Wine press review for Wednesday, July 29, 2026!

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents a new summary of the main news from the Italian and international wine sector.

Italian Wineries

Novacella Abbey: 900 Years of History in the Sylvaner Alps

Novacella Abbey confirms Sylvaner as the iconic wine of the Isarco Valley, recounting nearly nine centuries of South Tyrolean viticulture.

Venica & Venica looks to new markets

The historic Collio winery is responding to the slowdown in consumption and international markets by focusing on exports, innovation, and new products in preparation for its centenary in 2030.

Cantina del Taburno relaunches the Sannio region

After acquiring the cooperative, Enzo Rillo invested over 10 million euros with the goal of increasing production from 1 to 5 million bottles.

Cantina Tollo expands its vineyard portfolio

The group acquires 133 hectares of new vineyards, strengthening its project to promote Abruzzo winemakers.

Alessio Atzeni presents the first Vermentino

"Crabì" is born, the first Vermentino di Sardegna DOC from the Santadi winery, alongside the historic Carignano del Sulcis.

Farewell to Emidio Pepe

One of the great pioneers of Italian winemaking, a key figure in the international promotion of Montepulciano and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, has passed away at the age of 94.

Italian Wine and Oenology

Exports slow, but Prosecco continues to grow

The sector is undergoing a transformation: consumption and exports are declining, inventories are increasing, while Prosecco continues to represent a positive exception.

Sicily: The 2026 grape harvest begins

The Sicilia DOC begins a harvest that will last approximately 90 days. Winter rains predict a high-quality vintage.

Early harvest throughout Italy

Veneto, Oltrepò Pavese, Maremma, San Colombano, and Franciacorta are seeing early harvests up to ten days thanks to the high temperatures. Quality is promising, but quantity remains to be determined.

Sandro Bottega: they serve dealcoholized wines

To reduce surpluses and attract new consumers, the Veneto producer identifies dealcoholization as one of the sector's main future opportunities.

Drink in moderation

Scientific evidence confirms that risk depends on the amount of alcohol consumed. Experts promote a culture of responsible drinking.

Sulfites and driving

A university study analyzes the influence of sulfites on driving, but urges caution when interpreting the results.

Red in summer

More and more producers are offering fresh, light red wines served at low temperatures, adapting to new summer drinking styles.

Red wine even in summer

Winemaker Graziana Grassini highlights how climate change has made many reds softer and more suitable for the warmer months.

CIA Umbria: a strategy is needed

The sector requires long-term structural planning and no longer emergency interventions.

International

Champagne: Joseph Perrier presents Les Chalmonts 2020

The Maison completes its parcel collection with a 100% Chardonnay Premier Cru from Cumières.

Wales moves towards first natural wine denomination

Welsh producers are working on the possible first Geographical Indication dedicated exclusively to natural wines.

Nomacorc Ocean

Bottle caps made from plastic recovered from coastal waters continue to spread across wineries around the world, contributing to the circular economy and protecting the oceans.

The Future of Wine According to Julien Viaud

The French winemaker predicts lower global production but increasingly higher quality, with new wine-growing areas set to emerge.

Wine Events

The Nights of Wine – Castelvetro

Lambrusco, food, music, and stargazing enliven one of the most anticipated events of the Emilian summer.

Goblets of Stars – Monteforte d'Alpone

Soave meets seafood cuisine in two evenings dedicated to tastings, shows, and music.

The Nights of Wine – Oristano

Vernaccia di Oristano is the star of an event dedicated to wine, culture, and the region's finest products.

Morbegno in the Cellar

Three weekends dedicated to Valtellina wines with tastings, e-bike tours, wellness experiences, and alcohol-free itineraries.

Franciacorta Festival in the Cellar

From September 18th to 20th, wine tourism becomes a cultural experience, with visits, meetings, and insights into the area.

Innovation, sustainability and agriculture

• The "Coltiviamo Agricoltura Sociale 2026" call for proposals is now open, with grants of up to €40,000 for social agriculture projects.
• Nomacorc Ocean continues to expand its circular economy project, recovering nearly 8 tons of plastic in 2025 alone.
• There is growing attention to sustainability, organic production, innovation, and new production models throughout the winemaking supply chain.

Featured today

• Italian wine exports still under pressure.
• Prosecco and sparkling wines continue to support the market.
• The 2026 harvest was one of the earliest in decades.
• Generally very good grape quality, with uncertainties regarding yields.
• Increasing attention to sustainability, dealcoholized wines, innovation, and wine tourism.
• The sector is undergoing a phase of structural transformation that requires new commercial and production strategies.

See you at the next show.