Natural wine has gained visibility in recent years, yet the role of established origin certifications in price formation remains poorly understood. This study examines how geographical indications (GIs) interact with disclosed low-intervention production practices in their association with retail prices. Using price and product information for 848 EU wines from an Italian online retailer, the analysis applies hedonic models and quantile regressions incorporating GI status and a Naturalness Intensity Index (NII) based on reported vineyard and cellar practices. The interaction estimates indicate that GI wines are associated with lower conditional prices than wines without GIs when the index is low. These price associations become more positive as the index increases, although positive GI premiums are not statistically established. These results suggest that origin certification and reported production practices should be considered jointly in explaining price formation among wines marketed as natural. The study contributes to the economic analysis of natural wine markets, with implications for pricing and product positioning.
Price Formation in Natural Wine Markets: Geographical Indications and Disclosed Low-Intervention Practices
Zeka, Ervin;Petrontino, Alessandro;Di Cosola, Francesco;Tria, Emanuela;Bozzo, Francesco
2026-01-01
Abstract
Natural wine has gained visibility in recent years, yet the role of established origin certifications in price formation remains poorly understood. This study examines how geographical indications (GIs) interact with disclosed low-intervention production practices in their association with retail prices. Using price and product information for 848 EU wines from an Italian online retailer, the analysis applies hedonic models and quantile regressions incorporating GI status and a Naturalness Intensity Index (NII) based on reported vineyard and cellar practices. The interaction estimates indicate that GI wines are associated with lower conditional prices than wines without GIs when the index is low. These price associations become more positive as the index increases, although positive GI premiums are not statistically established. These results suggest that origin certification and reported production practices should be considered jointly in explaining price formation among wines marketed as natural. The study contributes to the economic analysis of natural wine markets, with implications for pricing and product positioning.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
