Wine press review for Tuesday, October 13, 2026!

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Italian wineries, wine, oenology, international markets and events

Italian wine: investments, acquisitions, innovation, and regional development. From new wineries in Friuli to Prosecco Superiore, from corporate transactions to resistant grape varieties, to the growth of non-alcoholic beverages: here are the key news from the wine sector, selected and summarized by QUIDQUID.

1. Italian wineries: investments, news, and protagonists

Zorzettig is investing €10 million in the new Cantina Viva in Friuli. In Spessa di Cividale, in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, Annalisa Zorzettig inaugurates a new production facility, in the presence of Minister Francesco Lollobrigida and ICE President Matteo Zoppas. This investment confirms confidence in the future of Friulian wine, despite the market's challenges.

Ruggeri presents Revén, the new Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. The 2025 vintage is made from grapes grown on ten particularly steep slopes in Valdobbiadene. Aged on the lees for over six months, the project boasts aromatic complexity and a label that reveals the vineyards' origins.

Cantina Rauscedo celebrates 75 years of cooperation. On October 9th and 10th, the Friulian cooperative celebrated the anniversary with the event "Le Radici del Vino" (The Roots of Wine). The event focused on viticultural research, vine cuttings, production quality, and the value of cooperation, with a masterclass led by Master of Wine Gabriele Gorelli.

Tommasi celebrates the history of Amarone. The family presents the Family Library, featuring three historic vintages of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG and a Special Edition of the 2017 vintage. The goal is to highlight the longevity, identity, and prestige of this great Veronese red.

Franciacorta, Monte Alto focuses on Pinot Noir. Alberto Tribbia recounts the journey of his winery, founded in 2014 in Clusane d'Iseo. Three hectares of vineyards and approximately 15,000 bottles annually, with a focus on quality and sustainability.

In Oltrepò Pavese, Tenuta Montelio, a blend of history and the Metodo Classico. Located in Codevilla, the winery preserves medieval monastic origins and ancient underground chambers. This historical heritage complements winemaking and the promotion of the local area.

Irpinia, Passo delle Tortore inaugurates its own winery. In Pietradefusi, the project led by the De Girolamo sisters and Ilaria Facchiano combines family tradition, local wines, hospitality, and food and wine culture.

In Calabria, Antonella Lombardo is reclaiming historic vineyards. After a career as a lawyer in Milan, she returned to Bianco, on the Ionian coast, to reclaim abandoned plots and promote the local winemaking tradition.

Puglia's Women in Wine network is growing. Around 70 regional professionals are working to strengthen the role of women in production, winemaking, communications, and wine tourism.

2. Italian wine, oenology and the market

Acquisitions in the wine industry: major groups are active, but Gaja denies LVMH. Angelo Gaja denies negotiations for the sale of the company to the French group. Meanwhile, the industry's consolidation continues, with deals involving Montevetrano, Jermann, La Massa, Bucci, Pico Maccario, Biondi Santi, Isole e Olena, and Attems. Generational change and market difficulties are encouraging new acquisition opportunities.

PIWI grape varieties in DOC and DOCG appellations: a bipartisan parliamentary proposal. Gian Marco Centinaio and Antonella Forattini propose a regulatory change to allow the use of resistant grape varieties in Italian appellations, in compliance with the specifications. Currently, 36 PIWI varieties are registered in the National Register, divided equally between white and red grapes.

Riesling Italico: a reflection on positioning from the Oltrepò Pavese region. Slovenian sommelier Simona Česen highlights how the same grape variety is perceived differently depending on its name: Riesling Italico, Laški rizling, or Graševina. This demonstrates the importance of communication and marketing identity.

Minister Lollobrigida is focusing on promoting Italian wine. During the inauguration of the Cantina Viva in Zorzettig, the Minister advocated investing in promotion and value creation, rather than focusing on reducing production as a response to market difficulties.

European regions are preparing the Mantua Declaration for PDO and PGI products. On October 15, the AREPO association will present a document to strengthen the protection, competitiveness, and economic development of Geographical Indications, in preparation for the European Action Plan scheduled for 2027.

Valtellina, ARPEPE celebrates the long macerations of Nebbiolo. The historic Valtellina winery presents a winemaking approach characterized by macerations that can last up to 138 days, enhancing the character of Chiavennasca and mountain viticulture.

Leonia degli Albizzi Frescobaldi, a pioneer of Italian winemaking. As early as the 19th century, she experimented with the Metodo Classico in Tuscany and designed a gravitational cellar in Pomino. Her wines won a gold medal at the 1878 Paris Exposition.

Castagner presents DIECIeLODE, a grappa specifically designed for tiramisu. The Treviso-based distillery offers a barrel-aged grappa with an aromatic profile designed to complement this famous Italian dessert, with notes of vanilla, cocoa, coffee, fruit, and spices.

3. Awards and award-winning Italian wines

Sardinia's Cannonau Zibbo is among Italy's 50 rare wines. Gambero Rosso recognizes the wine from Cantina Canneddu in Mamoiada, founded by Marco Canneddu in 2015, recognizing its territorial identity and limited production.

Sicily, Wine Sicily honors Ansaldi and Musita. At the Palermo event, which attracted 14,000 attendees, Cantina Ansaldi of Marsala received recognition for its 2020 Brut Millesimato, while Musita of Salemi was recognized for its 2025 Passopasso made from Zibibbo grapes.

Umbria, gold medal for Mi.Le.Ghi. Lilium della Serra, an IGT white produced in Gubbio with the 2025 harvest, won gold at the Mondial des Vins Extrêmes, a competition dedicated to heroic viticulture.

Alto Adige, 95 Falstaff points for Cantina Kaltern. The Kunst.Stück Merlot-Cabernet Riserva Südtirol DOC 2022 received 95 points in the 2026 evaluation, standing out for its structure, elegance, and aromatic complexity.

4. International: new consumption and perspectives

ProWein 2027 is investing in non-alcoholic beverages. The Düsseldorf event, running from March 7 to 9, 2027, will feature ProWein Zero, an area dedicated to alcohol-free wines, alcohol-free sparkling wines, alternative aperitifs, and innovative beverages. Up to 300 products are scheduled for tasting, along with professional meetings and insights into new consumption habits.

Slovenia and Croatia: Graševina as an example of commercial development. An international comparison of Riesling Italico demonstrates how denomination, perception, and communication can influence the success of the same grape variety in different markets.

European Geographical Indications, towards new development policies. The AREPO initiative in Mantua aims to strengthen the economic and territorial impact of certified products in future European Union strategies.

5. Wine events and wine tourism

Hostaria, XII Wine Festival – Verona

October 16–18, 2026

The historic center is transformed into an open-air winery with tastings, producers, consortia, music, and food culture.

Wine Melodies – Alto Adige

October 16 – November 6, 2026

Ten concerts in castles, cellars, and historic residences, accompanied by tastings of South Tyrolean wines.

Wine Festival – Wine Tourism Fair, Bivongi

October 24–25, 2026

The first edition features tastings, masterclasses, meetings, food and wine tastings, and activities to promote Calabrian wine tourism.

Milan hosts a grand tasting on October 17th. An updated selection of 445 wineries and 820 wines has been announced, including Barolo, Barbaresco, Franciacorta, Amarone, Brunello, and numerous emerging appellations. A web app allows you to browse labels and arrange meetings with producers.

Sicily, Autumn in the Cellar. The IRVO project enjoyed good participation in its October 3rd and 4th stops in Vittoria and Butera, continuing on October 10th and 11th between Etna and Nebrodi. The initiative promotes wine tourism outside the summer season.

Maierà, wine, chestnuts, and chili pepper. From October 23rd to 25th, the Calabrian village will host tastings, traditional cuisine, shows, and tours of the Chili Pepper Museum.

6. QUIDQUID | Trends to Watch

Five particularly significant themes for entrepreneurs, wineries, and investors emerge from the news of October 13th:

1. Acquisitions and generational turnover: increased attention is being paid to wineries with heritage, brands, and growth potential, even when faced with management challenges.
2. Industrial investments: the Zorzettig case demonstrates that some companies continue to invest in quality production facilities and positioning.
3. Innovation and sustainability: PIWI grape varieties and new winemaking techniques open up new prospects for Italian viticulture.
4. New consumers: the growing interest in alcohol-free wines and alternative beverages requires a rethinking of commercial strategies.
5. Wine tourism and business development: hospitality, culture, events, and local identity can contribute to revenue diversification and the overall value of wineries.

FORBUS's reflection

The wine market is changing, and not all companies are facing this transformation in the same way. For some, the priority is strengthening their sales structure; for others, investing, finding new partners, or preparing for a generational transition.

Before deciding whether to sell, acquire, or develop a winery, it is essential to understand its current value and, above all, its untapped value.

FORBUS supports entrepreneurs and investors in the evaluation, development, management, and sale of wineries, wineries, and beverage businesses.

Further information: FORBUS · Wines and Wine · Agricultural Estates 24

WINE NEWS – October 13, 2026

A wine press review compiled from collected news, with editorial summaries and reorganization for clear reading and improved indexing by search engines and artificial intelligence systems.

Today's press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.

See you tomorrow with the latest news on Italian and international wine.