Download Complete Production Notes

Ferrari was born over a century ago in 1902 through the efforts of Giulio Ferrari. After his studies in France, Ferrari returned to Trentino, Italy and planted Chardonnay, which no one had done before. Ferrari was convinced that through the combination of Trentino terroir, the innovative use of Chardonnay and the use of the traditional “metodo classico”, he could make world-class sparkling wines. By 1906, the awards started to roll in and Ferrari was well on its way to producing what would shortly become the most famous sparkling wine in all of Italy.

In 1952, Giulio Ferrari, not having any children, chose Bruno Lunelli, a friend and local merchant as successor for his beloved business. Today the third generation of the Lunelli family is at the helm and the winery could not be in better hands as it continues to be a perennial Tre Bicchieri winner.

Production Area
Made from grapes coming from the Ferrari estate vineyards on the hills surrounding Trento, Italy; all between 1000 - 2000 ft above sea level with either south-eastern or south-western exposure.

Grape Varieties
100% Chardonnay

Vinification
Ferrari Perlé is made using the traditional metodo classico. After a hand-harvest in September, the wine undergoes a gentle pressing and first fermentation in tanks. The wine is then bottled and a second fermentation occurs with selected yeasts. The resulting wine is matured between 48-53 months on the lees, with a gradual turning of the bottle upside-down (rémuage). Sediment is removed through disgorgement. The final touch is the addition of the “liqueur d’expedition” (a tiny dose of sugar) and selected wines (the recipe for which remains a closely guarded Ferrari secret).

Color
Straw-yellow with a slight golden sheen

Bouquet
Intense and particularly refined with scents of almonds, apples, a slight spice and hints of bread crust.

Taste
Dry, clean and elegant with a lasting smoothness. Notes of ripe apples, a pleasant yeastiness and sweet almonds.

Alcohol
12%