Wine press review for Tuesday, December 9, 2025!

A common thread ties everything together: a sector undergoing a transformation, with new strategies, market pressures, stories of places and people, and a calendar of events that continues to energize the wine community.

Italian wineries

Argea and the Risk Game of Italian Wine. The group led by Massimo Romani continues to expand, even in a year marked by tariffs and volatility. After the acquisition of the American importer WinesU and its nomination as Best Importer 2025 by Wine Enthusiast, Argea confirms its mission: to grow in size, solidity, and ability to seize M&A opportunities. The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) decree on the first dealcoholization plant in Italy is pending.

Moncalisse: the new "mountain" winery for Trentodoc is born. Julia and Karoline Walch are launching their own winemaking project in Civezzano, separate from the Elena Walch brand. Located at 600 meters above sea level, it faces south and has an identity that blends terroir and the elegance of the classic method.

Cantina Terre del Barolo celebrates its vineyard workers. An artistic roundabout, two hands—one white, one black—and a bunch of grapes: a clear message in an increasingly international region. A tribute to the foreign workers who keep the Langhe winemaking tradition alive.

Tenuta Argentiera: a dialogue between wine, art, and the land. On the hills overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the estate hosts three works by Giuseppe Bergomi as part of the "Arte Diffusa sulla Costa Toscana" (Widespread Art on the Tuscan Coast) project. A virtuous blend of landscape, culture, and hospitality.

Muzic Winery: A Border Tradition That Continues to Grow In San Floriano del Collio, the Muzic family continues a story that began in 1927. Today, two generations collaborate on quality and sustainability, with an eye to the future.

Taste the Territory – Tenuta San Vito Takes Center Stage. Caffè Centofiori in Montelupo Fiorentino hosts the fourth stop of the initiative dedicated to local wineries. San Vito presents five wines paired with five dishes, revealing its identity amidst Chianti Colli Fiorentini and organic olive growing.

Castello di Gussago shines at the Merano WineFestival Four WineHunter Awards for Animapura 2018, Pomaro 2018, Club Cuvée 2019 and Nobleblanc SA A confirmation of the qualitative strength of Franciacorta production.

Cantina Frentana grows despite tariffs and declining consumption. A positive year for the Abruzzo-based cooperative, which consolidates its merger with Cantina San Giacomo and exceeds 650 members. A sign of cooperative resilience in a challenging environment.

Gaierhof, three sisters and a low-alcohol model that sets standards. In Roverè della Luna, the Togn family is spearheading an innovative, all-female project. A product-focused business that combines family history with new insights into moderate drinking.

Cusumano Brut 700 Metodo Classico 2021 From vineyards at 700 meters, an elegant classic method that celebrates Tenuta Ficuzza: free-run must, refermentation in the bottle and 36 months on the lees.

Tenuta Stella – Reserves for an “alto Collio” Christmas Ribolla Gialla, Friulano and Merlot Riserva make up the Luxury Christmas 2026 Collection : organic, artisanal and profoundly territorial wines.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Prosecco DOC: green light for 6,000 new hectares. Veneto and Friuli have authorized an increase in production potential to meet demand pressure. The total area will reach 30,500 hectares, with growth in two phases.

Kaolin or zeolite? Natural choices for crop health. Both permitted in organic farming, these two minerals offer different functions: kaolin acts as a physical and protective barrier, while zeolite supports moisture management and canopy health.

Grape prices are plummeting: 2025 will be the "year of the collapse." Prices are down as much as 40% for some appellations. Production is rising, consumption is declining, exports are slowing, and inventories are high: a combination that is crushing winemakers and putting strain on the supply chain.

CMO Wine: EU agreement on simplifications and new labeling. Coldiretti expresses satisfaction: no five-year restrictions for those who uproot vineyards, greater transparency for dealcoholized wines, and more flexibility in support programs.

The taste of moderation: drinking less, drinking better. Stada Health Report and NielsenIQ converge: the majority of Europeans are pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Conscious consumption is gaining ground, and demand for premium wines and guided experiences is growing.

Bringing wine to dinner? A gesture worth rereading. A provocative article overturns a social custom: bringing wine can create unwanted dynamics of reciprocity. If you really want to give something, olive oil is better.

Archè 2020: Francesco Saverio Russo's glasses are back with free shipping. A collection born during lockdown, now a benchmark for high-end artisanal glassware. A project in collaboration with VDglass.

International

Champagne: Between Perpetual Reserve and Solera, Clarity Is Needed. Alice Paillard clearly distinguishes the two practices: the solera as a closed oxidative system, the perpetual as a continuous evolutionary method. Two different philosophies that are often confused in commercial narratives.

Italy is a superstar in international blind tastings. One in four tastings sees Italian wines win, including in the bulk wine category. This is a sign of widespread quality, not just among the elite.

Denmark: "A Glass of Italy" returns. In January 2026, over 25 Italian wineries will be featured in Copenhagen, with Vermentino masterclasses and tastings open to the public and professionals.

Wine events and local culture

EiM – The Landscapes of Soave: A Hike Through Stone and Vineyards On December 7th, a guided tour of the volcanic hills of Soave, exploring geology, history, and viticulture.

Introductory wine courses in Barberino di Mugello. Starting February 6, 2026, six meetings with tastings will teach you the basics of wine and promote responsible consumption.

Conclusion

Thanks for listening: today's press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT . The sector continues to move in multiple directions: production complexities, new consumer aesthetics, and industrial strategies that are rewriting the map. Tomorrow brings another chapter to this great story.