Ferrari Trento pioneered the sparkling wines we know now as Trentodoc. More than 120 years after it was formed, it still creates memorable cuvées that respect, and are inspired by, their mountain terroir
Ferrari Trento’s story begins in 1902, when Giulio Ferrari set out to prove that the mountains of Trentino could produce traditional-method sparkling wines to rival the best from Champagne.
It was a bold idea at the time. Ferrari was among the first to recognise the potential of Chardonnay in the region, planting the variety extensively and laying the foundations for what would eventually become Trentodoc – Trentino’s traditional-method sparkling wine appellation.
The business changed hands in 1952, when Ferrari, who had no children, chose local wine merchant Bruno Lunelli as his successor. The Lunelli family remains in charge today, with the third generation overseeing a producer that has grown considerably without losing its focus on bottle-fermented sparkling wine.
Ferrari Trento’s vineyards make the most of Trentino’s altitude and marked shifts between warm days and cool nights, with Chardonnay at the heart of the range and Pinot Noir also playing an important role.
There is a strong environmental thread too. All Ferrari-owned vineyards have been certified organic since 2017, while growers supplying the company are encouraged to work under its Vigneto Ferrari protocol, covering soil health, biodiversity and sustainable mountain viticulture.
Today the range stretches from approachable non-vintage Trentodoc to long-aged prestige cuvées such as Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore – but the basic proposition remains much as Giulio Ferrari envisaged it more than 120 years ago: serious Italian sparkling wine with its identity firmly rooted in the mountains.
Ferrari Maximum Blanc de Blancs
Made entirely from hand-harvested Chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs is the crispest expression in Ferrari’s Maximum range. Vinified in steel and aged for at least 24 months on its lees, it combines freshness with a little autolytic complexity. The colour is a bright, intense straw yellow, while the nose brings together ripe fruit, bread crust and hazelnut. On the palate it is clean and finely drawn, with citrus notes becoming more apparent towards the finish, alongside a distinct mineral character. A Brut Trentodoc at 12.5% abv, it was first produced in 1991.
Ferrari Maximum Rosé
Pinot Noir brings extra weight and fruit to Maximum Rosé, balanced by the finesse of Chardonnay. The result is a Brut Trentodoc with an attractive antique-pink colour and fine, persistent bubbles. The aromas lean towards citrus and peach, with the palate broader and more enveloping than the Blanc de Blancs. Extended bottle ageing contributes a subtle yeasty note to a long, persistent finish without overwhelming the fruit. First produced in 2002, this is the more gastronomic of the two Maximum wines, with enough structure and vinosity to carry it comfortably beyond the aperitif.
Ferrari Perlé 2019
Perlé is Ferrari’s vintage Chardonnay Trentodoc, first produced in 1971 and conceived as a step up in complexity and ageing potential. The 2019 spent a minimum of 48 months on its lees. It comes from a year in which slow ripening and the contrast between warm days and cool nights helped maintain acidity in the mountain-grown fruit. Aromatically it is particularly lively: grapefruit, lemon and orange blossom lead into rhubarb, smoke and mineral notes. The palate is taut and energetic, with saline freshness, good length and a finish that brings together toast and bright lemon.
Ferrari Perlé Magnum 2018
The 2018 Perlé in magnum shows a slightly richer side of the cuvée. The growing season was productive and relatively wet, though higher vineyards retained excellent acidity thanks to greater day-night temperature differences. This release received at least 57 months’ lees ageing and has a dosage of 5g/l. Golden in colour, with slow, refined bubbles, it offers russet apple, white peach and honey alongside sponge cake, almond and fresh butter. There is plenty of creaminess on the palate, but the wine remains balanced by freshness, minerality and an emerging citrus character that carries through the finish.
In association with Ferrari Trento
UK distribution is through Liberty Wines
