The Tasting Panel magazine

December 2016

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ITALY 94  /  the tasting panel  /  december 2016 T alk about Italian wines among vinophiles, and you'll find the conversation gravitat- ing to Brunellos, Amarones and Barolos. While these hearty reds are the hallmark of Italy, true wine lovers should not overlook the country's sparkling wines. Ferrari Trento, located in Italy's Trento region, has been making some of Italy's most spectacular sparkling wines since 1902. Founder Giulio Ferrari immensely enjoyed the sparkling wines of Champagne and took up the challenge of creating a luxury sparkling wine in Italy. He felt the terroir of his homeland, Trento, could produce exceptional wine, and he became the first Italian winemaker to establish a vineyard of primarily Chardonnay grapes. Today, Ferrari Trento has the largest Chardonnay vineyard in Italy and, devoted exclusively to metodo classico, is turning out Trentodoc wines that embody classic winemaking methods. (Trentodoc is the regional trademark for wines from the Trento DOC.) Matteo Lunelli, Chairman of Ferrari Trento, believes that the long-term success of the brand can be attributed to the winemakers' ability to translate the grapes to Italy's lust for life and beauty, or "the art of Italian living." "We don't want to be a Champagne," he says. "We are linked to the emotions and the people of Italy." The unmatched terroir of the Trento region coupled with long-term bottle fermenta- tion results in an exquisite sparkling wine. "The style of our wine is very closely linked to this mountain territory," says Lunelli. "The combination of the Mediterranean climate with the cool mountain air lets the grapes express themselves in a very unique way." Ferrari is best known for its Ferrari Brut and Ferrari Perlé sparkling wines, which are delicate blanc de blancs. Ferrari Brut, the landmark label, was as selected World Champion Classic Blanc de Blancs at the 2016 Sparkling Wine World Championship for its well-balanced flavor with hints of apple and crusty bread. Ferrari Perlé is a vintage selection aged at least five years and projects hints of apple, yeast and sweet almonds. Ferrari Perlé Rosé is a vintage blend of 80% Pinot Nero and 20% Chardonnay that has the unique characteristics of flavorful spices and sweet almonds. Ferrari Perlé Nero, a 100% Pinot Nero, is a beautifully balanced Blanc de Noirs. The challenge of growing Pinot Noir grapes in this region is not lost, as it has taken the winemakers 40 years to perfect this offering. This is Ferrari's most unique wine, offering complexity yet a majestic finish. It was described by the Touring Club 2015 Vini Buoni d'Italia guide as "extraordinary and thought-provoking wine in which the Pinot Nero develops infinite power and elegance." Ferrari is one of the most highly awarded wineries in Italy, having won the Tre Bicchieri award, Italy's highest wine accolade, for 22 years running. As the official sparkling wine of the Emmy Awards, Ferrari Trento is gaining popularity in the U.S. and introducing Americans to the memorable sparkling wines of Italy. The Art of Italian Living Ferrari vineyards. Ferrari Trento was the Official Sparkling Wine of the Emmys. Ferrari has been a symbol of the Italian Art of Living since 1902. FERRARI'S SPARKLING WINES EXUDE MOUNTAIN TERROIR by Beth Graham

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