Wine press review for Wednesday, May 20, 2026!

Italian wineries

Resistant vines take centre stage in Tarzo

The second edition of the event dedicated to resistant grape varieties, organized by the Corbanese Pro Loco, has concluded. Twenty-five producers from Treviso, Belluno, and Pordenone participated, with tastings and masterclasses dedicated to Piwi wines.

FIVI and SDA Bocconi analyze the sustainability of independent winemakers

The research developed by SDA Bocconi with Fivi and Crédit Agricole Italia explores the financial management, growth, and economic sustainability of Italian vertical wineries.

Ciliegiolo revitalizes the Tuscan Maremma

The Consortium for the Protection of Maremma Toscana Wines is committed to promoting Ciliegiolo as a grape variety that represents the identity of an increasingly attractive area for investment and new projects.

Donnafugata: Ben Ryé Beyond Dessert Wine

In Pantelleria, Donnafugata's Ben Ryé is reinterpreted in a gastronomic key, paired with Mediterranean and Pantellerian cuisine during Sicilia en Primeur 2026.

Angelo Gaja invests in high-altitude white wines

The Gaja family inaugurates a new winery in the Langhe dedicated exclusively to white wines. The project looks to the future climate of Piedmontese viticulture, with vineyards up to 750 meters above sea level.

Folonari inaugurates the new Cabreo Winery

A new facility dedicated to the Super Tuscans of Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari Tenute opens in Greve in Chianti. A €7 million investment in technology, optical sorting, and wine tourism.

Ventiventi Winery and the New Face of Lambrusco

The Razzaboni brothers' Emilian company continues to promote a contemporary, sustainable, and quality-oriented Lambrusco, overcoming old commercial stereotypes.

Roberto Giacobbo enters the world of wine

The well-known television host is starting a wine production in Puglia together with the Faretra family, focusing on native grape varieties and a limited-edition organic Primitivo.

Marsala Doc towards the UGA

The Marsala DOC Consortium approves the process for the recognition of the Additional Geographic Units: Stagnone, Altopiano dei Bagli, Triglia and San Nicola.

Ghemme DOCG, controversy over the Wine Exhibition

Some producers are challenging the management of Ghemme's historic event, accusing Pro Loco of distorting the festival's original purpose.

Mediobanca: 2025 will be difficult for major wine groups

The Mediobanca report highlights a general decline in revenues and margins in the Italian wine sector. Terre Cevico, Mack & Schuhle, and Mezzacorona are holding up better.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Heroic viticulture and climate change

The topic of mountain viticulture returns to the forefront of the "R-Evolution Green" meetings in Pordenone, with reflections on biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate adaptation.

Agricultural students learn in the vineyard

Students from the IIS Asiago institute participated in a practical lesson on pruning at the Anna Costa farm in Rotzo, combining theory and field experience.

UNESCO Italian cuisine and wine

Paolo Marchi of Identità Golose calls on the sector to further enhance the connection between wine, cuisine, and territory to reconnect with consumers.

The first Italian whisky made from ancient spelt is born

The Ligurian distillery Il Signor Camillo presents a craft whisky made from ancient Italian spelt, valorizing the agricultural supply chain and the territory.

Organic growing in Italian retail

In 2025, organic sales in Italian retail are expected to grow by 9.2%, while organic wines and sparkling wines remain substantially stable (-0.1%).

New routes for the export of Italian wine

According to Nomisma Wine Monitor, the 13 emerging markets for Italian wine are expected to exceed €400 million in 2025 (4.3%). Poland, the Czech Republic, and Mexico are among the most promising.

Emerging markets become strategic

Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America represent new areas of development for Italian wine in response to the slowdowns in the USA and Western Europe.

International

Abel Buezo defends the value of artisanal wine

The Spanish producer of Arlanza claims that 50 euro wines represent the right price for non-industrial, locally-sourced products.

Paulaner brings “Spezi” out of Germany

The historic cola-orange drink debuts in Switzerland and is also eyeing Italy as a strategic next European market.

Clessidra acquires control of “Sapore di Mare”

Structured finance transaction to relaunch the historic Italian retail chain specializing in frozen fish products.

Wine events

"Mountain Wines" at the Rauscedo Cooperative Nurseries

On May 21, the VCR Research Center hosts a conference dedicated to heroic viticulture and mountain wines.

Borgo Teresiano Wine Fest in Trieste

From May 28th to June 2nd, tastings, art, music, and wine bars will enliven Trieste's historic center.

Olio e Dintorni returns to Friuli Venezia Giulia

From May 22nd to 24th, Villa Maseri hosts an event dedicated to regional extra virgin olive oil, featuring tastings and training.

“Table Games” in the Marche

The Marche wine tourism project combines tastings and sensory games to promote local wineries.

Open Cellars 2026 in Campania

Fonzone is preparing a day of wine, street food, music, and immersive audio tours in Irpinia.

Record-breaking Open Cellars 2026 in Sicily

Thirty companies will participate in the new edition of the Sicilian Wine Tourism Movement.

“A Quarter of Cellars” on Giglio Island

From May 22nd to 24th, Ansonaco tastings, music, and food will liven up Giglio Castello.

Tenute Tomasella opens its doors to wine tourists

May 31st is a day spent exploring vineyards, wineries, and family activities in Veneto and Friuli.

Sicilia en Primeur confirms the island's central role

Five days dedicated to wine, culture, and wine tourism, focusing on Sicilian territorial identity.

Slow June opens in La Maddalena

From May 23rd to June 7th, the Slow Food festival brings over 150 natural and sustainable wines to Sardinia.

Sorsi d'Autore combines wine and culture in the Venetian Villas

From June 12th to July 5th, AIS Veneto will host tastings and cultural events in the historic villas of the Veneto region.

Southern Roots returns to Puglia

On June 8th, Gioia del Colle will host international tastings and reviews of Southern Italian wines and oils.

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See you tomorrow.