Wine press review for Wednesday, October 28, 2026!

1. ITALIAN WINERIES AND NEW LABELS

Fattoria Sardi: in Tuscany, over half of the production is rosé.

In Lucca, Fattoria Sardi has built its identity on rosé wines, which represent over 50% of its production. This transformation, initiated in 2009 by Matteo Giustiniani with the contribution of winemaker Denis Dubourdieu, highlights the climatic characteristics and soils of the Freddana Valley. Some of the estate's rosés demonstrate a capacity to evolve for more than ten years.

VentiVenti: The Classic Method in the Heart of Lambrusco

The VentiVenti winery in Medolla, near Modena, focuses on the Classic Method through a contemporary reinterpretation of local grape varieties. Founded in 2016 by the Razzaboni family, it owns over 70 hectares of land, more than 30 of which are vineyards. Oenological research, sustainability, and long aging on the lees guide the project.

Della Gherardesca presents the new Bolgheri Rosso Superiore

The Della Gherardesca collection is enriched with the Castello di Castagneto Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC 2023, produced with Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (25%), and Cabernet Franc (10%). The project, born from the collaboration between Gaddo della Gherardesca and Prosit Group, combines family tradition with a contemporary vision of the region.

Ruggeri launches Revén, a new Prosecco Superiore DOCG.

The Ruggeri winery in Valdobbiadene presents Revén, a Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut Millesimato that showcases the Glera grape and the winery's experimental approach. The project continues the research into low-dosage sparkling wines and extended aging, already developed with other wines from the winery.

Maso Martis: First Magnum for Trentodoc Monsieur Martis

Trentino winery Maso Martis presents 100 numbered 1.5-liter magnums of Monsieur Martis Brut Rosé 2020, made from 100% Meunier grapes. The wine has aged on the lees for over 60 months and will be available from November 2026 at a suggested retail price of €150, packaged in a wooden case.

Cantina Roeno relaunches Enantio, a native grape variety from the Adige Valley.

Enantio, an ancient red grape variety that survived phylloxera, is returning to the spotlight thanks to Cantina Roeno, run by the Fugatti family. Grown in the Terradeiforti region, between Veneto and Trentino, it covers just 35-40 hectares. Its promotion represents an opportunity to protect Italy's viticultural biodiversity.

MAN Sparkling Wines: Blanc de Noir 2021 among the Rare Wines

The 2021 Trento Brut Nature Blanc de Noir from MAN Spumanti, a company founded in 2016 in Val di Cembra, is the only Trentodoc awarded in the Sparkling Wines category of the Rare Wines of Gambero Rosso 2027. Produced in just 2,000 bottles, the wine stands out for its originality and limited production.

Follador Prosecco and the Vialli and Mauro Foundation: Christmas Charity Returns

For Christmas 2026, Follador Prosecco dal 1769 is renewing its partnership with the Vialli and Mauro Foundation for the thirteenth year. For every Collection Image bottle sold online in December, the company will donate to support ALS research and cancer prevention and treatment.

San Michele Appiano Winery Among the Ten Icons of Wine

Gambero Rosso has included the South Tyrolean winery San Michele Appiano among the ten Wine Icons selected to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Vini d'Italia guide. This recognition recognizes the winery's contribution to the qualitative renewal of South Tyrolean and Italian viticulture.

2. ITALIAN WINE, OENOLOGY AND MARKET

Gambero Rosso 2027: Special Awards from the Vini d'Italia Guide

The fortieth edition of Gambero Rosso's Vini d'Italia guide features 2,614 producers and over 23,000 wines. Among the awards, the best red is from Abruzzo and the best white from Sicily. Special prizes also recognize young producers, historic wineries, and new winemaking approaches, including spontaneous fermentations, orange wines, and Piwi-resistant grape varieties.

Oltrepò Pavese: Tre Bicchieri record

The 2027 Vini d'Italia guide awards Oltrepò Pavese 11 Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses), the best result ever achieved by the region. Ten of the awards are for Pinot Noir-based wines, both Metodo Classico and red. Newcomers include Finigeto, with its Pinot Noir Il Nirò Riserva 2023, and Cà Tessitori, with its Metodo Classico Extra Brut MV 2021.

Lugana DOC: Identity and quality at the heart of the strategy

Alberto Zenato, vice president of the Consorzio Tutela Lugana DOC, reiterates the importance of strengthening the denomination's value without focusing solely on increasing volumes. Clay soils, Lake Garda's microclimate, and the Turbiana grape variety are the main distinguishing features of Lugana, prized for its freshness, minerality, and ability to age.

Collio Pinot Grigio: two interpretations and a strong territorial identity

The second edition of Collio Evolution explored the potential of Pinot Grigio, a grape variety that represents approximately 30% of the denomination's production. The event brought together over 60 journalists, 50 wineries, and over 250 wines for tasting, with the aim of highlighting the relationship between soils, microclimates, and production styles.

Altroconsumo: The best white wine isn't necessarily the most expensive.

An Altroconsumo test published on October 26th on 36 white wines, evaluated in a laboratory and by 22 expert judges, highlights that price is no guarantee of quality. The top-ranked wine averages around 11 euros, demonstrating that a good purchase can be affordable without spending a lot.

New index to measure the evolutionary potential of wine

Nicola Biasi Consulting presents NB-WEP (Wine Evolution Potential), an index designed to evaluate and monitor the aging potential of wines. The method is intended to support winemaking decisions regarding aging in a context characterized by climate change, premature ripening, and potential imbalances in acidity and phenolic structure.

Direct distribution: winemakers seek margins and new business relationships.

The Corto Circuito network brings together small producers who choose to connect directly with restaurants and wine shops, reducing the need for intermediaries. The goal is to contain distribution costs and strengthen customer relationships during a period of declining consumption and growing commercial difficulties.

Restaurants: Expensive wine lists and declining consumption

According to the Fipe-UIV Observatory, wine generates approximately €12 billion in consumption in Italian restaurants and represents over 21% of the average bill. However, spending and volumes are declining. The Federvini-TradeLab Observatory noted a 7% decline in wine consumption outside the home in the first three quarters of 2025. High prices and limited menu options can discourage consumers.

Italian wine tourism: authenticity and local flavor attract Americans

In the first eight months of 2026, foreign tourists spent €16.2 billion in Italy, a 5% increase over 2025. The United States leads the ranking with €2.55 billion (7.3%). According to the AITE report for Vinitaly Tourism, 79% of US respondents consider Italy a destination capable of offering authentic food and wine experiences. Sicily and Tuscany are the most popular regions, followed by Piedmont.

Tuscany and Sicily: A Comparison of Two Wine Tourism Models

A CESEO-LUMSA study for the Wine Tourism Movement, presented at FINE Italy, highlights the strong presence of foreign visitors in Tuscan (66%) and Sicilian (74%) wineries. Tuscany stands out for its connection between wine, culture, and landscape; Sicily for its sustainability, gastronomy, and hospitality. Territorial differences can become a resource for targeted development strategies.

Italian wine seeks a new balance between health and conscious consumption.

The book La Via del Vino , written by neuroscientist Giovanni Scapagnini and promoted by the Foundation supported by Federico Veronesi, will be available in bookstores from January 2027. The work aims to explore the relationship between wine and health through scientific data and sources, recalling the theme of moderation and the dietary and cultural context of the Mediterranean Diet.

Italian olive oil: growing international competition

A study on global olive oil trade highlights the growth of New World producers, including Chile, Argentina, Australia, and the United States. Mechanization, high-density planting, and alternative production schedules are strengthening their competitiveness, putting pressure on traditional Mediterranean countries. This issue affects the Italian agri-food sector as a whole.

3. INTERNATIONAL WINE AND FOREIGN MARKETS

South Korea: Wine consumption grows, as demand for education increases

Gambero Rosso brings a new international event to Seoul dedicated to the finest Italian wines, with tastings, masterclasses, and awards for Italian restaurants. According to a 2024 IWSR survey, only 32% of Korean wine consumers consider themselves knowledgeable, while between 2019 and 2024, the number of people drinking wine at least once a week grew by 50%. The market therefore offers opportunities for promotion and education.

United States: Signs of recovery, but consumption is changing

The US market is showing signs of recovery, accompanied by new preferences: lower alcohol consumption, greater attention to Prosecco, and interest in premium brands. ITA President Matteo Zoppas points to wine tourism and restaurant promotion as strategic levers. Veronafiere confirms the importance of the United States for Italian wine and aims to strengthen Vinitaly's presence in the country.

Vinitaly.USA in New York: Emilia-Romagna wines take center stage

The first New York edition of Vinitaly.USA brought together over 300 exhibitors, approximately 2,500 labels, and more than 1,000 buyers. Emilia-Romagna showcased Lambrusco, Romagna wines, and DOP and IGP designations, combining wine promotion with the culinary culture of Casa Artusi. Tariffs, slowing consumption, and competition make promoting origin and quality a priority.

Vinitaly OperaWine 2027: 46 Wineries Led by Women

The selection of 150 companies participating in Vinitaly OperaWine 2027 was presented in New York. Alongside the historic categories, 46 wineries are led by women, championing the visibility and leadership of women in the sector. The selection was illustrated with the contribution of Alison Napjus, senior editor of Wine Spectator.

Denmark: Towards the European Union's Northernmost Wine PDO

The European Commission has published the application for recognition of the Danish Røsnæs appellation, initiating a three-month period for any objections. If approved, it will be Denmark's second PDO wine and the northernmost in the EU. The project demonstrates the expansion of viticulture in Northern Europe, favored by maritime microclimates and resistant varieties.

Australia: 187ml wine bottles are gaining new consumers.

The Poco Vino brand, launched by the Australian Vintage group, focuses on single-serve 187ml bottles, selling for around AUD $7. According to industry press, the brand sells around 12,000 bottles a day and is expanding across Australia, the United Kingdom, and other markets. The format appeals to those who want a single glass without opening a traditional bottle.

4. WINE EVENTS, PROMOTION AND TERRITORY

Collio Evolution: An International Pinot Grigio Comparison

The event, organized by the Consortium, brought together over 60 Italian and international journalists, 50 wineries, and more than 250 wines in Gorizia and Cormòns. The second edition explored the different interpretations of Pinot Grigio and the connection between the grape variety, terroir, and production identity.

Valtènesi: international promotion and recognition

The Valtènesi Consortium participated in the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World in Athens from October 20th to 23rd, along with 14 other Lombardy consortia. On October 25th, it also participated in the Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri event in Rome, where six member wineries received recognition. The autumn calendar continues with initiatives dedicated to local areas and sustainability.

Sicily: Autumn in the Cellar grows by 40%

The 2026 edition of Autunno in Cantina, promoted with the support of IRVO, saw a 40% increase in attendance. The initiative involved seven Sicilian regions with tastings, vineyard tours, music, and cultural activities. This success confirms the interest in native grape varieties and in experiences that combine wine, landscape, and local traditions.

Gavorrano: SAPORE promotes sustainability and wine tourism

The Municipality of Gavorrano, along with Città del Vino and the FAI Grosseto delegation, promoted SAPORE, an initiative dedicated to sustainability, the environment, local produce, hospitality, rurality, and wine tourism. The meeting explored sustainable tourism and the agricultural and winemaking history of the Maremma, with a walk through the historic center dedicated to the region's history.

Drink in Sansepolcro: Italian wine meets culture

The second edition of BEVI – Borgo Eccellenze Vinicole Italiane brought producers and enthusiasts to Sansepolcro, showcasing the artistic and architectural heritage of Piero della Francesca's city. The event combines the promotion of Italian wine, culture, and tourism development in the Tiber Valley.

FINE Italy: Shared strategies for the future of wine tourism

The discussion promoted by the Wine Tourism Movement highlighted the need to enhance the differences between regions, improve accessibility, and integrate sustainability, hospitality, and digital promotion. Data from Tuscany and Sicily demonstrate how different models can generate complementary opportunities for wineries.

Cibus Tec 2026: Innovation for the Food and Beverage Industry

Cibus Tec 2026 has begun at the Parma Fairgrounds and runs until October 30. The event brings together 1,300 companies and brands from over 35 countries, with more than 450 new products and over 40,000 expected attendees. Production technologies, automation, laboratories, and food safety are the focus of the event, with initiatives also dedicated to African markets.

QUIDQUID – Wine press review for Wednesday 2-8 October 2026.

The event is offered by WINEIDEA.IT.