2012 Ferrari Trento Riserva Lunelli

Some brands transcend the region and are a phenomenon in themselves. Ferrari - and we are not talking about cars - is such a brand. As a company very committed to Trento as a region, but in Italy much more famous as a producer of excellent sparkling wines. Ferrari sparkling wines make up 50% of the total production of sparkling wines of the region (4.5 million bottles). They come from 120 hectares of own vineyards, from which all vintage wines are made and 300 hectares from 150 contract farmers.

Founder Giulio Ferrari found his inspiration in the Champagne. He was so impressed with these wines, which undergo a fermentation in the bottle to get their sparkling character. In 1902 he came up with his own variant, also made on the basis of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, so exactly the same grapes as in Champagne. He did not think the third important Champagne grape, Pinot Meunier, was good enough. Actually more of a grape that was actually only planted to survive the spring frost in this northern region.

Giulio Ferrari's successors have always remained true to his and the company's philosophy. It is the descendants of Bruno Lunelli, who took over Ferrari in 1952, who currently hold sway over the company. But nothing has changed in the strategy. They too have always made wines according to the Champagne method (Metodo Classico). A smart strategy. Italians love everything that mousse and for good reason the biggest buyers of Champagne. Only 10% of Ferrari's wines go abroad. The quality is monitored by setting strict requirements for the quality of the grapes. The Chardonnay - Pinot Noir is only used for Rosé - comes exclusively from vineyards above 300, 400 meters, necessary for good acidity. The contracted farmers are well paid, up to € 2 per kilogram of grapes - the best way to make and guarantee quality. Bottle aging takes at least two years and of the better wines even four, five years. The cellar is now being expanded to allow the normal brut to mature for 30 or 36 months, instead of two years now. It produces wines that can compete with a good Champagne, and not only the Cuvée Perlé or the top wine Giulio Ferrari, but also the ordinary Brut or Brut Rosé.