It's not about attributing proven health benefits to wine, but about promoting accurate information.

Wine and Health: New Controversy Over Public Statements

Alessandro Borghese's statements on moderate wine consumption reignite the debate on the relationship between alcohol and health. This topic highlights the need to distinguish personal opinions from scientific evidence: alcohol consumption poses health risks and cannot be presented as generally beneficial.

3. INTERNATIONAL

A collection of fine wines fetches $6.4 million at auction.

In Hong Kong, Christie's sold the entire cellar of former Finance Secretary Henry Tang for $6.4 million, 151% above the initial estimate. Among the most sought-after lots were a magnum of 1971 Romanée-Conti, which sold for $111,500, and large formats of La Tâche. Nearly half of the buyers were from Generations Y and Z; approximately 70% of them were first-time wine buyers at auction.

Wine tourism: Growing international interest in Italian wineries

The second edition of FINE #WineTourism Marketplace Italy, held in Riva del Garda on October 27 and 28, attracted 100 exhibitors and 90 international buyers, a 30% increase over the debut. Wine tourism continues to be a key driver for diversifying revenues, developing direct sales, and enhancing local areas and landscapes. Nomisma estimates cited in the industry attribute hospitality to over 20% of the average turnover of Italian wineries, for a business exceeding €3 billion.

Sicily strengthens its positioning as a wine tourism destination

At FINE Italy 2026, Assovini Sicilia presented the wine tourism offerings of ten member companies, including Donnafugata, Planeta, Cottanera, Graci, and Cantine Pellegrino. The goal is to attract international tour operators and tour operators with itineraries, hospitality, and personalized experiences tied to wine and the region.

4. WINE EVENTS, GUIDES AND TERRITORIES

Merano WineFestival 2026: Tenute Nicosia Takes Center Stage

From November 7th to 9th, at the Kurhaus in Merano, the Sicilian winery will present its wines, also participating in the Catwalk Champagne & More event on November 10th. The four The WineHunter awards received this year recognize both its Metodo Classico wines and its Etna reds.

Collio Evolution 2026: Pinot Grigio under the microscope

From October 24th to 26th, the Collio Consortium dedicated the second edition of Collio Evolution to Pinot Grigio. In Cormòns, the Vinodabere panel blind-tasted 86 wines from various vintages. The tasting revealed remarkable stylistic diversity, found in both the white wines and the copper-colored versions made with maceration on the skins.

Golosaria: Barbera d'Asti and Monferrato wines

From October 31st to November 2nd, the Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato Consortium will be present at Golosaria with over 20 labels for tasting. On Saturday, October 31st, at 2:00 PM, a masterclass dedicated to the 2025 Barbera d'Asti DOCG will take place, featuring eight wines and a discussion on freshness, drinkability, and culinary versatility.

Sardinia: The Milis Wine Festival returns

The 37th Sardinia Wine Festival will take place on November 7th and 8th, featuring 20 wineries and over 50 labels, including new, organic, and local wines. The program includes tastings, cuisine, crafts, music, and a special focus on Vernaccia di Oristano. The inaugural conference will focus on sustainability, tourism, and the transformation of the Sardinian wine industry.

Terricciola: Cellars open on November 7th and 8th

To mark World Wine Tourism Day, the Municipality of Terricciola is organizing two days of free tours of local wineries, including tastings. This initiative offers an opportunity to learn about producers, vineyards, and local traditions, strengthening the connection between wine, community, and tourism.

Villamagna DOC: from denomination to wine tourism destination

The seven producers of the Villamagna DOC, a small Abruzzo appellation spanning Villamagna, Bucchianico, and Vacri, aim to transform this territorial recognition into a true tourist destination. The project aims to integrate tastings, hospitality, and landscape exploration with the promotion of local wines.

Poggibonsi, continues between villages and cellars

On October 29th, the Tra Borghi e Cantine (Between Villages and Wineries) festival stops in Poggibonsi for an evening dedicated to food and wine pairings. Dishes from Ristolio restaurant will be paired with Chianti Classico DOCG from Fattoria Le Fonti, while Sienese desserts from Masoni Pietro will round out the gastronomic journey. The eighth edition includes nine autumn events in the province of Siena, with the final awards ceremony during Wine&Siena 2027.

Wine tourism: more connections between supply and demand

The FINE Italy 2026 meetings confirm the need to strengthen relationships between wineries, buyers, and tourism operators. International collaboration, including between Germany and Tuscany, can foster new visitor flows and support direct sales. Hospitality thus becomes a strategic tool for increasing the economic value of wine and promoting the cultural heritage of local regions.

Bologna in autumn: gastronomy, porticoes, and new wine

The city presents itself as an autumn destination thanks to its traditional cuisine, markets, and the historical heritage of its porticoes, recognized by UNESCO in 2021. The Bolognese Hills complete the offering with local and new wines to pair with traditional Emilian dishes.

NAS and ICQRF: Irregularities in Emilia-Romagna's wineries

During inspections of the 2026 harvest, the Carabinieri of the NAS of Bologna and the ICQRF conducted approximately twenty inspections in the Faenza, Bologna, and Bassa Romagna regions. The inspections uncovered hygiene and sanitation deficiencies, infestations, spoiled grapes, unauthorized serving areas, and workplace safety violations. According to the information released, assets worth €120,000 were seized and three businesses were closed.

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