Wine Idea's wine news for December 19, 2024!

1. Less red wine and more sparkling wines: the Italian shopping cart changes direction

According to Ismea-NielsenIQ data for the first nine months of the year, food purchases increased by only 0.5% against 8.1% in 2023, and wine is no exception. The clearest difference concerns the type: while still wines show a slowdown, sparkling wines and bubbles record livelier sales. A change in tastes that could be linked to the search for freshness and lightness, as well as the pull of prosecco.

2. Lambrusco, specifications updated: the Sorbara “white” also arrives

The changes to the specifications of the Lambrusco DOCs come into force. Among the new features, the “bianco di Sorbara”, an eagerly awaited version that joins the traditional red and rosé types. The introduction of the Monte Barello sub-zone in the Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC will bring further guarantees of quality (hand-picked, lower yield and use of the pure grape variety).

3. Champagne, 36 masterpieces for the holidays

A selection of 36 Champagnes proposed by sommeliers and industry experts promises to enrich Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners. From cuvées with lower dosage to labels with long aging on the lees, the offer ranges from small vignerons to large maisons, responding to the needs of enthusiasts and neophytes.

4. Export, Made in Italy restarts: Germany and France slightly up

After months of difficulty, Italian exports are regaining some momentum thanks to a slight recovery in European domestic demand. Germany and France are recording small increases, while uncertainty remains on non-EU markets, held back by declines in the US and China. The ten-month balance is still in the red (-0.5%), but the expectation is for a more optimistic end to the year.

5. Food and wine tourism worth 40 billion euros, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and Puglia at the top

The food and wine sector generates a turnover of 40 billion euros. Tuscany confirms its queen, followed by Emilia-Romagna and Puglia. A trend that sees more and more Italians rediscovering local excellence, with 7 out of 10 interviewees declaring that in the last three years, they have undertaken a holiday motivated by agri-food specialties.

6. Lambrusco di Sorbara in the white version

Among the changes to the Lambrusco specifications, the debut of Lambrusco di Sorbara Bianco stands out, a novelty that allows producers to further enhance the potential of the grape variety in the sparkling wine sector. The goal is to consolidate the denomination as one of the most dynamic and innovative in the Emilian wine scene.

7. Col Vetoraz's Christmas proposal: three Valdobbiadene DOCGs tell the story of the land

For the holidays, Col Vetoraz suggests a trilogy of Valdobbiadene DOCG – Brut Coste di Levante, Extra Dry Coste di Ponente and Millesimato Dry Coste di Mezzodì – that evoke the different slopes (“coste”) from which the grapes come. A proposal for those looking for bubbles linked to a suitable territory, where each label narrates a different nuance of the denomination.

8. Tenuta di Bibbiano, two Chianti Classico crus for a complex geological map

Tenuta di Bibbiano in Castellina in Chianti, with lands characterized by an extreme geological variety, launches two Chianti Classico crus. The approach allows to fully enhance the complexity of the terroir, giving the wine different nuances, elegance and territorial identity, in the name of quality and authenticity.

9. Young farmers, 40 thousand euros of contributions: the Lombardy tender is underway

The Lombardy Region allocates 15 million euros to support the first settlement in agriculture. Contributions of up to 40 thousand euros for young people between 18 and 41 who start a farm, in line with the strategy of generational renewal and innovation in the primary sector.

10. Europe, recommendations for wine post-2027: ok to eradication in case of crisis

The EU High Level Group on Wine has made recommendations to the European Commission: grubbing up of vineyards with national funds only in cases of crisis, greater flexibility on authorizations for new plantings, support for exports, simplifications for small businesses and incentives for insurance against climate risks.

11. “L'Astemia Pentita” aims to double the bottles in 5 years

The winery “L'Astemia Pentita”, known for its unconventional choices in Barolo, has revealed its strategic plan: to double production in the next five years. It is the confirmation of the vitality and desire to experiment in the heart of the Langhe, a territory of great winemaking prestige.

12. Three Italian wines among the 12 most memorable according to the New York Times

Eric Asimov, in the New York Times, has included 3 Italian wines among the 12 most memorable of 2024: a 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva by Val Delle Corti, a 2015 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico by Félsina and, surprisingly, a Calabrian wine, the Giramondo dell'Acino. A sign of how Italy, from historic denominations to emerging regions, continues to amaze international palates.

13. Alcoholic Dealers, the State-Regions Conference approves the decree

Agreement reached and approval in the State-Regions Conference for the decree that defines the national rules on dealcoholized and partially dealcoholized wines. A growing market, which can now also welcome Italian producers with clear rules. The goal is to reach the segment of "sober curious" consumers, that is, those who are careful to reduce alcohol consumption.

14. The most popular Italian wines in US restaurants: no low-alcohol ones

According to the ranking of 150 Italian labels most present in American restaurants, Prosecco La Marca and Pinot Grigio Santa Margherita dominate. No trace of low-alcohol wines. The overseas demand therefore rewards tradition, preferring recognizable labels, with a good reputation and with an accessible average price.

15. A Little Wine Is Good for Your Heart, New Study Confirms

A study by the University of Barcelona, published in the European Heart Journal, suggests that moderate wine consumption, as part of a Mediterranean diet, could reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular disease. Good news for those who enjoy a glass at the table, without forgetting the principle of moderation.

16. When wine becomes a symbol of peace: Italy-Slovenia

In 2025, Gorizia and Nova Gorica will be the European Capital of Culture together, a sign of reconciliation after decades of division. In this border area, wine is a symbol of peace, culture and dialogue, a witness to the cooperation between communities once separated by walls and borders.

17. French wine in crisis: increased yields, but falling prices and profitability

Despite an abundant 2023 harvest, French wine is suffering from a collapse in prices, with drops from -8% to -17% in all categories. Producers' profitability is affected, recording a -24.8% on 2022. A reflection on market strategies, promotion and adaptation to new global scenarios is needed.

18. Stability and innovation for Cantine Produttori Ramuscello and San Vito

Cantina Produttori Ramuscello e San Vito, despite hailstorms and drought, closes the year with a profit of 17,000 euros, the result of careful management and professional skills up to the challenges. An example of how planning and resilience can make the difference.

19. Vintage Restyling for Cantine Pellegrino

Cantine Pellegrino presents a new look for its wines, inspired by pop art and the culture of the 60s. A tribute to Warhol and the Beatles, a reflection of a historical moment in which every object told a story. A way to bring wine closer to a wider and more curious audience.

20. Cantina Tollo awarded for its balance sheet performance

Cantina Tollo receives the Alta Onorificenza di Bilancio – Premio Industria Felix, positioning itself among the ten most competitive Italian wine companies. An award that rewards economic-financial stability, sustainability and the ability to grow on the markets.

21. Barbera d'Asti: a 2024 of successes

The Barbera d'Asti e Vini del Monferrato Consortium closes a year rich in results and international promotion. The first edition of the Barbera D'Asti Wine Festival has consolidated the denomination as a symbol of authenticity and quality, attracting enthusiasts and operators from all over the world.

22. Alta Langa DOCG: 2024 intense and profitable

Alta Langa DOCG concludes a year of growth, with increases in vineyard areas and members. A territory in turmoil, which plays between sparkling wine tradition and innovation, positioning itself with ever greater strength in the segment of high-end classic methods.

23. Piedmont: 2024 vintage up 5%

“The 2024 Wine Year in Piedmont” was presented: a complex climate trend, but not without satisfaction. Production increases by 5% compared to 2023, with praise for the PDO reds abroad. A positive sign for a sector that, despite the climate challenges, finds incentives to improve and adapt to market needs.

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