Wine press review for Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Italian wineries

• Cantina Lvnae (Lunigiana) – A new "silent" winery dedicated to Vermentino, a collaborative project led by Diego Bosoni with AT Studio and Andrea Del Sere. Why it matters : A virtuous example of identity-building architecture serving the local brand.
• Terracruda (Fratte Rosa, PU) – Green farm and winery nestled in a village of 800 residents. Why it matters : Slow tourism, short supply chain = leverage in inland areas.
• Terre d'Oltrepò Winery (Broni) – New supply contracts: ~24,000 quintals of grapes pressed, peaking at 3,000 quintals/day; white grapes almost finished, reds starting. Why it matters : Commissioner-controlled governance positively impacts liquidity and shareholder confidence.
• Iolei (Oliena, NU) – “Calici in Vendemmia,” September 12–13: 10 years since the first label (“Attimi”). Why it matters : A return-to-origins storytelling to strengthen Cannonau's local equity.
• Monte Rossa (Franciacorta) – Company Portrait: From Classic Method Pioneers to Cutting-Edge Laboratory. Why It Matters : Consistency between Innovation and Tradition as a Driver of Premiumization.
• Cantina Sociale Barbera dei Sei Castelli (AT) – “Il Risveglio del Ceppo” for AISLA, September 12–30: 50% of proceeds donated to charity. Why it matters : Authentic CSR that promotes old vines equals reputation and identity.
• Cantina Boccadoro (Franciacorta) – At the Franciacorta Festival, a photography exhibition by Silvia Coccaglio (September 19–21). Why it matters : art and wine fusion for a winery experience.

Italian wine & Italian oenology

• 2025 Harvest – Valpolicella – Harvest begins: "balanced" quality, reduced yields; lower volume expected. Implications : price support and focus on positional Valpolicella/Amarone.
• UIV – L. Frescobaldi – “Too much quantity on the market, yield cuts and a review of the 'falls' towards IGT are needed.” Implications : supply discipline to defend average value/litre.
• US Exports & Tariffs – Question from Hon. Giaccone: 12.5% export value in March 2025 vs. 2024; 15% tariff starting August 1, 2025 is concerning. Implications : risk of a return to 2019 levels by the end of 2026; priority given to pricing, mix, and channels.
• Slow Wine 2026 – Sardinia – Five “Snails” for the island; national tasting in Milan on October 18th. Signal : widespread recognition of Sardinian quality and quality/price ratio.
• Soave & Longevity – Press Award: Tenuta Sant'Antonio's "Vigna Monte Ceriani" 2018. Message : The DOC successfully communicates its aging potential.
• Training
  • SUMAV (ONAV–Unito) – The school for Master Tasters using the scientific method returns this fall.
  • AIS Val di Susa – First local sommelier course from September 16th (3 levels).
  • Master's Degree in "Italian Wines and World Markets" (Sant'Anna, Pisa) – 11th edition; registration until October 6th. Why it matters : widespread professionalization = human capital for wineries and the supply chain.
• Sustainability & Standards – Equalitas also for wine vinegar producers (CMO scope): opportunities for reputation and market expansion.
• Wine Culture – Monsignor Bruno Fasani: Wine as a metaphor for relationships and community. Inspiration : storytelling values beyond technique.
• Styles & Territories
  • Pinot Noir – Focus on different interpretations: elegance as the common denominator.
  • Colli Berici & Durello – Vicenza bubbles highlighted at the “Italy–America Friendship Festival.”

International

• Liv-Ex 2025 – “Fine Wine Classification” – Italy rises: 86 labels out of 332; tier prices revised down 23% from 2023, following the Liv-Ex 1000 (June 23–June 25). Reading : secondary market correcting; buying window for top labels for discerning buyers.

Wine events (in chronological order)

• September 12–13 – Oliena (NU) : Glasses in Harvest at Iolei – 10 years of cellar.
• September 12–14 – Vicenza : Italy–America Friendship Festival – masterclass focusing on Durello, Breganze, Gambellara, Colli Berici.
• September 16 – Val di Susa : start of the first AIS course in the valley.
• September 19–21 – Franciacorta : Franciacorta Festival – Cantina Boccadoro hosts photography exhibition.
• September 12–30 – Castelnuovo Calcea (AT) : AISLA Fundraising with “Il Risveglio del Ceppo”.
• October 5–6 – Chicago : wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum – Vinitaly.USA
  • 20 sessions: blind tasting, MW/MS, focus on pricing, communication, import and duties (USA/Canada/Mexico – ITA Track).
• October 9 – Rome (UMA) : Stories at the table with Cantina Produttori Cormòns – signature dinner, “monotheme” ingredients.
• October 18 – Milan (SuperstudioMaxi) : Grand Slow Wine tasting – over 800 labels, award-winning highlights, and new entries.
• October 25–26 – Piana Rotaliana (TN) : Rotaliani Meetings 2025 – Teroldego meets Syrah (Cortona & Côte-Rôtie); “Wine and Landscape” talk with producers and institutions.

Key signals for quick decisions

• US demand under pressure (15% tariffs): review export price lists, push premium on-premise and DTC channels where possible; hedge currency.
• Abundant domestic supply : support for yield cuts and inventory management; push for selections/old vineyards and the “longevity” category (Soave docet).
• Sardinia in the sprint : scouting/partnership opportunities for highly reputable micro-denominations.
• Training & Certifications : Invest in SUMAV/AIS/Master and Equalitas , including for "satellite" products (wine vinegar), to expand your sustainable portfolio.
• Secondary market in correction : for wine bars/fine dining restaurants, buying window on Italian icons for future verticals and “smart luxury” cards.