The Consortium of Lazio Winemakers is born: a challenge to agro-industry
A new chapter for Lazio wine. The Consorzio dei Vignaioli del Lazio is born, bringing together 29 independent wineries in the region. The goal is clear: to promote viticulture rooted in the territory, sustainable and collaborative , far from the intensive models of agro-industry.
Leading the project is Stefano Matturro (L'Avventura di Piglio), supported by entities such as Merumalia and Tre Botti . Among the protagonists is also Ludovico Botti , elected vice president of CEVI , which strengthens the link between Lazio and the European networks of artisanal viticulture.
Phylloxera: The Plague That Changed European Viticulture Forever
In the late 1800s, a tiny insect, phylloxera , devastated European vineyards. Originally from North America, this parasite destroyed the roots of European vines, which were unable to defend themselves. The solutions of the time (flooding, chemical treatments) were in vain. Salvation came only with grafting onto American rootstocks , a practice that is still the basis of world viticulture today.
PFAS Alert in European Wine: Levels Up to 100 Times Higher than Drinking Water
A study by Pan Europe raises the alarm: PFAS residues (the “eternal contaminants”) are also present in European wines. In particular, there is a peak of the TFA molecule, derived from industrial processes and the release of fluorinated gases. The origin is linked to refrigerants and industrial atmospheric agents, which also penetrate the vineyard soils.
“Natural Wine? It’s Not Enough”: Giovanni Aiello and Science in the Cellar
Giovanni Aiello, an oenologist from Puglia and innovator of Verdeca and Primitivo , breaks the mold: «Natural wine cannot be a ghetto. It also requires expertise». Aiello reevaluates the role of science, praising those, like Occhipinti and Barraco , who have brought artisanal wines to major fairs, breaking down walls and prejudices in the sector.
Signorvino: simplicity and conviviality at the base of success
With 42 wine shops in Italy, Signorvino (Oniverse group) continues to innovate the wine experience. General Manager Luca Pizzighella and the Veronesi brothers are focusing on modern packaging and accessible storytelling, intercepting new audiences. Next move? An acquisition in Piedmont , with Barolo and Barbaresco at the center of the relaunch.
Veneto leads the PIWI: the green challenge of resistant vines
Resistant vines, fewer pesticides, same quality: this is the challenge of PIWI wines . According to the IM.VI.BIO.R. study, Veneto represents 38% of national production, with 630 hectares cultivated and 173 labels on the market. Producers are enthusiastic: 96% are ready to continue with these sustainable varieties.
Historic decline for global wine: production and consumption at 60-year lows
According to the OIV, 2024 marked the historical minimum of wine production : 225.8 million hectoliters , -4.8% compared to 2023. Consumption also collapsed: 214.2 million hectoliters. The decline is due to climatic factors and a cultural change in consumption. The market is moving towards a fragile equilibrium.
Benanti, pioneers of Etna on all sides of the DOC
The Benanti family, among the oldest in Etna viticulture, is today the only one present on all sides of the DOC Etna . Officially founded in 1988 by Antonino Benanti , today it is led by his sons Salvino and Antonio , under the aegis of Brave Wine . Their project is a mix of history, innovation and volcanic terroir.
Cavazza Winery: 100 Years of Tradition and Innovation
Towards its centenary, Cantina Cavazza confirms itself as a symbol of Veneto viticulture. From its roots in Gambellara, today it expands to the Berici Hills with the fourth generation at the helm. A historic company that looks to the future, maintaining its connection with the land and focusing on quality and sustainability.
NAS, cellar checks: fines and seizures in Northern Italy
Two recent interventions by the NAS:
The operations demonstrate the growing attention to transparency and legality in the wine sector.
Cepparello 2022: Isole e Olena's new jewel
Cepparello 2022 by Isole e Olena (Toscana IGT) confirms itself among the top Italian wines. Pure Sangiovese, aged 18 months in barrique , selected from the best plots. The winery, now part of the EPI group, continues the legacy of Paolo De Marchi , maintaining the elegant and territorial style.
Digital Wine Lists: Is the Sommelier in Danger?
New wine lists on tablets, chalkboards or QR codes make the experience more interactive and accessible. But can they really replace the sommelier? James Suckling 's experiment on a cruise line suggests not: human interaction remains essential.
Prosecco Spring: Free Minibus to Discover the Unesco Hills
From April 25th to May 4th, the free minibus service will start to explore the Prosecco Hills , a UNESCO heritage site. The initiative is part of the “Primavera del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco” festival and allows visits in stages between exhibitions, cellars and breathtaking views.
Italian exports on the rise: January 2025 starts with a bang
Italian wine exports open 2025 with a plus sign: 7.5% in value and 1.9% in volume . The United States leads demand, driven by the anticipation of duties. The protagonists of growth? Sparkling wines, which alone are worth 150.4 million euros.
Lucca to drink: heroic and biodynamic wine in the Tuscan hills
Lucca confirms itself as a land of biodiversity. From the Pisan hills to Garfagnana, passing through the Vini delle Coste, local winemaking embraces heroic and biodynamic practices, in unique geological contexts. A niche production that embodies the identity of the Lucca terroir.
Mandrarossa: Wine Meets Literature with a Traveling Award
From the heart of Sicily comes the Mandrarossa Literary Award , part of the Agrigento Italian Capital of Culture 2025 program. A journey through wine and storytelling, with stops in Italian bookstores and at the Turin Book Fair . Because a good book, like a good wine, should be savored slowly.
“We fell for it in Bordeaux”: wine reduced to a financial product
French négociants denounce the crisis in Bordeaux , where years of speculation have transformed wines into investment tools. The result? Inflated prices, cellars in crisis and disoriented consumers. Today in the bistros people drink Primitivo and look for freshness, not famous labels.
2025 Strategies for Italian Wine: Resilience and New Global Challenges
From the conference “The Economy of Wine”, a key word emerges: resilience . 2025 will be marked by tensions on duties , but also by new opportunities. The sector looks to digitalization, sustainability and valorization of local denominations to relaunch itself on international markets.
Saturday 26th April: "Ossola in Cantina" is back
Eight Ossola wineries open their doors for “Ossola in Cantina” . Tastings, typical products and a single ticket to experience wine tourism in the Alps. The event, in collaboration with Slow Food and AIS , allows a food and wine journey in the Val d'Ossola with a dedicated kit. Tickets available online or on site (30 euros).
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