Wine Idea's wine news for January 3, 2025!

1. Flavescence dorée: 1.5 million euros for agricultural businesses in Veneto The Veneto Region allocates 1.5 million euros to support agricultural businesses affected by flavescence dorée of the vine, a disease that threatens vineyards. The funds, coming from the National Fund and regional spending savings, will be distributed mainly between the provinces of Treviso, Vicenza, Venice and Verona.

2. Record-breaking sparkling wine: 100 million bottles on New Year's Eve Italian bubbles dominated the holiday season, with over 100 million bottles of sparkling wine consumed. 83% of holiday tables chose Italian bubbles, surpassing Champagne, which saw an 8% drop in consumption.

3. Sassi Divini in Matera: Lucanian wines and truffles as protagonists From 3 to 5 January 2025, Matera hosts the 6th edition of "Sassi Divini". The event celebrates Lucanian food and wine, with a focus on wines and the prized truffle. Sensory paths and tastings will enrich the experience in the evocative Sassi of Matera.

4. Green light for dealcoholized wines: new rules and opportunities With the new decree, Italy authorizes the production of totally or partially dealcoholized wines. "Dealcoholized" wines will have an alcohol content of less than 0.5%, while "partially dealcoholized" will be under 8.5%. The sector is looking with interest at the potential market opportunities.

5. Wine & Guides: the best of 2025 according to critics No wine was accepted by all the main national guides, but two labels dominated: the 2019 San Leonardo from Tenuta San Leonardo and the 2021 Sassicaia from Tenuta San Guido, both awarded by 8 out of 9 publications.

6. Bubbles on the rise, reds in difficulty: Friuli between challenges and successes The wine market in 2024 saw a boom in bubbles, driven by Prosecco and Pinot Grigio, while still red wines continue to suffer. The Friuli brand aims to fill the international gap.

7. Barone Pizzini: Franciacorta embraces vegan wine The Barone Pizzini winery in Provaglio d'Iseo introduces the first certified vegan wines, marking an important step towards sustainability and innovation. Production also extends to Marche, Tuscany and Montenetto.

8. Saturdays of Taste in Custoza: wine and broccoli at the center From January 4 to February 1, 2025, eight wineries in the Terre del Custoza will host events that combine tastings of Custoza Doc wine with broccoli, a typical product of the area. An opportunity to discover the food and wine heritage of Verona.

9. The new generation Varvaglione: tradition and future The Varvaglione family, active in Salento since 1921, continues to innovate. Primitivo di Manduria remains at the center of production, accompanied by future-oriented projects led by members of the new generation.

10. Matter and microbiome: soil bacteria improve wine A study by the University of Bologna highlights how the soil microbiome influences the organoleptic characteristics of wine. The analysis focused on the terroir of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, revealing the crucial role of bacteria in wine quality.

11. Dealcoholized wine: response to the new Highway Code? With the introduction of more severe penalties for drunk driving, dealcoholized wine could represent a strategic response to safeguard the wine sector and reduce the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

12. Christmas in the Cellar in Tuglie: traditions and solidarity The “Christmas in the Cellar” festival in Tuglie celebrates Salento with cultural and gastronomic events. Readings, music and traditions blend together in an authentic atmosphere, paying homage to the local heritage.

13. Giorgione: the Highway Code penalizes wine TV chef Giorgione laments the decline in wine sales in his restaurants, attributing it to customers' fear of the new sanctions in the Highway Code. Despite the success of his business, the restrictions are impacting consumption.

14. Lucanian wines and truffles: a winning combination Basilicata stands out for the excellence of its wines and truffles, presented during events such as "Sassi Divini". A food and wine heritage that is conquering more and more markets.

15. EU wine production 2023: down 8% According to Eurostat, wine production in the EU reached 1.496 billion litres in 2023, down from 1.624 billion in 2022. Italy leads the ranking with 638 million litres, followed by France and Germany.

16. My best wines of 2024 according to Davide Toreno Winegeek and taster Davide Toreno shares his personal ranking of the 10 best wines of 2024, the result of a decade-long passion and thousands of tastings.

17. The future of wine between tradition and sustainability The wine industry looks to 2025 with confidence, focusing on innovation, sustainability and diversification to face the challenges of an ever-evolving market.

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