Wine Press Review - Tuesday, July 29, 2025

News from the world of wine, selected for you.

Italian Wineries

- Cantina Frentana strengthens with a new merger

Cantina Frentana announces its merger with Cantina San Giacomo, thus consolidating a new cooperative winemaking hub in the province of Chieti. A concrete response to the challenges of exports and international competitiveness.

Crisis in Terre d'Oltrepò: Senate Vice President Calls for Commissionership

Gian Marco Centinaio is calling for the Terre d'Oltrepò winery to be placed under special administration, following the stalemate in ratifying the new board of directors and growing financial concerns.

- Dramatic letter from the Terre d'Oltrepò board of auditors: "The winery cannot harvest grapes."

An urgent capital injection is needed. The winery risks being unable to harvest and process the next harvest's grapes.

- Tenuta di Castellaro: an island of wine tourism experiences

On the island of Lipari, Tenuta di Castellaro offers an immersive experience of tastings, volcanic nature, cuisine, and charming hospitality. Wine tourism and authenticity meet.

- Capri: Art and Wine in Franco Senesi's Vineyard

A project that unites culture, beauty, and viticulture in the rural Migliera area of Anacapri. This is how "Migliera" was born, a Capri DOC wine that is also a work of art.

- San Michele Winery in Capriano del Colle tasting in Crema

The Danesi brothers bring their organic wines to a special evening in Crema. From Marzemino, Turbiana, and Merlot, Montenetto showcases itself to the public.

Italian Wine and Italian Oenology

- The trend of light wines: young people like them with little alcohol.

According to a Nomisma survey for Valoritalia, 56% of Italians believe low-alcohol wines will be the dominant feature over the next two years. Interest in "light" wines already in the vineyard is growing.

Sandro Bottega: "We pay the same taxes as Google and Meta."

Harsh criticism from the president of Bottega Spa: the new US tariffs penalize producers, who are forced to reduce margins and shoulder the costs.

Matelica Wine Festival 2025: A village of glasses and surprises

Verdicchio di Matelica is preparing to officially become Matelica DOC in 2026. Among hills and history, the festival celebrated wines and the region.

International Enology

Prosecco wins in Poland: ban on improper use in cosmetics

A ruling by the Warsaw Regional Court bans the use of the name "Prosecco" on cosmetic products. A victory for the Italian consortia protecting the denomination.

- London welcomes the UK's largest urban winery

With 6,000 square meters in Canada Water, Vagabond's new urban winery will revolutionize the way you experience wine in the city.

Events and International Wine Policy

US-EU tariffs: a storm for Italian wine

The agreement signed on July 27 in Scotland imposes a 15% tariff on exports to the US, severely impacting the Italian wine sector.

• Damage estimate: 317 million euros in one year.
• Most affected products: Moscato d'Asti, Pinot Grigio, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Prosecco.
• Brunello is alarmed: President Bartolommei speaks of a devastating impact (30% of exports to the USA).

UIV and Federvini call for urgent interventions

The two main industry associations are appealing to the government and the EU to mitigate the impact of the tariffs. Anticipation is growing for the list of "zero-for-zero" products.

Dollar devaluation: consumer prices up to 186%

With tariffs and an unfavorable exchange rate, a €5 bottle of wine could reach $60 at an American restaurant. Exports are at risk of collapse.

- Paolo Baldini (Cantina Altiero): "Orders down 60%"

A concrete example of how the situation is already impacting small Italian producers.

Conclusion

Thanks for joining us! Today's press review was brought to you by QUIDQUID . We'll be back tomorrow with another update on the world of wine.

Happy harvest everyone!