Wine Idea's wine news for December 12, 2024!

1. Italian sparkling wines: over a billion bottles produced in 2024

The data from the Uiv-Ismea Wine Observatory speak clearly: more than a billion bottles of Italian sparkling wines were produced and sold in 2024, with 355 million uncorked at Christmas (7% on 2023). An exceptional result, driven by Prosecco, which consolidates its international leadership. The 8% growth on 2023 is recorded in a context of global crisis in consumption. The success of Italian bubbles contrasts with the decline of Champagne (-8%).

2. Bubbles and parties: Italy dominates, here are 5 regions that produce perfect bottles

For Christmas and New Year's toasts, Italian bubbles are confirmed as protagonists. From North to South, five regions are at the top: from the Prosecco Veneto to the classic method of Franciacorta, from the bubbles of Trentino to those of Oltrepò Pavese, passing through the novelties of other emerging areas. A perfect wine range to accompany heterogeneous menus, sea-mountain, meat-fish, satisfying all tastes.

3. Italian exports: almost 6 billion euros in the first 9 months of 2024

Istat data on foreign trade show exports of Italian wine at 5.9 billion euros from January to September, with a growth of 5.63%. The volume reaches 1.6 billion liters (3.42%), and the average price per liter is 3.68 euros. A trend that should allow us to exceed, for the first time at the end of the year, the ceiling of 8 billion euros in total exports.

4. Dealcoholized wines: the debate continues

The draft decree presented by Agriculture Minister Lollobrigida paves the way for low- or zero-alcohol wines in Italy. Main conditions: dealcoholization prohibited for DOP and IGP wines, separate plants and digital registers, clear labels. The goal is to explore an emerging market, but the sector is divided between those who see new opportunities and those who fear a devaluation of the traditional product.

5. Barbera d'Asti: the 5 best selected by Gambero Rosso

Among the Piedmontese denominations, Barbera d'Asti Docg occupies a prominent place. Gambero Rosso identifies the 5 top labels, with a new entry among the Tre Bicchieri. An important result for a production distributed in 167 municipalities between the provinces of Asti and Alessandria, testimony to the excellence of the Barbera grape and its adaptability to a varied and complex territory.

6. Wine and large-scale retail trade: volumes down in 2024 (-1.7%), stable values (1.8%)

Circana data (formerly Iri) show a difficult but not catastrophic 2024 for wine in Italian large-scale retail trade. Despite a drop in volumes (-1.7%), value grows (1.8%) to 2.05 billion euros, thanks to the increase in average prices (3.6%). A result that, although not brilliant, demonstrates the resilience of the sector in an uncertain economic context.

7. Zanatta Winery Under Investigation: Common Wines Sold as DOC and DOCG

The Tempio Pausania Prosecutor's Office accuses the Zanatta winery in Olbia of selling as Vermentino and Cannonau di Sardegna (also Gallura Docg) simple common wines of poor quality, coming from other regions. 29 people investigated, among the crimes contested: commercial fraud, counterfeiting of geographical indications and ideological forgery. A hard blow to consumer confidence and the reputation of Sardinian winemaking.

8. Italian sparkling wines: a market resistant to the crisis

As the Osservatorio Unione Italiana Vini-Ismea confirms, Italian sparkling wines are not experiencing a crisis. A billion bottles in total in 2024 (8%), with 355 million uncorked at Christmas and New Year's Eve, 251 abroad (9%) and 104 in Italy (2%). And while Champagne is falling, Italian sparkling wines are growing, driven by their accessible price, versatility in mixing and pairing with food.

9. EU predicts decline in wine until 2035

According to the European Commission's forecasts, viticulture in the Old Continent is heading towards a phase of contraction by 2035: less production, less surface area, less consumption, less exports. A complex picture, aggravated by climate and economic uncertainties, which will require new strategies, investments in promotion and innovation to remain competitive.

10. Heat and consumer choices: more whites, rosés and bubbles

A study by Vino.com and Corriere della Sera shows how rising summer temperatures are driving consumers toward cooler, less structured, and lower alcohol wines. Whites, rosés, and sparkling wines are on the rise, while full-bodied reds are losing ground in Italians' choices during the hot months.

11. Santa Barbara Winery Awarded as Winery of the Year in Central Italy

Santa Barbara, a Marche-based company led by Stefano Antonucci, wins the title of winery of the year for Central Italy in Winemag's Top 100 Guide. With 45 hectares of vineyards between Barbara, Serra de' Conti and other locations, Santa Barbara's production finds wide approval in Italy and around the world, thanks to a range of quality wines and experiments with bitters, gin and grappa.

12. Valdinoto: Angela Sergio new President of the Consortium

Change at the top of the Consorzio di Tutela Valdinoto, which groups together producers from south-east Sicily. Angela Sergio (Barone Sergio) has been elected President, with a young and dynamic Board of Directors. The goal: to enhance the oenology of the territory, focusing on the history, traditions and quality of the wines, in an area with a rapidly growing wine-growing wealth.

13. Chef in the vineyard at Tenute Senia: Salvo Vicinale protagonist

On December 20, Tenute Senia (Chiaramonte Gulfi, Ragusa) hosts the third edition of “Chef in vigna” with chef Salvo Vicinale. A menu built with wild herbs and local meats, paired with the company's wines. A gastronomic experience that links territory, typical products and culinary passion in a suggestive setting.

14. Casa Roma Vini in liquidation: 2 million in debt

The Treviso court has appointed a curator for Casa Roma Vini, a historic company in San Polo di Piave (Treviso), in financial crisis with debts of two million euros. A sign of the fragility of some historic companies, put to the test by the economic situation and the complexity of the market.

15. Santalucia 2023: charity with Maculan and Fondazione Banca degli Occhi

The 2023 edition of Santalucia, a Cabernet Sauvignon selected by the best tasters, was presented at the Le Calandre*** restaurant of the Alajmo brothers (Sarmeola di Rubano, Padua), with proceeds going to the Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto ETS. In fifteen years, over 380 thousand euros have been raised to support research into eye diseases, thanks to the generosity of Maculan and many wine enthusiasts.

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