Ferrari is one of Italy's most respected sparkling wine producers, with a history dating back to 1902 when Giulio Ferrari set out to make traditional-method sparkling wines in Trentino that could rival the finest Champagne. Today, the Lunelli family continues that tradition, with the vineyards benefiting from the cool mountain climate of the Dolomites.

Perlé is Ferrari's vintage Blanc de Blancs, made entirely from Chardonnay grown in selected hillside vineyards. The 2019 vintage is a particularly elegant expression, combining the natural freshness of mountain-grown fruit with the complexity that comes from extended ageing on the lees. It spends at least 48 months maturing in bottle before disgorgement, developing a lovely balance of citrus freshness, ripe orchard fruit and subtle toasted notes. A sophisticated sparkling wine with plenty of character, and a very convincing alternative to vintage Champagne.

Method

The Chardonnay grapes are harvested entirely by hand from selected mountain vineyards in Trentino. After gentle pressing, the first fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation to soften the acidity and add texture. The wine is then bottled with selected yeasts to undergo its second fermentation, following the traditional Metodo Classico. It matures on its lees for a minimum of 48 months, developing complexity and fine, persistent bubbles before disgorgement and a Brut dosage.

Tasting note

Pale golden yellow with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is fresh and expressive, with grapefruit, lemon and cedrat citrus, alongside orange blossom, white peach and a hint of rhubarb. With a little time in the glass, subtle notes of toasted bread, almond and a touch of smoke emerge. The palate is beautifully balanced, combining lively citrus freshness and a gently saline quality with a rounded, creamy texture from its long time on the lees. The finish is long and persistent, with hints of toasted almond and lemon. Elegant, precise and full of character.

Ferrari

2019 Ferrari, `Perlé`Chardonnay Trentino-Alto Adige