Wine press review for Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Italian wineries

Tramin's Epokale 2017: a wine that defies time. A Gewürztraminer that breaks the rules of ready-to-drink: late harvest, respectful vinification, and a unique six-year aging in the mountains at 2,000 meters. A tale of altitude, patience, and territorial identity that confirms the evolutionary capacity of Alto Adige's great white wines.

The Valle d'Aosta cooperative creates a Pinot Noir for under €20. A wine awarded for the best regional quality-price ratio in the 2026 Gambero Rosso BereBene guide. Concrete proof that even "minor" regions can produce compelling, accessible Pinot Noir wines that are in keeping with the Alpine context.

Cantina Marilina: Lost Grape Varieties and "Naturally" Low-Alcohol Wines. In Noto, Angelo Paternò is pursuing radical work on native Sicilian varieties, non-invasive techniques, and experimentation. The rediscovery of Moscato di Noto and Catarratto Mantellato has now led to the creation of two low-alcohol wines, capturing a rapidly growing trend.

Nicodemo Librandi is remembered with a prize dedicated to him. Established by the SudHeritage association, the "Nicodemo Librandi" Prize will support the best doctoral thesis on corporate museums and archives. This award ties together business, productive memory, and the cultural responsibility of local communities.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Riccardo Cotarella: "Enough defending ourselves, wine must make its voice heard again." In his public address, the president of Assoenologi (Italian Association of Enology) calls on the industry to make a change of pace: clearly distinguish between moderate consumption and alcohol abuse, defend the culture of wine, and regain a leading role in public debate. The message accompanies the launch of the institutional campaign "Wine is our time – Let's cultivate what unites us."

Basilicata: the future of wine starts with DNA. The Basilicata Region and ALSIA have authorized four new native grape varieties (Ghiandara, Zimellone Bianco, Damaschino, Montonico). This scientific genetic recovery project strengthens the biodiversity, identity, and quality prospects of Lucanian wine.

International

Agriculture: France heads for a deficit, Italy and Spain advance. According to a French Senate report, the French agricultural surplus has fallen 49% in five years. 2025 could mark the first deficit since 1978, while Italy and Spain are recording strong trade growth. This rebalancing will also impact European wine.

Wine events

Wine Paris 2026: Italy Takes Center Stage From February 9 to 11, Wine Paris confirms its position as a global hub for wine and spirits: over 6,000 exhibitors and 60,000 visitors from 155 countries. Italy is the second most represented country, with approximately 1,350 companies and 12,000 m² of exhibition space (25% more than in 2025), 130 of which are in the ICE collective.

Wine Paris kicks off: Italian exhibits quadrupled in six editions. A clear signal of the Italian wine industry's strategic positioning on international markets. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida and institutional leaders inaugurated the Italian Pavilion.

Grandi Langhe 2026: Record Number of Producers and Quality. Over 515 producers and thousands of labels at the OGR in Turin for an event that strengthens the regional narrative of Piedmont wine. Among the many tastings, one Barolo made its mark, confirming the appellation's increasingly high average quality.

Vinitaly 2026: Xcellent Spirits is born. The 58th edition of Vinitaly sees the debut of a new pavilion dedicated to spirits and contemporary drinks. Over 1,000 m² showcases spirits, RTDs, soft drinks, and mixology, capturing the evolution of consumption.

Insuperlabel 2026: Design and Vermouth di Torino Auroflex launches the fifth edition of its label design contest, in partnership with the Consorzio del Vermouth di Torino PGI. A bridge between graphic creativity, product identity, and the culture of the Italian aperitivo.

Cantine d'Italia 2026 with Go Wine in Turin Evening tastings with over 100 wineries, discounted tickets, and the option to join the association until December 31, 2026. A format designed for an evolved and informed audience.

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