Ferrari Trento Perle Brut 2019

Ferrari Trento Perlé Brut 2019 is a vintage sparkling wine that captures the pure character of mountain-grown Chardonnay from the high slopes of Trentino. Crafted in the traditional method, this Millesimato bottling offers remarkable finesse, tension and aromatic precision, with no sweetness to mask the grape’s natural expression. It’s an elegant, terroir-driven alternative to Champagne, with a distinctly Alpine twist. The 2019 Perlé Brut stands out for its combination of intensity and restraint: long aging on the lees builds depth and creaminess, while the cool-climate fruit keeps everything bright and lifted. First released in the 1970s, Ferrari’s Perlé has become a benchmark for Trentodoc, helping establish Trentino as one of the world’s premier regions for traditional-method sparkling wines.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Ferrari Trento Perlé Brut 2019 shows a luminous straw-yellow color with golden highlights and an exceptionally fine, persistent bead. The mousse is delicate yet energetic, forming a soft, creamy crown on the surface. The nose is refined and layered, with aromas of ripe green apple, Williams pear and lemon zest unfolding into notes of white flowers, toasted hazelnut and fresh brioche from extended lees aging. Subtle hints of Alpine herbs, chalk, and a touch of vanilla round out a very elegant bouquet. On the palate, this is dry, crisp and beautifully balanced, with a precise, linear structure that reflects its mountain origins. Flavors of citrus, orchard fruits and white peach are framed by a savory, mineral backbone and a fine, creamy texture from long maturation on the lees. The finish is long, saline and refreshing, with lingering notes of citrus peel and fresh bread crust. With its firm acidity and concentration, the 2019 vintage has excellent aging potential; it will continue to develop added complexity and nutty, honeyed nuances over the next 5–8 years, and potentially longer under good cellaring conditions.

Production
Ferrari sources the Chardonnay for Perlé Brut 2019 from high-altitude vineyards in Trentino, within the Trentino Alto Adige region of northern Italy. These predominantly south- and southeast-facing plots are rooted in poor, well-drained mountain soils rich in limestone and dolomitic rock, which give the wine its hallmark tension and minerality. The climate is distinctly Alpine, with warm days, cool nights and a long growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly while retaining vibrant acidity. Harvest is carried out by hand, parcel by parcel, to ensure that only perfectly healthy, optimally ripe Chardonnay is selected for this Millesimato cuvée. After gentle pressing, the must is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to preserve purity and freshness of fruit. The base wines are then blended exclusively from the 2019 vintage before undergoing a second fermentation in bottle using the traditional (méthode traditionnelle) method. Perlé Brut spends several years aging on its lees in Ferrari’s cool cellars, gaining complexity, fine bubbles and a creamy texture. After disgorgement, a low dosage is added, keeping the style dry and focused, allowing the character of the mountain Chardonnay to shine through.

Food & Serving
Ferrari Trento Perlé Brut 2019 is an exceptionally versatile food wine that works beautifully from aperitif through to lighter main courses. Its bright acidity and fine mousse are ideal alongside oysters, scallop carpaccio, sushi and sashimi, or classic Italian antipasti such as bresaola, prosciutto crudo and aged cheeses like Grana Padano or Trentingrana. It also pairs wonderfully with risotti (especially seafood or lemon-herb), grilled or baked fish, roast chicken with herbs, and vegetable dishes featuring asparagus, artichokes or fennel. Serve well-chilled, ideally at 8–10°C (46–50°F), in a tulip-shaped sparkling wine glass to concentrate the aromas while allowing the wine to open. Decanting is not necessary, but opening the bottle a few minutes before serving and pouring the first small glass can help the wine stretch and express its full aromatic profile.

Producer
Founded in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari in Trento, Ferrari is one of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine producers and a pioneer of traditional-method wines made from Chardonnay in the mountains of Trentino. Inspired by his experience in Champagne, Giulio recognized the potential of the region’s high-altitude vineyards and cool Alpine climate to produce world-class sparkling wines. Today, under the stewardship of the Lunelli family, Ferrari remains the reference point for Trentodoc and has played a central role in putting Trentino Alto Adige on the map for premium sparkling wine. Over the decades, Ferrari has received numerous international awards and accolades for its wines and has often been poured at prestigious events and state occasions, reinforcing its status as an ambassador of Italian excellence. The Perlé line, in particular, is regarded as one of the estate’s flagship expressions, consistently showcasing the elegance, precision and longevity that mountain-grown Chardonnay can achieve in this unique corner of northern Italy.