In mid-May 2026 here is the situation that we recorded in Miravalle 1926 regarding wine in Italy.
VINEYARD SITUATION
In Italy, we experienced a winter with above-average rainfall in almost all regions, particularly in the most productive southern regions, namely Puglia and Sicily.
After a very mild April, which caused a vegetative advance of 10 to 15 days, the first ten days of May brought temperatures back to the climatic average.
No significant late frosts occurred in any Italian region.
As of today, we can predict that the next harvest could be normal in quantitative terms, provided that there are no intense and prolonged heatwaves during the summer.
MARKET SITUATION
Despite the fact that the last harvest in Italy was rather poor compared to the average, bulk wine prices in recent weeks, with few exceptions, have recorded a slow and gradual decline.
Purchases are proceeding slowly, with reduced volumes and quick withdrawals.
We must consider that wine and must stocks in Italy are currently about 63 million hectoliters! Unlike France, which has already addressed the overproduction problem in recent years with massive uprooting (almost 20,000 hectares), Italy has not yet taken drastic measures to contain production, with the risk that prices will continue to fall dramatically and unsustainably for producers.
No crisis distillation has been decided, and as for new market outlets to compensate for the decline in domestic consumption, this can only happen gradually, also thanks to EU/Mercosur, India, Indonesia, and Australia agreements.
At the end of June, when flowering is completed in all Italian regions, a new updated report will be published.
Carlo Miravalle – Miravalle 1926