You’ve likely seen those large bottles of sparkling wine being sprayed during Formula 1 podium celebrations. I was curious about them, especially since Ferrari Trento has been named “Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year” at The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2024 for the seventh time. Thanks to the kindness of importer Goessens, I received a bottle to sample and share my thoughts with you.
The Ferrari Maximum Blanc de Blancs hails from Trentino in northern Italy. This sparkling wine, produced by the renowned Ferrari Trento winery, captures the essence of high-altitude viticulture and Italian craftsmanship. Since its founding in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari, this winery has pioneered the production of metodo classico sparkling wines outside of Champagne.
Winemaking Philosophy
Ferrari Trento’s winemaking philosophy centers on a deep respect for terroir and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The Lunelli family, who assumed leadership from Giulio Ferrari in 1952, has not only maintained but also elevated this vision. They embrace sustainable viticulture, implementing organic methods throughout their estate vineyards. This approach safeguards the delicate Alpine ecosystem while enhancing the wines’ purity and expressiveness.
As chief winemaker, Marcello Lunelli masterfully blends tradition with innovation in Ferrari’s sparkling wines. His dedication to highlighting the unique characteristics of high-altitude Chardonnay is evident in every sip of the Maximum Blanc de Blancs.
Vineyard Details
Ferrari Maximum Blanc de Blancs sources its grapes from select Trentino vineyards, situated 300 to 700 meters above sea level. This high-altitude terroir is key to the wine’s distinctive character. The cool climate and significant day-night temperature swings foster slow, balanced ripening of Chardonnay grapes, preserving acidity while developing complex flavors.
The vineyards’ calcareous soils offer excellent drainage and impart a subtle mineral note to the wines. Ferrari Trento’s meticulous vineyard management includes green harvesting and hand-picking, ensuring only the finest grapes make it into the bottle.
Wine Details with Personal Tasting Notes
Ferrari Maximum Blanc de Blancs NV
This exquisite wine showcases the pinnacle of Italian sparkling wine craftsmanship. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay, it undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle and matures on its lees for at least 36 months, developing extraordinary complexity.
Personal tasting notes
Appearance: Pale lemon hue with a persistent, fine mousse.
Nose: Clean and pronounced intensity. Aromas of ripe golden apple, lemon zest, and white peach intertwine with subtle notes of freshly baked bread, toasted almonds, and a delicate floral undertone reminiscent of acacia blossoms.
Palate: Dry, with vibrant medium-plus acidity and a medium-plus body. The palate echoes the nose, offering flavors of citrus fruits, ripe apple, and stone fruits. I really like this balance. A lovely creaminess from the extended lees aging is balanced by a refreshing mineral streak. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of brioche and lemon curd.
Quality assessment: Outstanding. This wine boasts remarkable balance, complexity, and length. Its high acidity ensures freshness and ageability, while the extended lees aging contributes depth and richness. The purity of fruit and the elegant integration of autolytic characters showcase both the quality of the grapes and the winemaker’s skill.
Food Pairing: This versatile sparkler complements a wide range of dishes. Try it with seared scallops in a light lemon butter sauce, creamy risotto ai funghi, or as an aperitif alongside aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Recent Developments or News
Ferrari Trento’s commitment to excellence continues to earn international acclaim. Recently, they clinched the title of “Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year” at The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2024. This prestigious award solidifies their status as a world-class sparkling wine producer, standing toe-to-toe with renowned Champagne houses.
The winery is also making strides in sustainability. They’ve introduced a cutting-edge water management system in their vineyards, further minimizing their environmental footprint while preserving the superior quality of their grapes.
Conclusion
As I savor the final sips of Ferrari Maximum Blanc de Blancs, I’m struck by how it embodies the essence of its Alpine terroir. This wine presents a compelling case for the quality and uniqueness of Italian metodo classico sparkling wines. It’s a must-try for any wine enthusiast venturing beyond Champagne.
The synergy of high-altitude vineyards, precise winemaking, and profound respect for nature yields a wine that’s both refined and expressive. Ferrari Trento’s recent accolades are well-earned, and I’m eager to witness how they continue to redefine the boundaries of Italian sparkling wine.
I’m thankful for the chance to sample this exceptional wine, courtesy of Goessens Wijnimport. It reminds me why I fell in love with wine in the first place—its power to transport us to distant lands and narrate the story of its origin with every sip.
More information about Goessens: https://www.goessens.com/
More information about Ferarri Trento: https://www.ferraritrento.com/
