EFI OBSERVATORY on wine exports: Veneto in first place among the regions (15%), Abruzzo in great growth (18%). In 2025 the trend will be the exploration of emerging areas.

Edoardo Freddi: ‘Duties? There is no reason to panic.’

While Vinitaly promptly reacted to Trump’s duties with the good news of over 3,000 buyers from the USA, the EFI Observatory (Edoardo Freddi International) which analyses the data relating to the export of Italian wines abroad every year recorded a boom in the export of our products to the States in 2024: the most exported overall is Pinot Grigio which, compared to 2023, totalled 5% in sales; in second place and increasingly popular is Prosecco (68% 2024 vs 2023). On the lowest step of the podium according to the EFI Observatory we find a DOCG red such as Brunello di Montalcino which however is the one that recorded the greatest growth compared to a year ago (80%) . All percentages refer to export data in value from 1 January to 31 December 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year. A few hours ago, the Tycoon announced the imposition of 20% duties against the EU. But for entrepreneur Edoardo Freddi, “There is no reason to panic: the situation could have been much worse. The new duties do not represent an insurmountable obstacle for Italian wine exports to the United States, a market that continues to show stable demand and a solid economy . Furthermore, the favorable exchange rate helps to mitigate any negative impacts on final prices for the American consumer. It is essential to avoid impulsive reactions, such as the introduction of tariff countermeasures, which could fuel trade tensions and further penalize the sector. The best path is that of dialogue and negotiation, working to find a balance that protects both parties. The American market remains central to Italian wine and a strategic approach and a long-term vision are necessary to continue to grow and strengthen our presence”, declared Freddi, the main exporter of Italian wines. They are a guarantee of quality and new wineries are entering the world of exports. “Every year, we at EFI regularly record the export trends of the world of Italian wine thanks to the collaboration with the most prestigious wineries of our peninsula. We recently announced the one with Vallepicciola, a renowned winery located in the heart of Chianti Classico. Our mission is to support the excellence of Italian wine in their international growth just like Vallepicciola which has begun an important internationalization process: their wines tell a story of territory and tradition that we are sure will conquer the palates of connoisseurs globally, especially in Europe and Asia”, declared Edoardo Freddi. In absolute terms, the ranking of the top 5 Italian fine wines exported to the world in 2024 sees Amarone della Valpolicella at the top, which has had a growth of 20% compared to 2023. Following is once again the favorite Italian sparkling wine in the USA, Prosecco (26%). Then we find a prestigious white wine such as Pinot Grigio (8%). Also among the most requested in 2024 are Valpolicella Ripasso (10%) and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (5%): a red wine therefore closes the top 5.

The Italian regions that exported the most wine in 2024 are:

The Italian region that exports the most overall is Veneto (15%), followed in 2024 by Tuscany (7%) and Piedmont (-4%). Close in the ranking are Trentino-Alto Adige (stable), Emilia-Romagna (2%) and Lombardy (stable). Abruzzo is experiencing a real boom and is preparing to further gain positions in 2025 (18%). Another southern region, Puglia, is doing well (11%). Friuli-Venezia Giulia (9% compared to 2023) and Sicily (-2%) are a bit disappointing, but still in the top 10 according to the EFI Observatory.

Wine export trends 2025:

On the eve of Vinitaly 2025 according to Edoardo Freddi: “In 2025, some new trends will explode for the wine sector in Italy: one of these is already taking place, namely the exploration of emerging wine regions: in recent years, several Italian regions have been growing and offering interesting alternatives to the more renowned territories. Among these, Molise stands out, with its structured Tintilia, and Calabria, which is rediscovering the potential of Gaglioppo and Greco Bianco. Basilicata, home of Aglianico del Vulture, is also capturing the attention of critics and enthusiasts. These regions, thanks to their biodiversity and growing attention to quality, are establishing themselves as new protagonists of Italian wine. Then there will be a further spread of low-alcohol wines . With the adoption of healthier lifestyles, there is a greater demand for wines with a reduced or zero alcohol content. These products offer an alternative for those who want to enjoy wine without compromising well-being, and their quality is constantly improving. Finally, in 2025, the concepts of sustainability and natural wines will become increasingly important. Consumers are showing a growing interest in sustainably produced wines, including organic, biodynamic and natural wines. These wines are made with environmentally friendly agricultural practices and with minimal use of additives, responding to the demand for more authentic and ecological products. This also translates into the search for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging, capable of reducing the environmental impact”.

Comments from some top figures of associations and Consortia dedicated to the impact of duties on the Italian wine sector.

Comments from some of the top figures of Italian wine associations and Consortia, following the imposition of new tariffs on imports into the United States.

In recent months, the debate over tariffs on Italian wine exports has attracted the attention of the press and public opinion. On April 2, 2025, the administration of President Donald Trump announced the imposition of new tariffs on wine imports into the United States. These measures include a 20% duty on wines imported from the European Union. These measures risk having repercussions on the European wine sector, especially for major exporters such as Italy. Below are some comments from Presidents of Italian Consortia and associations in the world of wine.

Camillo Pugliesi, Director of the Consortium of DOC Sicilian Wines

“The decision to impose duties on Italian wines is a source of great concern for a sector that has always made quality and exports one of its main strengths. The wines of the Consorzio di Tutela Vini Doc Sicilia are ambassadors of our culture and our territory in the world, and these measures will not only create difficulties for producers, but will also significantly penalize American consumers, who will see their ability to access excellent products at competitive conditions reduced. The risk is that of limiting the choice for the American public, depriving them of wines appreciated for their quality and authenticity. For its part, the Consortium will continue, as far as possible, to keep the dialogue open with the United States. However, at the same time, expansion strategies will be implemented towards other markets and trade and promotion activities will be strengthened in countries with which we have collaborated for years, such as Canada and the United Kingdom. The promotion of DOC Sicilia wines does not stop and will continue with determination on a global scale”. 

Vitaliano Maccario – Barbera d’Asti Consortium and Monferrato Wines

“ The introduction of new duties on wine imports into the United States certainly forces us to make important considerations, even if we are not particularly worried. Thanks to their competitive price, we do not expect the wines of the denominations protected by our Consortium, in particular Barbera, to suffer significant drops in sales, since the impact of the increase will be minimal and we trust it can be easily absorbed by the market. This aspect, combined with the great appreciation that these wines enjoy among young consumers and wine lovers for their versatility and pairability, we hope will keep them highly competitive even in the context of the new American duties. We are therefore confident that they will continue to be sought after in the American market without the policy of new duties being able to impact too significantly on the trend of demand. We also believe that it is essential to continue investing in collaboration with the main players in the US market. In this excellent we have signed an important agreement with the Pennsylvania Monopoly that will materialize in a series of actions, first of all the tour that is taking place these days in our territory. A unique opportunity for our producers to introduce their products to buyers and to open new commercial relationships. We strongly believe that our territory can increasingly be a reference of excellence and quality ”.

Giovanni Dubini, President of the MTV Umbria Association

“ In recent years, wine tourism in Umbria has represented an extraordinary resource for our territory, with a growing interest from Italian and foreign visitors who choose our region to discover the quality and authenticity of our wines. However, the introduction of duties on wine exports represents a significant challenge for the sector, affecting the competitiveness of our companies and limiting access to international markets.

Umbria, with its historic wineries and its native vines, must continue to focus on wine tourism as a driver of economic growth and promotion of the territory. Restrictive trade policies must not discourage producers, but rather push us to invest even more in hospitality, experiential and in the valorization of our local excellences.

We strongly urge that institutions at national and European level work to protect the Italian wine sector, promoting agreements that can reduce the impact of duties and encourage the international promotion of our wine heritage. In the meantime, MTV Umbria will continue to work alongside wineries and tourism operators to strengthen our attractiveness, offering visitors unique experiences that go beyond simple tasting: cultural itineraries, food and wine events and an authentic immersion in the beauty of our land .

Massimo Sepiacci, President of UmbriaTop, the cooperative of Umbrian wineries

” Now we have a clearer picture: we know that the duty will be 20%. Of course, this is news that will have a negative impact, but at least the uncertainty that had blocked the market in recent months has been overcome. The most immediate effect will therefore be a reduction in imported volumes, with a direct impact on our exports, especially for mid-range and entry-level wines. For the Umbrian wine sector, this means the need to adopt targeted strategies to limit losses, diversifying destinations and further enhancing the quality and uniqueness of our wines.

Umbria, with its long winemaking tradition and its commitment to producing excellent wines, must face this challenge with determination, making the most of its territorial peculiarities. It is essential to strengthen its presence in emerging markets, invest in the digitalization of distribution and create synergies with other strategic sectors of Made in Italy. Joint work between institutions, consortia and producers will be essential to address this situation, guarantee the competitiveness of Umbrian wine in the global context and continue to make the value of our land and its quality products known to the world .

Tenuta Stella at Vinitaly 2025. The Friulian winery will debut at the Verona event with two new labels: Friulano Riserva 2021 and Merlot Riserva 2021.

Tenuta Stella , a winery nestled among the hills of Scriò, in the most authentic heart of the Friulian Collio, presents two new labels that mark a significant evolution of its path: Friulano Riserva 2021 and Merlot Riserva 2021. They will be presented as an absolute preview at Vinitaly 2025, the first official opportunity to discover these wines designed to tell, in an even deeper and more refined way, the complexity of the territory from which they are born.

With the debut of these Reserves, the winery completes a high-profile trilogy that adds two new interpretations capable of expressing the most intense, long-lasting and vibrant identity of the Collio to the Ribolla Gialla Riserva already in the collection.

The complete expression of Tenuta Stella’s production philosophy, these wines are born from a rigorous selection of grapes, from a vinification respectful of natural times and from a long refinement in wood. The result is a living, stratified material, which becomes the voice of a landscape, a history and a vision.

The Friulano Riserva 2021 comes from a historic vineyard dating back to 1926 and ages for 24 months in second passage tonneaux, revealing a complex and layered aromatic profile, made of orange peel, dried apricot, dried flowers and spices. A wine of great tension and personality, capable of facing time and surprising even as a meditation wine. The Merlot Riserva 2021 , produced from seventy-year-old vines grown in Scriò, is aged for two years in new French oak barriques. An enveloping and powerful red, which combines elegance and softness, fruit and spice, and stands out for its structure, balance and extraordinary drinkability.

What distinguishes these two labels is not only the wine quality, but also the aesthetic language: the new Reserves are part of the rebranding process that has redefined the visual identity of the winery with an essential, material, evocative style. The labels, printed on recycled paper and characterized by a refined graphic cleanliness, reflect an idea of wine that is a tribute to life, nature and the silent work of time.

“These new Reserves represent the synthesis of everything we believe in: respect for the vineyard, interpretation of the vintages, patience and the desire to produce sincere, long-lived wines, capable of telling the story of a land and those who look after it every day,” comments Erika Barbieri , oenologist at Tenuta Stella.

Sustainable, elegant, profound. The new wines will be previewed at Vinitaly 2025 , the first official opportunity to taste these two labels destined to occupy a prominent place in the winery’s production. With their debut, Tenuta Stella further strengthens its position among the most interesting realities of the Collio, capable of combining contemporary elegance, deep roots and long-term vision.

The Bottega winery presents at Vinitaly the new line of premium Prosecco called “Prosecco Premium Vintage Collection”. This is an epochal novelty in the world of Prosecco, also because 4 different vintages of the famous sparkling wine are offered for tasting at the same time.

Vinitaly 6-9 April, Bottega stand (C7, pavilion 5).

“Prosecco Premium Vintage Collection” is a collection of bottles characterized by unique features that elevate the quality of this sparkling wine to 360°: Selection of individual vineyards in the most suitable plots among the UNESCO World Heritage Hills; Glera grapes grown in the name of sustainability and harvested only by hand when they are perfectly ripe; Pre-fermentation cryomaceration, to fully safeguard the organoleptic charge of the grapes; Aging in new “horizontal” autoclaves, the result of the most advanced technological research applied to quality winemaking; Long fermentation times (up to 12 months, where Prosecco normally reaches about 1 month), to obtain wines with different organoleptic expressions depending on the individual vintages and the different crus. Finally, stoppers made from 100% Sardinian cork were chosen and subjected to a process patented by a specialized company that can detect any off-flavors (i.e. TCA, responsible for the infamous cork taint), to preserve the wine over time. In short, top quality in the wine world and prices up to 250 euros per bottle, for wines that have nothing to envy of the various Classic Methods and French Champagnes. The Treviso winery has developed a careful comparative analysis, which showed that the production costs of Prosecco, in areas with a high vocation with hills with extreme slopes, are 3 times higher than those of Classic Methods and Champagnes, mostly characterized by an undulating or flat orography.

At the Bottega stand at Vinitaly, 5 different sparkling wines from 4 different vintages are available for tasting: Gold Vintage 2024, Gold Cru Vintage 2023, Gold Diamond Vintage 2022, Black Stardust Vintage 2021, Gold Stardust Vintage 2021. The first is vinified in Brut, the others in Extra Brut, the ideal dosage for the evolution of the complexity of the wine over time and the consequent longevity.

The latest release in the collection is Bottega Gold Stardust, which has a retail price of 250 euros . At the end of the second fermentation, the wine is left in contact with the no longer active yeasts for at least 11 months, which, thanks to the autolysis process, release substances that are important for the body, structure and aroma of the wine. The final touch involves the addition of the dosage syrup, in the preparation of which a part of the wine aged in oak barrels is used. In this way, the production process lasts a minimum of 12 months in total. The precious bottle is completely covered with 5000 hand-placed crystals, for a stardust effect.

“Prosecco Premium Vintage Collection” is distributed in a limited edition (no more than 50,000 bottles), only in the best wine shops and restaurants around the world.

Sandro Bottega comments: “With the Prosecco Vintage Premium Collection Project I set out to concretely demonstrate that Prosecco, if of quality, has nothing to envy of the best French Champagnes. The historic vintages, which we jealously guard in our cellar, offer us a broad overview of the still unexpressed potential of Prosecco.”