Wine Press Review – Thursday 24 April 2025

Italian Triumph for Sauvignon Selection by CMB

33 medals for Italy, Friuli and Trentino-Alto Adige shine

Italy wins 33 medals, including 2 Grand Gold Medals, at the prestigious Sauvignon Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles , held in Burgas (Bulgaria). Over 1,000 wines from 26 countries were evaluated by an international jury of 60 experts. The podium was dominated by France, Austria and Italy. New Zealand, Chile (overall winner), Romania and Bulgaria also stand out.

Wine grapes: Amarone and Prosecco in decline

Prices of Amarone , Recioto and Valpolicella are falling. The Friuli varieties are stable (Pinot Grigio, Friulano, Ribolla Gialla). Significant decreases also for Brunello, Barolo and Chianti. Lugana, Franciacorta and Merlot Igt are increasing. Source: Bmti of Unioncamere .

Sustainability in Tuscany: Energy from Olive Trees

In Seggiano (GR) , the Poderi Borselli company becomes self-sufficient thanks to the reuse of agricultural by-products. A virtuous model of circular and sustainable agriculture in an area dedicated to excellent oil and wine.

TFA Alert in European Wines

Pan Europe ’s “ Message from the Bottle ” report denounces the massive presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in wines from 10 EU countries. The levels detected are up to 100 times higher than those in drinking water. Growing concern over the use of PFAS in plant protection products.

France: Falling wine consumption and Prosecco boom

The French are drinking less wine: in 2024 there will be a 4% drop in volume and value. Red wine is doing worse (-7%). Preferences for rosés and whites are increasing. Prosecco , which is increasingly in demand, is bucking the trend.

Gregu Family: Two Centuries of Winemaking in Sardinia

From Barbagia to Gallura , the Gregu family has transformed Sardinian viticulture. From bulk wines to quality wine, with vineyards between Fonni and Calangianus, on granite soils immersed in the Mediterranean scrub.

Resistant vines: Veneto national leader

According to research by the University of Padua and Dimensione Agricoltura , Veneto leads the production of PIWI wines , with 630 hectares of cultivated land, 94 producers and 173 labels. Followed by Alto Adige, Trentino, Lombardy and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Dealcoholized: Italy still behind

Italian companies are still unable to produce dealcoholized wines on site. Criticism from Martin Foradori (J. Hofstätter): «France and Germany use our vines, we are blocked by bureaucracy».

Exports 2024: Italy at the top for biodiversity

With 635 registered varieties and 529 PDO/PGI wines , Italy leads European winemaking. Second in export value (22%) behind France (34.5%), but first in biodiversity. The turnover of Italian wine reaches 14.5 billion euros .

Hi-tech viticulture against the climate crisis

Italian startups like BeadRoots and Agreen Biosolutions are revolutionizing viticulture to resist drought and hailstorms. Supported by CDP Venture Capital's FoodSeed program.

Wine tourism on the rise

22.6% visitors in 2024, 41% average receipt in two years. Wine tourism becomes central to direct sales. Wine Suite & Divinea data.

Lake Como Wine Festival: 33 Wineries and Flavors of Italy

From April 24th to 28th in Como , over 40 companies between wine and typical products. An event spread through the streets of the city with tastings, crafts and music.

Theft at the Terre d'Oltrepò winery

In Broni (PV) , thieves break into the safe of the Terre d'Oltrepò social winery. Concern among the members. No damage to the bottles, only cash stolen.

Ca' del Bosco invests to tackle climate change

The goal is to reach 2.4 million bottles . Investments in new vineyards to guarantee quality and continuity, focusing on organic and sustainability .

Vernaccia di Oristano: 100 legendary harvests

The historic Contini company celebrates a century of harvests with a special edition of Vernaccia di Oristano DOC Riserva 1998 and a restyling inspired by the 70s.

SOStain Sicilia: the green bottle

Reduction of the weight of the bottle from 410 to 360 grams thanks to the “ 100% Sicilia Bottle ” project in collaboration with OI. Less CO₂, more sustainability.

Borgo diVino on Tour 2025: away from Egna

From April 26th to November 2nd, the national tour of the most beautiful villages in Italy returns. Tastings, music and gastronomy. First stop: Egna (BZ) , last: Venosa (PZ) .

Vocation? A word to be reviewed

A critical reflection: the “vocation” of a land is often a romantic and reductive construction. A more scientific and historical approach to the relationship between territory and viticulture is needed.

Volta Mantovana hosts European passito wines

The National Exhibition of Passiti Wines goes international. On stage 100 Italian and 6 Hungarian wineries thanks to the collaboration with the Consulate of Hungary.

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