Wine press review for Tuesday, April 7, 2026!

Italian wineries

Valtènesi 2025, a promising vintage on Lake Garda. The new Valtènesi vintage, presented at the "Prima del Valtènesi" event in Puegnago sul Garda, shows signs of stability and growth for the appellation. The vineyards have reached 700 hectares, with a strong focus on rosé (65% of production). Bottled production remains stable at approximately 2.5 million bottles, of which 1.8 million are rosé, while 90% of the wineries are certified organic or SQNPI.

Alto Piemonte Nebbioli ready for Vinitaly 2026. The Consortium for the Protection of Nebbioli Alto Piemonte confirms its participation in the fair with a significant representation of companies and appellations. The goal is to strengthen the promotion of a historic winemaking region, also supported by the Monte Rosa Laghi Alto Piemonte Chamber of Commerce.

Primitivo di Manduria takes center stage at Vinitaly. The Primitivo di Manduria Consortium will bring over 60 labels for tasting in Pavilion 11. The stand's concept, "Let's Protect Excellence," aims to highlight the territorial identity, the work of winemakers, and the winemaking heritage of Southern Italy.

Romagna wineries heading to Vinitaly. Approximately 90 exhibitors will represent Emilia-Romagna wine at the Verona fair. Among the participating companies are wineries from the Forlì hills and Bertinoro, with nationally awarded Sangiovese and other regional wines.

Monte Cicogna, Garda's winemaking history. The Monte Cicogna winery in Moniga del Garda represents a family tradition that began in the early 1900s and has grown over time. The winery combines winemaking and hospitality, contributing to the historical narrative of the Garda area.

The Montepulciano System: Between Tradition and International Positioning. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano region continues to represent a solid and internationally recognized denomination. The current challenge is the ability to strengthen the territorial narrative to stand out in an increasingly competitive global market.

Sicilian winemaking in difficulty. Sicilian cooperative wineries report a critical phase due to rising energy costs, the effects of climate change, and declining consumption. The cooperative organizations are calling for a recovery strategy to support the island's production system.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Non-EU exports recover. According to Istat data, trade with non-EU countries is growing again. In February 2026, Italian exports grew by 4.9%, while imports increased by 8.5%. In the quarter from December 2025 to February 2026, exports grew by 1.8%, marking a recovery from the decline recorded at the beginning of the year.

The fine wine market is moving again. In the first quarter of 2026, the Liv-Ex 100 index recorded a slight increase (0.2%). Among the leading performers were numerous Italian labels, including Barolo, Sassicaia, Masseto, and Tignanello. Giacomo Conterno's Barolo Monfortino Riserva 2005 recorded a 26.6% increase in value.

Wine as an economic driver for Verona. The Verona wine industry represents a cornerstone of the region's economy. Valpolicella alone generates over €600 million in revenue and produces over 61 million bottles, exported to 87 countries.

The wine supply sector remains robust. According to Anformape, despite global geopolitical and logistical tensions, the wine supply sector maintains stability and adaptability. Companies are focusing on market diversification, financial instruments for exports, and strengthening their expertise.

CAP: Support for Disadvantaged Agricultural Areas The Emilia-Romagna Region has allocated approximately €50 million to support farms in mountainous areas or those with natural constraints. Common Agricultural Policy funds aim to offset higher production costs and support the continuity of agricultural activities.

Biocontrol and Agricultural Innovation: FederBio and Agrofarma present a Manifesto to promote biocontrol in agricultural crops. Over the past ten years, the use of pesticides has decreased by 18%, while organic products have increased by 133%.

International

New Challenges for Tasting Rooms in the United States American wineries are seeing a decline in visits to traditional tasting rooms, especially among Millennials and Gen Z. Changing consumption habits and competition from other beverages are pushing the industry to rethink the wine tourism experience.

Brazilian Research on Riesling Italico A study conducted in Brazil is analyzing three Riesling Italico clones for the production of white and sparkling wines. The research aims to identify the genetic material best suited to the soil and climate conditions of the Rio Grande do Sul region.

Global Wine Trends According to IWSR 2026 will still be a challenging year for the global wine market, but positive signs are emerging: growth in premium segments, interest from younger consumers, and the development of categories such as low-alcohol and sustainable wines.

Wine events

Vinitaly 2026: the Xcellent Spirits pavilion is born. The 58th edition of Vinitaly introduces a new space entirely dedicated to spirits. The "Xcellent Spirits" project, developed with Gang of Spirits, aims to integrate the world of spirits into the fair's business model.

Large institutional presence at Vinitaly Numerous representatives of the Italian government are expected at the event, including ministers Francesco Lollobrigida, Adolfo Urso and Alessandro Giuli, as well as Vice President of the Council Antonio Tajani.

Lombardy takes center stage with its wine-territory system. The region will present in Verona a promotional model that integrates wine, tourism, gastronomy, and hospitality, enhancing the region's appeal in light of the international attention generated by the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Women in Wine: Innovation and Leadership The National Association of Women in Wine will present a study at Vinitaly on the role of women in Italian winemaking, focusing on leadership, innovation, and training of new generations.

International incoming for Umbrian wine In the run-up to the fair, buyers from Europe, North America, and Asia will visit over 30 Umbrian wineries to strengthen business relationships and position the region's wine in foreign markets.

Assovini Sicilia focuses on wine tourism. During Vinitaly, the project "Journey to Sicily: the new frontiers of wine tourism" will be presented, with data from the Divinea Observatory on new wine experiences.

Cultural events and tastings

• The "Literary Tastings" format, combining wine, cuisine, and literature, makes its debut in Bubbio.
• The "Wine from a Feminine Perspective" exhibition continues in Milan, featuring international female producers.

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