Bolzano hosted the first edition of the Alto Adige Wine Summit dedicated exclusively to Italian trade professionals on September 7 and 8. The event, organized by the Consorzio Vini Alto Adige, brought together restaurateurs, sommeliers, and wine shop owners from across Italy. Participants had the opportunity to taste 365 wines from 98 producers, including new releases and rare vertical tastings. The program also included thematic masterclasses and discussions with producers, allowing for direct exchange and networking. Andreas Kofler, president of the Consorzio, said the strong turnout confirmed the importance of engaging those who present Alto Adige wines to the public every day. This year’s summit coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Alto Adige DOC and followed last year’s introduction of 86 Additional Geographical Units (UGA), marking a step forward in highlighting the region’s unique wine identity.
In Cavriana, in the province of Mantua, Villa Mirra will host the third edition of “Colline in Bolle” on October 25 and 26. The event is dedicated to Lombardy’s Metodo Classico sparkling wines and is organized by Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori Mantovani and ONAV Lombardia with support from the local municipality. Producers from across Lombardy will present their wines under denominations such as Oltrepò Pavese DOCG, Garda DOC, Franciacorta DOCG, and others. Attendees can participate in guided tastings focused on Pinot Nero from Oltrepò Pavese, Rosé Metodo Classico wines (with proceeds supporting cancer research), and a comparison between Franciacorta and Oltrepò Pavese. The event also features a fundraising presence by AIRC for cancer research.
The European Union’s new trade agreement with Mercosur countries has recognized Grappa as the only Italian spirit with protected geographical indication status included in the deal. This recognition is seen as a significant achievement for AssoDistil and the Consorzio Nazionale Grappa, strengthening Grappa’s position in Latin American markets where Italian communities are present. The agreement, pending approval by EU institutions, will reduce tariffs on spirits by up to 35 percent. Sebastiano Caffo, president of the Consorzio Nazionale Grappa, emphasized that only Italian-made Grappa from grape pomace can use this name under the agreement.
On September 8 in Ercolano near Naples, Villa Campolieto hosted a national conference on ungrafted (piede franco) viticulture organized by Identità Mediterranea. The event brought together researchers, winemakers, agronomists, and representatives from regional wine consortia to discuss genetic diversity, environmental sustainability, economic potential, and strategies for protecting ungrafted vineyards—an important topic for Italian viticulture.
Recent changes in international wine regulations have authorized the use of fumaric acid as an acidifier in winemaking. Previously limited to tartaric, malic, lactic or citric acids, this update by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) allows fumaric acid to be used for acidification starting October 2024. Fumaric acid is already used to control lactic bacteria but its non-grape origin has raised debate among professionals about authenticity and sustainability. Research at Fondazione Mach is underway to study its impact on yeast activity during fermentation.
In Sicily’s Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG area—the island’s only DOCG—producers are focusing on sustainability and innovation. Projects include vineyard water management research by the University of Catania and smart sensor technology implemented by Valle dell’Acate. The region now has 41 producers farming 381 hectares of vineyards. Enotourism is also developing with the opening of a new regional wine center in Vittoria.
Demeter Italia has launched “Futuro Bio,” a campaign supported by Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture to promote organic and biodynamic farming practices. The campaign highlights real stories from farmers who prioritize well-being, ecology, equity, and precaution in their work. Activities will continue throughout the year both online and at local events.
Calabrian winery Librandi has published its fifth annual Sustainability Report for 2024/2025. The report details ongoing efforts in environmental stewardship—including renewable energy use, biodiversity monitoring through its Biopass project with Sata Studio Agronomico, conservation of native grape varieties, circular economy initiatives with local distilleries—and social responsibility programs such as gender equality policies and educational projects for youth.
Trade relations between Europe and South America are expected to grow following adoption of the EU-Mercosur partnership agreement by European commissioners. Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of Unione Italiana Vini (UIV), welcomed the move as an important step toward market diversification amid ongoing U.S. tariffs on European wine imports. In 2024 alone, EU wine imports from Brazil reached €190 million—a figure that has grown by 41 percent over five years—with Portugal, France and Italy leading exports to Brazil. The agreement is expected to further boost these numbers as tariffs are gradually reduced or eliminated.
Dining and Cooking