The global wine industry continues to navigate a turbulent period, marked by declining consumption, shifting consumer preferences, and the growing impact of climate change.
As the 2025 harvest season approaches, concerns are rising over unsold stock still in cellars. Yet amid these challenges, proactive measures are being taken in Italy's northeast, particularly within the DOC Delle Venezie, to stabilize the market and preserve the value of its most important varietal: Pinot Grigio.
As the leading Italian and global reference point for still white wine in terms of both production and export volume—accounting for over 90% of consumption abroad—DOC Delle Venezie has approved a structured set of production control measures for the 2025/2026 vintage.
Strategic Measures to Balance Supply and Demand
In May 2025, the General Assembly of the Consorzio DOC Delle Venezie, with support from regional authorities in Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and the Autonomous Province of Trento, voted to reduce the maximum grape yield per hectare from 180 to 170 quintals. Additionally, the use of administrative stockpiling—a tool employed in recent years to balance supply—has been reaffirmed.
For the upcoming vintage, up to 150 quintals of grapes per hectare may be vinified freely, while up to 20 quintals per hectare may be allocated to storage. This dual mechanism aims to prevent oversupply, improve price stability, and ultimately elevate wine quality.
A Proven Model of Territorial Cooperation
These measures are not new. As noted by the Veneto Region, previous campaigns in 2021 through 2024 saw similar restrictions which led to “a rebalancing between supply and demand and an improvement in product quality.” The 2025/2026 campaign is thus part of a longer-term strategy to foster sustainable growth.
The DOC Delle Venezie is one of the most extensive Italian appellations, with 27,000 hectares under vine, producing approximately 230 million bottles annually. The appellation encompasses 6,141 growers, 575 vinification companies, and 371 bottlers. Today, it represents 85% of Italy’s total Pinot Grigio production and 43% of the global supply, highlighting its central role in the international white wine market.
Toward a Sustainable Future for Pinot Grigio
According to Luca Rigotti, president of the DOC Delle Venezie Consortium, “In a complex international environment, it remains critically important to apply supply management policies aimed at coordinating production potential, monitoring volumes, and promoting balanced growth.” He emphasizes that these programmatic choices are essential for maintaining market equilibrium, which in turn sustains the international reputation and commercial strength of Italian Pinot Grigio.
The DOC Delle Venezie continues to serve as a model of coordinated regional governance, uniting stakeholders across the Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Trentino territories. Through these shared efforts, it seeks not only to navigate economic and environmental pressures, but also to reaffirm Pinot Grigio’s role as an icon of Made in Italy excellence in the global wine landscape.
Source: WineNews