Ferrari Riserva Lunelli Trento DOC 2006: Deep golden yellow color; rich, varied aromas influenced by Austrian oak and seven years on yeasts/lees; richness and complexity of the nose carries to the palate;
lemon zest, yellow apple, baked bread, subtle oak, toasty yeast, vanilla and spices; harmonious integration of flavors; persistent bubbles/mousse/perlage (this wine is made using metodo classico—the same as méthode champenoise in Champagne), superb acidity; 100% chardonnay grapes. Delicious, solid substitute for Champagne at half the price or less. The wine comes from the Trento wine region of Italy, in the mountains, northwest of Venice, north of Verona, northeast of Milan, near the Swiss border. Ferrari dominates sparkling production in this region. Founded by Giulio Ferrari—no relation to car maker Enzo—in 1902 when Trento was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The operation has been owned by the Lunelli family since 1952; they produce more than five million bottles a year, 90% sold in Italy, the U.S. is its next market. The current Lunelli generation includes Camilla and her brothers Alessandro and Matteo. Ferrari is the maker, vineyards are hugely fragmented in the Trento hill/mountains; Ferrari works with 600 growers. While not associated with Ferrari, you probably recognize Cavit from the same region—4,500 growers supply that giant, with their average vineyard holding being one hectare (2.5 acres), to give you a sense of the grape grower situation in the region. Ferrari played leadership role in establishing Trento as a DOC (Denominazione di origine controllata—a quality assurance label; you must follow strict rules to earn the designation); Trento DOC only applies to sparkling wine. Non-sparkling wine DOC’s are Trentino and Alto Adige. $40-58
Ferrari website
Second photo: Lunelli family
Third photo: Vineyards in Trento DOC
