FERRARI | Trento | Brut | Blanc de Blancs | #
chardonnay

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The legend of Ferrari Trento began in 1902 with Giulio Ferrari’s dream to create a Trentino wine capable of competing with the best of french Champagne wines. He was a pioneer, the first to realize the extraordinary potential of Trentino’s high-altitude terroir, and the first to make substantial plantings of Chardonnay in Italy. After more than a century of history, the dream of Giulio Ferrari and Bruno Lunelli continues with the third generation of the Lunelli family and a close-knit team that share the same values and passions. This relentless pursuit of quality and meticulous attention to detail have established Ferrari Trento as Italy’s preeminent house for traditional method sparkling wines.Today we are going to review a sparkling wine of historical significance from the picturesque Trentino-Alto-Adige wine region in northern Italy – Trento Brut Blanc de Blancs by Ferrari. This is a quintessential sparkling wine, as it represents the genesis of the Trentino wine region (also known as Trentodoc) – Italy’s first DOC dedicated exclusively to traditional method sparkling wines, where Ferrari Brut is its historic, classic and most recognizable label. Made exclusively from chardonnay grapes – a sparkling wine style that is called ‘blanc de blancs‘, which translates from french as ‘white from whites‘ – today’s wine is produced by the authentic méthode traditionelle technique (also known as metodo classico or the champenoise method), the same way the famous Champagne wines are made in France, with a long period of second fermentation in the bottle, where the wine spends at least 20 months on fine lees (sur lie ageing), followed by an additional 2 months of refinement after disgorgement, which allowed the wine to develop an extra layer of aromatic complexity and the much desired creaminess on the palate. The final cuvée is enriched with a bit of reserve wines from the previous vintages, in order to add depth and consistency across season’s variations.

When it comes to sparkling wines, not all of them are created the same way. One of the key differences lies in how the bubbles are formed — specifically, whether the wine undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle (traditional method) or in large pressurized tanks (tank method, also known as charmat method). In the tank method the secondary fermentation happens in stainless steel tanks rather than individual bottles. This process is quicker, more cost-effective, and preserves the wine’s vibrant fruit character and freshness. The result is a more aromatic, easy-drinking sparkling wine with crisp acidity and minimal yeasty complexity (think of Prosecco). On the other hand, the traditional method is a more time-intensive process, as the second fermentation happens in the bottle, where the wine also ages on the fine lees (the dead yeast particles) for extended periods, from several months to several years. This slow aging builds extra layers of complexity on the nose and creates a creamy textures on the palate (think of classic sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, or Franciacorta).Trentodoc is one of Italy’s finest traditional method sparkling wines, produced exclusively in Trentino, at the foothills of the Dolomites. Often referred to as the mountain sparkling wine, Trentodoc benefits from high-altitude vineyards, significant diurnal temperature variations and a cool alpine climate, which help preserve the grapes’ natural acidity and freshness. Chardonnay is the dominant grape variety, complemented by Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Meunier. Trentodoc wines are only produced by the metodo classico, with secondary fermentation in the bottle, followed by an extended ageing on fine lees. The Trentodoc wine requires a minimum lees-ageing period of 15 months for non-vintage wines, 24 months for vintage Millesimato and 36 months for Riserva. The finest Trentodoc Riserva wines, are often aged far beyond the minimum requirements, and these are wines capable to deliver immense depth and complexity, making them one of the most refined traditional method sparkling wines, that can stand up against most of the vintage Champagne and Franciacorta wines.

Located at the border with Austria and Switzerland, Trentino-Alto Adige is one of the Italy’s most distinctive wine regions, shaped by its alpine landscape, steep valleys, and strong germanic cultural influences. This cool region has a predominantly continental climate, with cold winters, warm summers, and significant diurnal range. Elevation plays a crucial role in viticulture, with vineyards planted across valley floors and steep mountain slopes, often between 200 and 1,000 m above sea level. Soils are varied, ranging from limestone, dolomite, and porphyry to schist, slate, and alluvial deposits, creating a diverse range of growing conditions. Trentino-Alto Adige is particularly renowned for its aromatic white wines, especially Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Bianco, while Pinot Nero, Lagrein, and Schiava are among its most important red varieties. The region is also home to Trentodoc – one of Italy’s most prestigious metodo classico sparkling wine denominations, celebrated for its freshness, precision, and distinctive alpine character.
Trentodoc is a prestigious traditional-method sparkling wine denomination located in the province of Trento, within the mountainous landscape of Trentino. Vineyards are planted along the Adige Valley and its surrounding slopes, generally between 200 and 800 m above sea level, where a continental climate is moderated by alpine influences and the cooling effects of mountain breezes. Warm, sunny days allow grapes to reach optimal ripeness, while cold nights preserve natural acidity and develop aromatic complexity, creating ideal conditions for high-quality sparkling wine production. The region’s soils are highly varied, with limestone, dolomite, porphyry, and alluvial deposits contributing to differences in vineyard expression. Chardonnay is the dominant grape variety, followed by Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Meunier, all of which can be used in the production of Trentodoc sparkling wines. Produced exclusively through the metodo classico, with secondary fermentation in the bottle, these wines undergo extended ageing on fine lees, developing fine bubbles, creamy textures, and aromatic sophistication, making them one of Italy’s leading expressions of mountain-grown traditional-method sparkling wines.

color: pale yellow color
clarity: pastel yellow hues

The wine unveils a transparent pale yellow color, with delicate pastel yellow shades that shimmer towards the rim of the glass. The perlage is fine, with a persistent stream of tiny, elegant bubbles gracefully rising to the surface, with a lasting effervescence.

intensity: rich & citrusy-leesy
fruit character: ripe

The aromatic profile is rich and vibrant, with a citrusy-leesy character intertwined with ripe fruit. In the foreground, a bright medley of fresh citrus notes takes center stage, featuring meyer lemon, pomelo, and white grapefruit. These vibrant aromas are beautifully complemented by pronounced autolytic notes, reminiscent of baguette, butter, yeast, dough, and freshly baked bread crust, testament to its extended lees aging. Subtle floral hints and a delicate touch of dried herbs add an intriguing layer of complexity. As the wine opens, the background reveals a generous array of orchard fruits, including apple, quince, and asian pear. These are further nuanced by hints of mediterranean herbs, supported by elegant undertones of brioche and bisquit.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: low | balance: fine
finish: lasting | aftertaste: appealingly-crisp & smooth

On the palate, the wine delivers a smooth, ample, and refreshingly-crisp experience, confirming its status as a genuine Trentodoc high-altitude sparkling wine. The mouthfeel is exquisitely rich and harmonious, exhibiting a voluptuous yet precise texture that coats the palate with elegance and finesse. The wine feels dry, with a vibrant, mouth-watering acidity that provides immense freshness and verve. A well-integrated touch of alcoholic warmth adds body and structure without ever dominating. A hint of pleasant polyphenols contributes to a subtle grip and complexity, enhancing the wine’s overall depth and providing textural grip. The impressive balance between these elements leads to a long, persistent finish, leaving a pleasantly-crisp and smooth aftertaste.

maturity: in its prime | enjoy today or within the next 2 years
verdict: great | a benchmark wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this is a fresh, crisp, and well-structured Metodo Classico sparkling wine that captivates with its citrusy-leesy aromatic profile and a beautifully balanced palate. It stands out as one of the best Blanc de Blancs wines we have ever tasted, offering a harmonious and voluptuous tasting experience. This wine masterfully expresses the amazing varietal character of the Chardonnay grape variety, interwoven with subtle hints of its high-altitude Trentino terroir, showcasing a perfect blend of elegance and finesse. Currently in its prime, this sparkling wine is ready to be enjoyed today, offering vibrant freshness and intricate layers of flavor. For those seeking further aromatic sophistication and enhanced richness, it has some potential to evolve within the next two years.

Given its vibrant acidity and rich autolytic complexity, this wine is incredibly versatile for food pairing. We would recommend pairing it with pan-seared sea scallops served over a delicate celeriac purée, garnished with finely chopped fresh sage and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. The wine’s crisp acidity will cut through the richness of the scallops and the creamy purée, while its subtle herbal and citrus notes will find a harmonious echo in the sage and olive oil. The wine’s yeasty undertones will complement the sweetness of the scallops, creating an interplay of textures and flavors that is both refreshing and indulgent. Enjoy!FERRARI | Trento | Brut | Blanc de Blancs | #
variety: chardonnay
country: Italy
region: Trentino-Alto Adige | Trentodoc
rating: 95.0

The first vintage of Ferrari Trento was released in 1902, making it one of the pioneers of italian sparkling wines. Giulio Ferrari was not only the first to realize Trentino’s extraordinary potential for sparkling wine but also the first to plant substantial amounts of Chardonnay in northern Italy. Ferrari Trento proudly holds the title of Italy’s foremost house of Traditional Method sparkling wines. Underlining its prestige, Trentodoc is the first DOC in Italy exclusively dedicated to traditional method sparkling wine production, and Ferrari Brut stands as its historic flagship label.
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