Wine press review for Wednesday, November 26, 2025!

Italian wineries

• Collis Veneto Wine Group Integrates Cantina di Monteforte (Soave)
  • Merger approved: 450 members, 1,200 hectares, 140,000 hl bulk production, and >4 million bottles. Strengthens leadership in the Soave DOC.
  • Why it matters : Critical mass and a more integrated supply chain in a strategic area for Italian white wines.
• “Luigi Bosca” (Bosca, Canelli) launches the first alcohol-free drink of the house
  • New dealcoholized red in the “Luigi Bosca” line, the result of 30 years of R&D in no/low alcohol.
  • Why it matters : a response to inclusive demand and new consumption patterns, without sacrificing winemaking identity.
• Semonte Winery – “Il Sole” Award (Veronelli Guide 2026)
  • Recognition of the quality and continuity of the company project.
  • Why it matters : Awards and guides fuel reputation and market positioning.
• “On the right bank of the Tagliamento” – Borgo delle Oche (Friuli)
  • Narrative focus on territorial identity and style (e.g. Pinot Grigio Ramato).
  • Why it matters : storytelling, territorial coherence = competitive leverage on premium HoReCa channels.
• Vallée d'Aoste Pinot Noir 2016 – Anna's cellar (5-year retrospective)
  • Tasting/memory of a vintage and the historical context that saw its birth.
  • Why it matters : Verticals and vintage memories strengthen brand value and range depth.

Italian wine & Italian oenology

• 2024 Financial Statements Report
  • Large companies are growing the most (revenues >50 million, 8.4% over 2022-24); medium-sized companies are slightly up; 10-20 million are down (-9.9%).
  • Why it matters : Confirmation of the "dimensional divide"; urgent need for mergers and management.
• Business Models 2025: Keyword: "Aggregation" (University of Verona)
  • A more effective mix of models, scale, expertise, and lobbying; moving beyond the "small is beautiful" paradigm.
  • Why it matters : Alignment between corporate strategy and political representation.
• “Wine will recover in 2027” (Davide Gaeta)
  • Cyclical reading of the sector: historical supply/demand imbalances, declining consumption; communication crucial vs. spirits/beer.
  • Why it matters : Plan investments and inventories over a 24-36 month horizon.
• Trentino: motion to "redesign the future" of the sector
  • Consumption declines, raising awareness of responsible drinking; beware of possible US tariffs.
  • Why it matters : Territories of excellence initiate strategic review processes.
• Agriculture Bonus 2025 (Abruzzo Region)
  • Extended deadlines for productive investments up to >€2 million/project, with a focus on competitiveness and environmental performance.
  • Why it matters : Capex window for efficiency, sustainability, and plant upgrades.
• Orange wines: an “ancestral” return that conquers
  • Long macerations on whites, artisanal identity and growth in wine shops/restaurants.
  • Why it matters : High-value niche, useful for differentiating wine tourism cards and experiences.
• Lugana: Not Just an Aperitif (Wineries to Discover)
  • Five local expressions, certified itineraries, and a strong wine tourism offering.
  • Why it matters : Experiential positioning beyond use-occasion.
• BereBene 2026 (Gambero Rosso) – sparkling wines and wines under €20
  • 1,000 labels, digital platform; Tuscany and Piedmont lead the way in representation.
  • Why it matters : Value-for-money channel to manage volumes without eroding image.
• Agritourism: 60 years of Agriturist
  • 26,000 businesses, integrating production, hospitality, and experiences; a "rural hub" as a future model.
  • Why it matters : Key lever for agricultural incomes, deseasonalization, and direct sales.

International

• Bulk wine: still 1/3 of world trade
  • Spain is the leading producer and player, followed by Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and France; the UK and Germany are the main buyers.
  • Why it matters : Tactical opportunities for cash flow and volume outlets, but be careful about brand positioning.
• France: New subsidies for vineyard uprooting (€130 million)
  • €4,000/ha to rebalance overproduction; target ~32,000 ha vs. demand for uprooting ~35,000 ha.
  • Why it matters : It impacts future availability, source prices and intra-EU competition.
• EU: Between bioeconomy, plant protection products, and deforestation regulation (postponements under discussion)
  • Political tensions and protests announced (December 18, ~10,000 farmers in Brussels).
  • Why it matters : A shifting regulatory framework = risk-opportunity in terms of costs, practices, and compliance times.

Wine events

• Benvenuto Brunello – closing today (34th edition)
  • 2,000 attendees; 370 labels, 123 wineries. Tastings: Brunello 2021, Riserva 2020, Rosso 2024, Moscadello, Sant'Antimo. Market debut January 1, 2026.
  • Why it matters : thermometer of the denomination and international showcase.
• Life of Wine – 14th edition (Rome, Sunday, November 30)
  • 40 wineries, >150 older vintages (since 1990) and >200 labels; focus on evolution over time.
  • Why it matters : It enhances longevity and collectibility, useful for trade and premium communication.
• Surprising Calabria (November 29–December 2)
  • Press tours with Italian and international press and the Vinitaly International Academy; tastings and meetings with producers.
  • Why it matters : Awareness of a region experiencing strong growth in interest.
• Modena pleasure × Modena racetrack
  • Donation of works dedicated to Motor Valley drivers; motoring culture, food and wine.
  • Why it matters : territorial synergy and experiential brand building.
• Welcome Brunello – 2021 Vintage Analysis
  • Extensive tastings (124 producers); some gaps to be filled for representativeness.
  • Why it matters : stylistic reading useful for buyers and vintage communication.

Operational tips (quick)

• Scale & partnerships : the Collis trajectory and balance sheet data reiterate the urgency of aggregating volumes, functions and markets.
• Wallet : manage “no/low alcohol”, orange and value <€20 with labels consistent with the brand.
• Markets : Monitor bulk and French pricing and procurement measures; protect margins with more flexible contracts.
• Wine tourism : promote the “rural hub” format and thematic itineraries (Lugana/Calabria) to increase average receipts and build customer loyalty.

A review courtesy of WINEIDEA.IT. See you tomorrow for the next round of horizons.