Barolo Monfortino Riserva 2005 by Giacomo Conterno Surges 26.6% in Early 2026 Wine Market Rally

The first quarter of 2026 closed with a modest but positive result for the Liv-Ex, the leading global platform for fine wine trading. The market, which has faced significant challenges in recent years, showed signs of recovery that began at the end of 2025. This trend is confirmed by data analyzed by WineNews, with Italian wines playing a prominent role.

The Liv-Ex 100 index, which tracks the performance of the most traded wines on the secondary market, ended the quarter up 0.2%. This index includes several top Italian labels such as Barolo 2019 from Bartolo Mascarello, Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche Riserva 2016 from Bruno Giacosa, Barbaresco 2019 from Gaja, Barolo Monfortino Riserva 2015 and 2019 from Giacomo Conterno, Masseto 2021 and 2022 and Ornellaia 2021 from Frescobaldi, Sassicaia 2016, 2021 and 2022 from Tenuta San Guido, Solaia 2021 and Tignanello 2021 and 2022 from Marchesi Antinori, and the 100% Sangiovese IGT Toscana 2020 from Soldera Case Basse.

Among these, some Italian wines stood out as top performers in the first three months of the year. Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche Riserva 2016 by Bruno Giacosa rose by 14.9%, Masseto 2022 increased by 12.9%, and Barolo 2019 by Bartolo Mascarello gained 12.1%. These results highlight the continued demand for select Italian labels among collectors and investors.

However, not all indices showed growth. The broader Liv-Ex 1000 index returned to parity after a slight increase earlier in the year. Within this index, negative performances were recorded by Burgundy 150 (-0.6%) and Bordeaux Legends 40 (-0.3%). These declines were offset by gains in Bordeaux 500 (+0.2%), Champagne 50 (+1.1%), and especially Italy 100 (+0.8%).

The Italy 100 index now includes a wide range of vintages from leading producers: Barolo by Bartolo Mascarello (2012–2021), several Barolo Falletto Le Rocche Riserva vintages by Bruno Giacosa (2001–2020), Barbaresco by Gaja (2013–2022), Barolo Monfortino Riserva by Giacomo Conterno (2002–2019), as well as all vintages from 2013 to 2022 of Supertuscans like Sassicaia, Solaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia, Masseto, and Soldera Case Basse’s Sangiovese (2011–2020).

The standout performer was Barolo Monfortino Riserva 2005 by Giacomo Conterno, which surged by 26.6% over three months. Other wines with double-digit growth included Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche Riserva 2016 by Bruno Giacosa, Barbaresco 2015 by Gaja, Masseto vintages from Frescobaldi (2016, 2020, and 2022), Barolo 2019 by Bartolo Mascarello, and Solaia 2016 by Marchesi Antinori.

Despite some setbacks in March for certain indices, the overall trend for Liv-Ex remains positive in early 2026. The data reflects both ongoing uncertainty in the global wine market and a renewed sense of optimism among investors and collectors who are looking ahead with cautious confidence. The strong performance of Italian wines underscores their growing reputation on the international stage and their resilience in a volatile market environment.