Ferrari Brut

Ferrari Brut is a Trentodoc sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay using Metodo Classico, bottled at 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 91 points by James Suckling and 90 points by Wine Spectator, it stands as one of Italy's most recognized traditional-method sparkling wines, earning Gold medals at both Mundus Vini and The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Trentino, Italy (Trentodoc)  |  NV — Avg. 24 Months on Lees  |  Producer: Ferrari F.lli Lunelli S.p.A. (Ferrari Trento)

Production & Heritage

Founded in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari in Trentino, the house was the first in Italy to apply the traditional Champagne method to Chardonnay grown at altitude in the Dolomites foothills. The Lunelli family acquired the estate in 1952 and has expanded production while maintaining the founding philosophy. Ferrari Brut undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle using proprietary yeast strains cultivated from the house's own selections — not commercial cultures — before aging on lees for an average of 24 months. This combination of high-altitude Chardonnay and house-specific yeast imparts a character distinct from both Champagne and Franciacorta. Ferrari wines have earned Gambero Rosso's Tre Bicchieri award for 22 consecutive years, a streak unmatched in Italian sparkling wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe Golden Delicious apple and white peach, followed by delicate white flowers and a whisper of honey. A second wave reveals oven-fresh brioche, toasted almonds, and a faint yeasty character from extended lees contact.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is bright and citrus-driven — preserved lemon peel and Mandarin orange — before broadening into a creamy mid-palate of doughy green apple and apricot. Energetic acidity provides structure, while the mousse is fine and persistent, delivering a texture that feels polished rather than aggressive. A salty mineral undertone adds depth through the finish.

Finish: Medium in length, with lingering tones of crusty bread, sour lime, and crushed stone. The acidity leaves the palate clean and refreshed, inviting the next sip.

How to Drink Ferrari Brut

Serve well chilled at 6–8°C in a tulip glass to concentrate aromas while allowing the mousse to express itself fully. Ferrari Brut also works as a serious cocktail base:

• Bellini: The ripe peach aromas in the wine naturally complement white peach purée without being overwhelmed.
• Sbagliato: Its bright acidity and mineral backbone stand up to sweet vermouth and Campari, keeping the drink balanced.
• French 75: The citrus-forward palate mirrors the lemon juice in the classic recipe, creating a seamless integration of wine and spirit.

Best For

• Toasting at weddings, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations
• Introducing Italian sparkling wine to Champagne drinkers
• Pairing with a seafood-focused dinner party
• Gifting someone who appreciates traditional-method sparkling wine

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ferrari Brut taste like? Ferrari Brut delivers bright green apple and citrus on entry, transitioning to a creamy mid-palate of brioche, apricot, and honey, with a clean mineral finish. The mousse is fine and persistent, and the overall impression is fresh, balanced, and lightly toasty.

How does Ferrari Brut compare to Franciacorta? Both are Italian traditional-method sparkling wines made primarily from Chardonnay, but they differ in terroir and style — Ferrari Brut's high-altitude Trentino fruit tends toward leaner acidity and mineral crispness, while top Franciacorta bottlings often lean richer and more vinous. Critics have noted the two styles reach impressive heights through almost opposite approaches.

Is Ferrari Brut good for sipping on its own? Yes — its balance of bright acidity, creamy mousse, and layered brioche and fruit notes makes it a rewarding standalone pour, particularly at aperitivo or as a first course wine.

Where is Ferrari Brut made? Ferrari Brut is produced by Ferrari F.lli Lunelli S.p.A. in Trentino, northern Italy, within the Trentodoc appellation. The Chardonnay vineyards sit at elevation in the foothills of the Dolomites, benefiting from cool alpine breezes and significant diurnal temperature variation.

What foods pair well with Ferrari Brut? Raw oysters and crudo highlight the wine's mineral salinity. Prosciutto di San Daniele bridges its fruit and acidity. Risotto with asparagus or spring vegetables complements the green apple and herbal character. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano echoes its toasty, nutty lees notes. Light tempura or fried calamari benefit from the mousse and acidity cutting through the oil.

What sizes does Ferrari Brut come in? Ferrari Brut is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle and is also produced in 375ml half-bottles, 1.5L magnums, and larger format bottles for special occasions.

Is Ferrari Brut worth the price? Ferrari Brut positions as a premium traditional-method sparkling wine that frequently outperforms its price tier in critical scoring — 91 points from James Suckling and 90 from Wine Spectator place it alongside many non-vintage Champagnes costing significantly more.

Why Ferrari Brut?

Ferrari Brut's defining advantage is its origin: 100% Chardonnay grown at altitude in Trentino, fermented with proprietary house-selected yeasts, and aged on lees for roughly two years using the same traditional method as Champagne. That combination produces a sparkling wine with both finesse and alpine freshness rarely found at this level. The 22-year Tre Bicchieri streak from Gambero Rosso and consistent Gold medals at international competitions confirm the house's remarkable quality consistency. For anyone seeking a serious Metodo Classico sparkling wine rooted in over a century of Italian winemaking tradition, Ferrari Brut remains the benchmark Trentodoc expression.