Ferrari Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore Extra Brut 2015

Ferrari Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore Extra Brut 2015 is one of Italy’s most iconic sparkling wines, a benchmark for metodo classico Chardonnay from the mountains of Trentino. Crafted only in outstanding vintages from the estate’s finest high‑altitude vineyards, it offers remarkable depth, tension and finesse. This prestigious Riserva, created in homage to founder Giulio Ferrari, has long been regarded as a wine that not only rivals but often surpasses many of the world’s top sparkling wines in complexity and aging potential.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2015 Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore shows a luminous, intense straw‑yellow color with delicate golden reflections and an exceptionally fine, persistent mousse. The perlage is elegant and creamy, forming a refined crown of bubbles that hints at its long maturation on the lees. The nose is layered and complex, opening with notes of ripe yellow apple, Williams pear and lemon zest, followed by nuances of brioche, toasted hazelnut and fresh pastry. Subtle hints of acacia honey, chamomile, flint and delicate spice (white pepper, star anise) emerge with air, alongside a faint saline and mineral edge that is very typical of Trentino’s mountain terroir. On the palate, this Extra Brut is taut yet generous, combining a silky, almost creamy texture with incisive, mouthwatering acidity. Flavors of citrus confit, crisp orchard fruit and ripe stone fruit intertwine with brioche, roasted almonds and a fine chalky minerality. The dosage is extremely restrained, allowing purity and precision to shine through, while the long lees aging brings depth, autolytic complexity and a lingering, savory finish. Already superbly expressive, the 2015 has the structure and freshness to evolve beautifully for well over a decade in the cellar, gaining even more tertiary nuances of honey, toast and truffle with time.

Production
This cuvée is sourced exclusively from Ferrari’s highest and most rigorously selected Chardonnay vineyards in Trentino, often at elevations where the dramatic temperature swings between warm days and cool nights deliver exceptional aromatic concentration and natural acidity. The soils are predominantly calcareous and rich in Dolomitic rock, contributing a distinctive mineral backbone and tension to the wine. Grapes are harvested by hand, parcel by parcel, at optimal ripeness to preserve freshness and precision; only the best clusters are selected for this flagship Riserva. After gentle pressing, only the finest must fractions are used, and fermentation takes place in stainless steel, with a portion potentially aged in oak to add further complexity and texture. Secondary fermentation occurs in bottle according to the metodo classico (traditional method), followed by an extended period of maturation on the lees—typically close to a decade—before disgorgement, with an Extra Brut dosage to emphasize the wine’s purity, structure and terroir expression.

Food & Serving
Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore 2015 is a gastronomic sparkling wine that shines throughout a fine meal. It pairs beautifully with refined seafood dishes such as lobster, scallops, turbot, sole meunière and oysters, as well as sushi, sashimi and caviar. Its depth and complexity also make it an excellent match for white truffle dishes, rich shellfish risotti, roasted poultry, veal in delicate cream sauces, and aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or alpine hard cheeses. Serve well‑chilled but not icy, ideally at 8–10°C (46–50°F), to allow the aromatic spectrum to fully unfold. A gentle decant in a chilled carafe is not traditional but can be beneficial for more mature bottles; for the youthful and vibrant 2015 vintage, simply opening the bottle 10–15 minutes before serving in large, tulip‑shaped sparkling wine glasses is sufficient to reveal its full character.

Producer
Founded in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari, the Ferrari winery was born from a single, ambitious idea: to create world‑class sparkling wines in the foothills of the Dolomites that could stand alongside the finest Champagnes. Today, Ferrari is the undisputed reference point for metodo classico sparkling wines in Trentino and one of Italy’s most awarded producers in this category. Under the stewardship of the Lunelli family since the mid‑20th century, Ferrari has expanded its vineyard holdings in prime, high‑altitude sites and focused relentlessly on Chardonnay, with Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore as the estate’s crown jewel. The winery has earned a long list of accolades—from repeated “Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year” titles to top ratings from leading critics—cementing its reputation as a standard‑bearer for Italian sparkling wine and a key figure in the international recognition of Trento DOC.

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