Wine press review of July 3, 2025

ITALIAN WINERIES

• Podere Sapaio launches the Sapaio Pavilion in Bolgheri The project for a new signature winery designed by Alvisi Kirimoto, dedicated to the Sapaio label, has begun, with inauguration scheduled for 2027.
• Tenuta Meraviglia: from abandoned quarry to luxury wine spot Alejandro Bulgheroni's new winery in Bolgheri has been inaugurated, in a converted former quarry, for an investment of 125 million euros.
• Terre d'Oltrepò: Lombardy Region intervenes in governance Councilor Beduschi announces a relaunch project and a list of candidates for the Board of Directors of the social winery in crisis.
• Cantina Valtidone awarded at the Decanter World Wine Awards Six medals (3 silver and 3 bronze) for the wines of the Piacenza cooperative at the international competition.
• Fonzone, a young passion for excellent viticulture The Irpinia company, founded only in 2010, continues to enhance Greco, Fiano and Aglianico with low yields and great attention to quality.
• FORBUS: Integrated business for wineries in difficulty A new service is presented that supports management, marketing and viticulture to make wineries more competitive.
• Wine tourism: cellars for rent on weekends are sought. There is a growing demand for wine tourism spaces open on Saturdays and Sundays to offer visits and tastings to customers.
• Startup Vino&Natura: digitalization to support wineries Promote sales, sustainability and community involvement with a project that combines technology and agriculture.

ITALIAN WINE

• Changing Market: More Whites and Sparkling Wines, Fewer Reds According to Andrea Pala, consumers prefer fresh, versatile, and light wines over structured reds.
• Valpolicella: Amarone declines, the denomination remains stable. 2024 production down (-3%), but green vineyard surfaces grow (41%).
• Low-alcohol Nero d'Avola: a good debut for the Innonda project. Excellent results for the Sicilian experimentation on low-alcohol wines without distorting the grape variety.
• Piedmont, cellars full two months after the harvest. Proposals to reduce the vineyard area and new rules on vermouth to manage the excess product.
• Agea: 2024 harvest at 43.9 million hectoliters. Abundant production is confirmed, but the high stocks in Italian cellars are worrying.
• US duties: concerns for Italian exports The Uiv estimates a drop in turnover between 10% and 12% for Italian producers if the 10% duty is confirmed.
• Frescobaldi (Uiv): the Consolidated Wine Act needs to be updated. The president proposes to review the legislation by 2026 to adapt it to the new market challenges.
• Valoritalia: too many DOCs, alliances needed We need to simplify and collaborate to increase the perceived quality of Italian wine on global markets.
• 50 Shades of Pinot Noir in Voghera on 27-28 September Festival dedicated to Pinot Noir with tastings and immersive experiences in the city center.
• Chiara Valerio inaugurates Pordenonelegge in the cellar Literature and wine meet in the Cabert, La Sartoria and San Simone cellars for three summer events.

ITALIAN OENOLOGY

• Climate and harvest: destructive hailstorm in the Marca Some vineyards in the Treviso area have suffered 100% losses after the latest hailstorms.
• Brescia viticulture: positive year thanks to the heat. Excellent quality and quantity expected thanks to the spring rains and high temperatures in June.
• Del Monte starts bankruptcy proceedings in the USA The Californian company also known in Italy is paying the price for the consumer crisis and the competition from healthier and cheaper products.
• Natural Capital as an Investment There is growing interest in agricultural land and sustainable systems as investment assets.
• Ribolla for Dogs: the “wine” perfume for four-legged friends The Collavini winery launches an ambient fragrance designed for the well-being of pets.
• Rent to buy project for agricultural companies Opportunity for young farmers to acquire companies with a facilitated rent-to-buy formula.

INTERNATIONAL

• France against EU funds for South African wine Controversy over the 15 million euros allocated from the EU Fund to the South African wine industry, while in Europe the crisis of winemakers grows.