Wine Idea's wine news for December 11, 2024!

1. Power 100 Liv-ex: Italy on the podium, France outside the top three

Despite the global crisis of fine wines (Liv-ex 100 at -9.2%, Liv-ex 1000 at -9.6% and Fine Wine 50 at -12.5% in 2024), Italy is holding up better than anyone else (-4.1%). In the Liv-ex Power 100 index, Gaja and Tenuta San Guido stand out, in 2nd and 3rd place, overtaking the big names of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Surprisingly, Vega Sicilia (Spain) dominates the ranking, leaving the French off the podium.

2. The Prosecco Hills on display in Regensburg

From 12 December 2024, the Princely Castle St. Emmeram in Regensburg (Germany) will host the photographic exhibition dedicated to the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 50 shots by Georg Tappeiner (with National Geographic Germany as media partner) tell the story of the fragility and beauty of a unique landscape, a witness to a balanced relationship between man and nature.

3. Ordinary wine passed off as Doc/Docg: 29 investigated in Sardinia

An operation conducted by the Carabinieri of Bonorva led to the closure of the investigations on 29 people accused of fraud in the wine sector. With invoices for non-existent transactions and false indications, low-quality wines from Sicily and Puglia were sold as Sardinian DOC and DOCG. Charged crimes: commercial fraud, counterfeiting of denominations and ideological forgery.

4. Sicily of wine: Assovini at the forefront of sustainability and wine tourism

Assovini Sicilia, with 101 associated companies, expresses 80% of the value of bottled Sicilian wine. Founded in 1998 by Giacomo Rallo, Diego Planeta and Lucio Tasca, the association focuses on sustainability, innovation and specialized tourism. Sicilian wine thus becomes a tool to tell the story of a dynamic, entrepreneurial and future-oriented South.

5. Anti-wine campaign in the EU: Lollobrigida defends Made in Italy

A campaign hosted by the European Parliament equates wine with cigarettes, warning of cancer risks. The Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida protests against the demonization of wine, a thousand-year-old drink that is a symbol of culture and conviviality. The Italian Wine Union (UIV) asks to avoid simplifications and slogans, favoring a debate based on scientific data and moderation.

6. Italian Sparkling Wines on the Rise: “50 Great Sparkling Wines of the World” 2025

In the context of a difficult wine market, Italian sparkling wines shine. Freshness, lightness, lower alcohol content and a festive aura drive the tricolor bubbles both in Italy and abroad. The Italian sparkling wine segment (Prosecco, Franciacorta, Alta Langa, Trentodoc, Oltrepò, and new projects such as Garda Doc) conquers international palates and consolidates exports, growing by 8.4% in the first 8 months of 2024.

7. Wine e-commerce in trouble

After the pandemic-induced boom in 2020 and an excellent 2021, wine e-commerce is experiencing a setback. Consumers, held back by economic uncertainty, are choosing less red wine online, favoring whites, rosés, and Italian bubbles. The uncertain scenario is reflected in digital sales, which must address new strategies to intercept changes in taste.

8. Fraud in Sardinian wine: ordinary wine sold as Doc/Docg

The second case in Sardinia shows how crime exploits the appeal of prestigious denominations. In parallel to the investigation in Tempio Pausania, the Zanatta winery in Olbia is also accused of selling common wines such as Vermentino and Cannonau di Sardegna. A hard blow to the reputation of regional wines and a warning about the importance of controls.

9. Lollobrigida: “Italians live long lives also thanks to wine”

On the sidelines of the Agrifish Council, Minister Lollobrigida recalls how Italy, a nation of moderate wine consumers, is among the longest-lived countries in the world. A “cultural and conscious” consumption of Bacchus’ drink is the key: far from excess, wine is part of the Mediterranean food model.

10. Piero Antinori: “Wine crisis? We have overcome many”

The noble father of the Italian wine renaissance calls for optimism. Piero Antinori argues that the sector has gone through many phases of crisis, always overcoming them. Reducing vineyards is not the solution: better to invest in promotion abroad and conquer new markets. Italian wine has shown resilience and can do so again.

11. Etna of wine: between history and pioneers

The success of Etna wines is not a coincidence. Behind the current fame of the territory, there are far-sighted entrepreneurs and vignerons, such as Silvia Maestrelli, who believed in Etna when its viticulture was considered inconvenient. Today, Etna is a terroir sought after by wine lovers from all over the world, a shining example of how passion, vision and courage pay off in the long run.

12. Tenuta Pakravan Papi meets Japanese cuisine

After the tragic flood of Florence in 1966, Italy has experienced a cultural and gastronomic ferment that unites past and future. In the same spirit, Tenuta Pakravan Papi combines its wines with Japanese tradition, proposing a food and wine marriage between two different cultures, a synthesis of openness, curiosity and the pursuit of quality.

13. Terra & Tech: call for innovative startups in the wine supply chain

Filiera Futura and I3P launch the call “Terra & Tech | Innovation for the wine supply chain”, open to Italian and international startups that develop technological solutions for sustainable viticulture and winemaking. An initiative to promote the green evolution of the sector and support companies in a path of ecological transition.

14. Bolognese and Imola wines to be promoted

A conference on Saturday, December 14 in Bologna investigates the potential of the Colli Bolognesi and Imolesi. Among the protagonists, the mayor of Bologna Matteo Lepore and the mayor of Imola Marco Panieri, who deposit a “Vademecum of pairings” at the Chamber of Commerce. The aim is to strengthen the identity of local wine, also through the promotion of codified gastronomic pairings.

15. Cantina Bertani opens its doors after 1857

After almost two centuries, the Cantina Bertani in Valpolicella becomes open to enthusiasts. Not just a point of sale, but personalized tastings, visits to the “Library” of historic vintages and tours of the places that have contributed to building the history of one of the symbolic brands of the Verona area.

16. 49.1 million hectoliters in Italian cellars in November 2024

Data from the Icqrf and the Electronic Wine Registry indicate 49.1 million hectoliters (-7.7% on 2023) present in Italian cellars. An early and complex 2024 harvest, with estimates of 41 million hectoliters (7% on 2023) but lower than the five-year average, confirms the need to monitor the supply chain to guarantee quality, stability and valorization.

17. Three Glasses for Cellar Plant Grossa in Valle d'Aosta

Luciano Zoppo Ronzero, owner of Pianta Grossa di Donnas (Aosta Valley), wins the Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri. An award that celebrates the quality of a mountain area, the Valdostan pergola and the growth of wines linked to a rugged territory but rich in charm and potential.

18. Le Monde Winery: Special Edition of Chardonnay DOC

In Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the Le Monde winery launches limited edition magnums of Chardonnay DOC, with silkscreened graphics that tell the story of the historic barrel cellar and the façade of the winery. A gift idea for the holidays, combining art, tradition and taste.

19. At the Vogadori Winery a weekend between Amarone and EVO Oil

Cantina Vogadori, in Valpolicella, offers a food and wine weekend dedicated to Amarone and extra virgin olive oil. An opportunity to discover the flavors of the Veneto region, on a journey through wines and flavors that celebrate local tradition.

20. Deviango: the wine that unites 4 cellars in the Fermo area

Four wineries (Di Ruscio, Casale Vitali, Geminiani, Vittorini) believed in the Deviango project, a “different” Sangiovese that tells the story of Fermano, enhancing its characteristics. The high temperatures and moderate water stress have given grapes with optimal acidity, with concentrated and distinctive aromas, capable of conquering the markets of northern Europe.

21. Cantina Bozen: exceptional tasting for the TAL Superior

In Rome, in the suggestive setting of a houseboat on the Tiber, Cantina Bozen presented the second vintage of the Superior TAL 2021 line. Wines from carefully selected grapes from Alto Adige, in a few bottles, where quality becomes excellence, confirming the identity of the territory and the mastery of local winemakers.

22. Trentino Wine and Flavours Route: Green and Tasty Christmas Ideas

Among panettoni, spumanti, baked sweets and gift baskets, the Strada del Vino e dei Sapori del Trentino puts online a collection of suggestions for Christmas gifts. An opportunity to choose quality products, promote sustainability and support local companies, giving authentic experiences linked to territorial flavors.

23. Terre Cevico: ok balance, in Italy and abroad

The cooperative group Terre Cevico from Romagna closes the financial year with a turnover of 206 million euros, net profit of 1.6 million, assets of 79.3 million, exports of 71 million, despite the difficulties of the markets. An example of how cooperation can withstand the shocks of the global crisis, investing in quality and seeking new markets.

24. “The Notes of Caiarossa – Xmas Edition”

On December 21st, Caiarossa (Riparbella, Costa Toscana) invites you to an event where live music, wines and Christmas flavors blend together in a complete sensory experience. An opportunity to celebrate Christmas by combining bubbles, the warmth of the territory and melodies that frame one of the most magical moments of the year.

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