Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wine New Releases

In November this year, I had the opportunity to taste the new releases from sparkling wine producer Ferrari Trento, thanks to a trip to Verona, Italy, to speak at the Wine2Wine conference. As an unwavering Champagne drinker, I wasn’t expecting to produce an article. But I was so impressed that I wanted to share reviews of these wines with readers in time for your last-minute bubble runs.

Champagne Method, Italian Made

Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in the foothills of the Alps, Ferrari Trento’s sparkling wines speak of a cool climate with delicate citrus and mineral-inspired flavors backed up by a crisp backbone and bags of finesse. Whereas Champagne’s chilly climate comes from its northerly latitude, Trentodoc’s sparkling wine vineyards benefit from the cooler conditions that come with altitude. While the production methods here closely mirror Champagne, lending satisfying brioche, baking spices, and honey-nut notes, these are wines with distinctive earthy/savory Italian personalities.

Particularly impressive are the pair of prestige cuvee riserva wines—2015 Riserva Lunelli and 2010 Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore—both composed of 100% Chardonnay and the latter made to an extra brut style. They each rival top Champagnes in terms of quality and price, making them great options for those who want to splash out on luxury bubbles while escaping from the Champagne rut.

Exciting news on the horizon.

And there’s exciting news on the horizon for followers of this Italian house with Ferrari’s appointment earlier this year of a new chef de caves from Champagne. Cyril Brun comes from Champagne Charles Heidseck (having worked at Veuve Clicquot before this), marking the first time a chef de caves has come from Champagne to join an Italian winery as a full-time winemaker.