Wine Press Review – Tuesday 6th May 2025

Selected news for enthusiasts, professionals and those curious about the world of wine.

Stories of producers & territories

Cantine Spinelli – The Seasons of Wine in Abruzzo The evolution of a family business that, without origins as winemakers, has built a strong identity in the Val di Sangro. Brothers Carlo and Adriano Spinelli tell the story of the journey that has led their company to be a protagonist of the Abruzzo winemaking transformations.

Piwi Wines: Pierguido Ceste's challenge in Piedmont The producer from Govone (CN) talks about the difficult path towards resistant, sustainable and organic viticulture. His vision? A "reasoned" viticulture that focuses on healthy grapes, few interventions and a lot of respect for the land.

Zanzariello and the Classic Method in the heart of Puglia In the magical landscape of the Itria Valley, Mino Zanzariello produces sparkling wines from native vines such as Verdeca and Susumaniello, transforming the Murgia dei Trulli into a new frontier for Apulian bubbles.

Fojaneghe: the icon of Trentino The symbolic wine of the Bossi Fedrigotti Counts, born in 1961 and precursor of the Supertuscans. A tribute to the intuition and the ability to innovate, inspired by the best of Bordeaux.

Spontaneous Connections in Valchiusella A chef, a territory and the wine of Cantina della Serra. The event transforms dinner into a sensory experience with wild herbs, artisanal bowls and wine pairings rooted in Alpine culture.

Events, fairs and tastings

Vinous Icons Italy in New York (May 14–17) A great event by Antonio Galloni that brings the best of Italian wine to the Big Apple. Tastings of the Bel Paese’s wine icons, told directly by producers and owners.

Sicilia en Primeur (6–10 May, Modica) Five days to discover the wine-making soul of the island, with tours, masterclasses and tastings that embrace the whole of Sicily, from the lands of Vittoria to the vineyards of Pantelleria.

Berebianco 2025 – Rome, May 10 A journey through the longest-lived Italian whites. Sixty companies and over 160 labels for tasting for a complete overview of a growing segment.

Sabato del Vignaiolo – May 10 FIVI event spread throughout Italy. In Nicotera (Calabria), Casa Comerci hosts the regional edition: the protagonists are independent winemakers, with stories, tastings and artisanal philosophy.

Open Cellars 2025 – May 24/25

• National event : the largest wine tourism event in Italy, returns with over 600 wineries involved.
• Abruzzo in festa : 50 participating companies between Teramo, Chieti, Pescara and L'Aquila ready to welcome wine tourists with tastings, events and experiences.

Fior di vigna – May 16, Veneto A walk at dusk among the rows of vines of Cantina Pegoraro. An experience of nature, music and wine that celebrates the International Day of Light.

Market, economy & regulation

Accounting and Investments in Vineyards There is still no single accounting principle for the wine sector. The need for specific rules to ensure competitiveness and transparency remains a priority.

Extensions for winemaking contributions (MASAF)

• Vineyard reconversion: deadline postponed to May 15, 2025.
• Cellar investments: extension to May 31, 2025. Endowment: 323.9 million euros per year.

Eurostat: European wine superstar In 2024, extra-EU exports reached 29.8 billion euros (10.9%). Wine represents 56.2% of the total. France is the leader, followed by Italy and Spain. The USA and UK are the main markets.

Wine Trends and Culture

Vermentino: a challenge with a glass of wine The fourth edition of the competition dedicated to Vermentino took place in Massa from May 2 to 4. A grape variety that enchants judges and enthusiasts, between Liguria, Tuscany and Sardinia.

Cabernet Franc: Long Island Says Goodbye to Bordeaux With the “Cab Franc Forward” movement, New York is aiming for a native and recognizable style. Macari Vineyards leads the revolution with juicy, distinctive and energetic reds.

Arianna Occhipinti at Vinitaly: a natural icon changes pavilion The Sicilian producer at the center of the debate on natural wine. Her participation in the Sicily Pavilion instead of ViViT sparks discussions on the role and perception of independent producers.

Keep calm and drink Italian wine Campaign launched by Coldiretti, Fipe and Filiera Italia to promote conscious consumption and the wine identity of the Belpaese. Initiative with digital breathalyzer integrated into restaurant menus.

Wine holes: between tradition and hygiene controversies In Florence, "sidewalk" pouring raises criticism. The Hon. Draghi (FdI): "Tradition yes, but in compliance with hygiene standards".

International curiosities

The world's largest barrel is in Azerbaijan With 66,000 liters of capacity, the Savalan winery enters the Guinness Book of Records. The wine? An international red blend. And there's also a touch of Italy in the production.

Sicily: the pioneer of the wine-food-territory story A successful example of territorial food and wine marketing. The region has been able to link chefs, wine and local culture, projecting the Sicilian identity into the world.

Thank you for being with us! QUIDQUID will see you tomorrow with a new edition of the Wine Press Review .