Wine Idea's wine news for February 17, 2025!

Current Events and Analysis

Gaja: “Wine and spirits are not the same thing”

Angelo Gaja reiterates the distinction between fermentation alcohol and distillation alcohol , emphasizing that the former, characteristic of wine, is the most natural and organic of all. The equation between wine and spirits is, according to him, a conceptual error that penalizes the image of the sector.

Agricultural year 2024: less production, but growing turnover

The agricultural turnover in 2024 grew by 2.5% , reaching 7.9 billion euros , despite the drop in production caused by adverse weather events. For the wine sector, production increased compared to 2023, thanks to more favorable weather conditions.

EU promises to cut red tape for farmers

The European Commission has announced a new plan to simplify agricultural regulations , aiming to make the sector more competitive and resilient without sacrificing sustainability and food security.

Awards and Recognitions

Flora di Bellenda among the 20 best sparkling wines for the New York Times

The new sparkling Flora from the Bellenda winery, based on Raboso, was selected among the best sparkling wines of the year by the New York Times , a success that rewards the innovation and quality of the product.

Trentodoc and the discovery of the “Kokumi” effect

Research by the Edmund Mach Foundation confirms that some Trentodocs develop the Kokumi effect , a further taste dimension that amplifies the perception of softness and aromatic persistence.

Funding and Opportunities

Piedmont: 6 million tender for the reconversion of vineyards

The Piedmont Region has launched a call for proposals for the restructuring and varietal reconversion of vineyards , with a total fund of 6.5 million euros , also intended for historic and heroic vineyards.

Highway Code: two glasses of sparkling wine per meal are acceptable

Moderate consumption of two glasses of sparkling wine per meal still complies with the limits set by the new Highway Code. However, the perception of a tightening of consumption has caused a 30% drop in wine orders in restaurants .

Markets and Trends

Wine Paris 2025: A Worldwide Success for Italian Wine

Over 52,000 visitors from 154 countries attended Wine Paris 2025 , cementing the event as one of the leading international wine fairs. The Italian presence was massive, with an 80% expansion of exhibition space dedicated to Italian wines .

Pecorino d'Abruzzo on a world tour with Cantina Tollo

Cantina Tollo brings Pecorino to the international spotlight with the “10 Shades of Pecorino Grapes” tour, which will touch cities such as New York, London and Tokyo to promote the symbolic grape variety of Abruzzo.

US tariffs: risk for Italian exports

4.8% of Italian exports are threatened by possible new US duties. In parallel, the domestic market is recording a decline in sales in supermarkets (-2%) , with negative peaks for red wines (-4.6%) and sparkling wines (-7.4%).

Stories and Traditions

50th Anniversary of the San Zenone Winery

Cantina San Zenone celebrates half a century of history , strengthening its ties with the territory and the winemaking community.

Seven Hills of Piacenza: the Gaiaschi family since 1855

The Gaiaschi family continues its winemaking tradition in Ziano , the most vineyard-covered municipality in Italy, with a history that dates back to 1855 .

Regulations and Agricultural Policies

New EU regulation for the wine sector

The European Commission will present a new regulatory package for the wine sector, with the aim of simplifying the rules and ensuring fairness among European producers .

De Castro: Stop the overregulation of wine

MEP Paolo De Castro stresses the need to differentiate between alcohol use and abuse , criticising the EU proposal on alarmist health labels.

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