Wine Idea's wine news for September 20, 2024!

The yellow of the Italia grape: synonymous with taste and sweetness The Italia table grape campaign has started positively, with excellent quality fruit, even if the quantities are lower than last year. The reduction in hectares dedicated to the Italia grape and climate change, with a rainy and not very sunny May 2023, have negatively affected production.

Expo Divinazione Siracusa: Independent Winemakers and Crazy Climate At Expo Divinazione, the Antico Mercato di Ortigia hosts Stefano Berti's photography exhibition, "The Times They Are A-changin'", inspired by the song by Bob Dylan. The images tell the story of climate change and its devastating effects on vineyards, in anticipation of the G7 Agriculture in Siracusa.

Etna wines and the rediscovery of native Sicilian vines Tastings for the Gambero Rosso Vini d'Italia 2025 guide have highlighted a production drop of up to 40% in Sicily due to a massive attack of downy mildew, aggravated by climate change. Some companies have had to drastically limit production or give up certain labels.

France: ready to uproot 30,000 hectares of vineyards The French government has asked the European Union for 120 million euros to uproot 30,000 hectares of vineyards. This intervention is part of a strategy aimed at reducing overproduction, particularly in the south-west, south-east and Rhone Valley.

Primitivo di Manduria: production decline and risk of speculation The 2024 Primitivo di Manduria harvest recorded a 40% decline compared to the previous year. The president of the Consortium, Novella Pastorelli, expressed concern about speculation on the price of grapes, with a lot of product still in the cellar despite the decrease in quantities.

Exploitation in the fields of Veneto In Veneto, among the vineyards that produce Valpolicella and Amarone, many workers, coming from the Indian subcontinent, live in conditions of exploitation similar to those of the regions of Agro Pontino and Capitanata. A painful reality that reflects the scourge of gangmastering.

The wines of Basilicata: emotion and value, not just Aglianico del Vulture Despite the difficulties, the tastings of Lucanian wines for the Vini d'Italia 2025 guide offered moments of great emotion. Aglianico del Vulture continues to be the undisputed protagonist, but Basilicata proves to be a rich terroir waiting to be discovered.

Red Wine and Cholesterol: A Debatable Compatibility Although red wine is known for its antioxidant benefits, it may not be suitable for those with high cholesterol. In some cases, in fact, consumption could aggravate the situation, despite the benefits associated with "good" cholesterol (HDL).

Sicily: 28 wines awarded with the 2025 Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Etna stands out among the best Sicilian wines awarded with the Tre Bicchieri. Among the protagonists, the Munjebel Rosso MC by Frank Cornelissen stands out, which achieves the highest recognition without denomination.

LVMH Buys Record-Breaking Vineyard in Burgundy: 1.3 Ha for €15.5M Luxury group LVMH has purchased a small 1.3-hectare vineyard in Burgundy for €15.5 million, fueling debate in France over overproduction and uprooting policies.

CAP advances: dates and figures The European Commission has authorised Member States to pay advances of CAP direct payments from 16 October to 30 November 2024, for applications submitted this year. Agea has issued the payment provisions.

"Organic is a trap": says Luigi Moio, president of the OIV At the Etna Days event, Luigi Moio criticized organic, arguing that the use of sulfur and copper exposes plants to greater attack. According to Moio, it is increasingly difficult to produce healthy grapes in these conditions.

Cavalier Pepe: a winery of excellence for hospitality The Irpinia winery Cavalier Pepe is among the most awarded for hospitality, thanks to its tradition and the passion of the Pepe family, who has invested in their native land to bring back to life a dream that began in Belgium.

Cantina Strappelli: a story between past, present and future in Abruzzo With a production based on native vines such as Montepulciano, Trebbiano and Pecorino, the Strappelli winery continues to evolve, combining traditional techniques with sustainability and innovation.

Brezza Riva Rosé: the debut of the new classic method Trentodoc Cantina di Riva launches Brezza Riva Rosé, an extra brut Trentodoc produced from hand-picked Pinot Nero and Chardonnay grapes. The new label is part of the Brezza Riva line, which underwent a graphic restyling at the beginning of the year.

Ottavia Giorgi di Vistarino: a revolutionary countess in Oltrepò Pavese Ottavia Giorgi di Vistarino, a pioneer of Pinot Noir in Oltrepò Pavese, says that "organic is outdated" and that it is necessary to run companies in a sustainable way to combat climate change.

All set for the Grape and Cellar Festival on Giglio Island From September 26 to 29, Giglio Island will host the Grape and Cellar Festival, with tastings of local dishes and Ansonaco wine. The event will be animated by live music and itinerant artists.

Capaldo Group Invests in Ischia with a New Vineyard Capaldo Group has announced the acquisition of four hectares of vineyards in Ischia, collaborating with Tenuta C'est La Vie. The project aims to enhance the island's terroir, known for its terraces protected by green tuff walls.

A food and wine journey in Irpinia: beyond the simple restaurant In Irpinia, the Cantina Feudi di San Gregorio offers an experience that combines nature, architecture and art, with a view of the Campania countryside and excellent hospitality.

Sky Arte: the new season of “Bevi” is starting From September 24, the docu-series "Bevi - The Art of Vinifying" returns to Sky Arte, dedicated to Italian wine excellence. Among the protagonists, important wineries such as Duca di Salaparuta and Berlucchi.

The Top Hundred 2024 of “Il Golosario” rewards Italian excellence Among the winners of the Top Hundred 2024, the Montecucco Riserva Bio Impostino 2018 in Tuscany and the Brut Blanc De Blancs Cin Cin Nato in Piedmont stand out. A recognition of the excellence of Italian wine.

Finland liberalizes low-alcohol wine: opportunities for Italy A new law in Finland opens the doors to the liberalization of wine with natural fermentation up to 8 degrees, creating new opportunities for Italian low-alcohol and zero-alcohol wine.

Zuzù by Franchina and Giarone: a sparkling wine from Emilia Zuzù, the sparkling Emilian wine from Franchina and Giarone, represents an authentic experience, perfect for those who love local flavours accompanied by typical cured meats.

Bolgheri: How the Value of an Iconic Wine is Built WineNews explores how the prestigious wineries of Bolgheri maintain and strengthen the value of their iconic wines, including Tenuta San Guido and Ornellaia, which represent the excellence of the terroir.

Wine production is growing in Italy (8%), neck and neck with France.

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