Italian Wine 2025 Highlights: Kerner, Garda DOC, Burgundy Study
Susannah’s New Year post is short, sweet, and full of signal if you read between the lines. It’s a snapshot of where Italian wine is headed—from cooperatives and DOC innovation to classrooms and Burgundy deep-dives—and why that matters for anyone deciding what to drink in 2026.
Why This Matters
The wine world moves fast, and this story captures a pivotal moment. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a dedicated collector, understanding these shifts helps you make smarter choices about what ends up in your glass.
As she puts it, “Starting a substack with Katarina Andersson called All That Wine.” —Susannah, Avvinare. And the year wasn’t just about writing: “I represented Cantina di Bolzano at a number of events online.” —Susannah, Avvinare.
“Starting a substack with Katarina Andersson called All That Wine.
Key Takeaways
- Key themes: Italian wine, Kerner, Alto Adige—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Style snapshot: Kerner & Garda DOC
Let’s zoom in on two anchors of her year: Kerner from Alto Adige and the broader Garda DOC umbrella.
- Kerner (Alto Adige): An aromatic white grape (Riesling x Schiava), typically dry, zesty, and alpine-fresh. Think crisp acidity, subtle citrus, and a clean finish that loves altitude as much as a snowboarder.
- Garda DOC: A dynamic appellation surrounding Lake Garda, home to versatile styles—from brisk whites (including neighboring Lugana’s Turbiana) to vibrant reds. The consortium’s new low-alcohol classification signals a consumer-first approach without compromising typicity.
Common knowledge says Alto Adige whites are laser-focused and mountain-lean; Garda wines are lake-influenced, approachable, and food-friendly. Susannah’s highlights reinforce that, but add a twist: cooperatives and consortia are shaping the future by expanding offerings and meeting modern drinker needs.
Context: Cooperatives, Classrooms, and Burgundy Brainwork
Cooperatives—like Cantina di Bolzano—are pillars of Italy’s wine landscape. They pool resources, elevate quality, and help lesser-known grapes (hello, Kerner) get their moment in the glass. If you’ve ever wondered how a region maintains consistency while still showcasing diversity, cooperatives are a big part of the answer.
On Garda DOC, Susannah notes showcasing ten denominations under the umbrella—an underrated reminder that lake regions are quietly versatile. The low-alcohol move feels timely: it’s not about watering down flavor, it’s about tailoring style options for real life. More choice, same terroir story.
She also taught Italian wine at City Tech (CUNY) and worked with the Italian Trade Commission’s ITA TABLE TALKS, pairing wines from all 20 regions with dishes. That’s a serious field test for how wines perform with everyday food—arguably the most honest runway for any appellation.
Finally, there’s the Burgundy piece. The Wine Scholar Guild’s Master of Burgundy is notoriously detailed—maps, microclimates, and the kind of nuance that keeps type-A wine folks up at night. Returning to study isn’t just flexing credentials; it’s an investment in better interpretation for readers. Burgundy’s rigor helps clarify why Alto Adige and Garda work: altitude and lake effects may be different tools, but they shape texture, acidity, and drinking pleasure with similar precision.
Buy intent: How to choose in 2026
- Kerner (Alto Adige): If you love dry, bright whites with clean lines and food versatility, Kerner is your midweek MVP. Look for cooperative bottlings and producers who lean into freshness without oak bulk.
- Garda DOC: Want approachable whites and reds with a friendly price-to-pleasure ratio? Pick Garda for gatherings—especially if you’re balancing flavor with pacing. The new low-alcohol category is ideal for daytime tastings or long dinners.
Best occasion + pairing direction
- Best occasion: Kerner—alpine-inspired aperitivo, weeknight sushi, or after-surf seafood nights. Garda DOC—lakeside picnics, casual parties, or long family lunches.
- Best pairing direction: Kerner loves shellfish, simple grilled fish, and bright veggie plates. Garda DOC whites pair with poultry and pasta; reds play well with pizza, salumi, and roasted meats.
Susannah’s year reminds us the wine world evolves fast—and the best guide is someone who’s championing producers, teaching new drinkers, and staying a student herself. That mix of humility and hustle is exactly the energy Italian wine needs right now.
Cheers to more cooperative magic, lake-breeze drinking, and study sessions that make your next bottle taste smarter.
Source: https://avvinare.com/2026/01/01/happy-new-year-buon-anno-2025-highlights/
