Ferrari

Ferrari has spent over a century perfecting the art of Italian sparkling wine. Based in Trentino-Alto Adige, they make Metodo Classico wines that compete directly with the finest champagnes—and the scores prove it. What sets them apart is absolute commitment to quality: meticulous grape selection, organic viticulture across 100 hectares, and extended aging on the lees. Their reputation rests on expressing the singular character of the Dolomite slopes through Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, at every price point from their everyday non-vintage cuvées to their flagship Giulio Ferrari Riserva.

About Ferrari

Founder Giulio Ferrari trained in Champagne before returning to Trentino in 1902—then still part of the Austrian Empire—to establish his winery and prove that bottle-fermented sparkling wine could thrive outside France. Without heirs, Giulio entrusted the business to Bruno Lunelli, a local wineshop owner, in 1952. The Lunelli family has stewarded Ferrari ever since, staying true to Giulio's founding principle: to make exceptional sparkling wines that express Trentino's terroir.

The estate owns 100 hectares of certified organic vineyards positioned across Dolomite altitudes ranging from 300 to 600 metres, capturing the distinctive character of elevated Alpine terrain. This elevation creates significant temperature swings between day and night, endowing the fruit with layered aromatic notes, refined elegance, and the vibrant acidity that defines age-worthy sparkling wines. Beyond their own vineyards, Ferrari partners with 600 local growers whose sustainability practices align with theirs. The company has achieved Carbon Neutral and Biodiversity Friend certifications, embedding environmental responsibility into every bottle.

Chardonnay is Ferrari's flagship variety—Giulio introduced it to the region and it thrives in these conditions. His expertise brings fresh perspective to Ferrari's Metodo Classico programme. From non-vintage cuvées designed for restaurants to vintage Riservas aged for years, Ferrari's uncompromising approach to grape selection and extended lees contact ensures consistent over-delivery across the range.

Ferrari Wines in Our Collection

The non-vintage Maximum range—Blanc de Blancs (90 pts Jancis Robinson, Falstaff 92) and Rosé (Wine Enthusiast 97, James Suckling 92)—are vibrant, food-friendly wines designed for the table. The vintage Perlé line offers deeper complexity: the 2016 Perlé Bianco Riserva scores 93 (Falstaff), the 2017 Perlé Nero Riserva 92 (Wine Spectator), and the 2018 Perlé Rosé Riserva 94. For serious collectors, the 2016 Riserva Lunelli (95 pts James Suckling) and the 2015 Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore (96 pts, Vivino 4.5) represent the pinnacle—pure Chardonnay aged extensively, showing complexity and minerality that reward patience. Choose Maximum for everyday elegance; Perlé for occasion drinking; Riserva del Fondatore for contemplation.

Food Pairing

Maximum Blanc de Blancs and Rosé work beautifully with seafood, shellfish, and lighter antipasti. The Perlé Riservas, with their layered structure and acidity, suit richer dishes: scallops with brown butter, risotto with white truffle, or aged cheeses. The Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore—complex, mineral, fine-boned—pairs with sole, turbot, and delicate poultry. Ferrari's acidity and texture cut through richness without dominating the plate.

What makes Ferrari sparkling different from other Italian producers?

Ferrari has made Metodo Classico in Trento DOC for over 120 years. They own 100 hectares of organic vineyards on Dolomite slopes between 300–600 metres, creating aromatic complexity and acidity. Extended lees ageing and meticulous grape selection define their approach.

What's the difference between Maximum and Perlé ranges?

Maximum is non-vintage, designed for restaurants, with vibrant acidity and texture for food pairing. Perlé is vintage, more complex, aged longer. Riserva wines—Perlé Riserva and Giulio Ferrari—are aged extensively for depth and structure.

Who is Cyril Brun and why does he matter?

Cyril Brun, appointed Chef de Cave in June 2023, is a two-time IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year. Previously at Charles Heidsieck, he brings Champagne expertise and fresh perspective to Ferrari's Metodo Classico programme.

Who makes Ferrari wines?

Giulio Ferrari founded the winery in Trentino in 1902 after training in Champagne. The Lunelli family has owned and managed Ferrari since 1952, maintaining Giulio's commitment to exceptional sparkling wine from the Dolomites.

What style of wine does Ferrari make?

Ferrari specializes in Metodo Classico sparkling wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown on Alpine slopes. Their wines range from vibrant non-vintage cuvées to complex, age-worthy Riservas; the 2015 Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore scores 96 points.

How much does Ferrari wine cost?

Ferrari wines range from £32.80 to £157.90. Entry-level Maximum cuvées start around £33, Perlé Riservas sit between £40–£52, and their flagship Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore costs £157.90.