Ferrari Riserva Lunelli 2015

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari in Trento, Italy, Ferrari Trento has established itself as a premier producer of traditional method sparkling wines. Giulio Ferrari’s pioneering vision was to create Italian sparkling wines that could rival the finest French Champagnes. In 1952, the Lunelli family assumed control of the winery, maintaining its commitment to quality and expanding its global presence. Today, Ferrari Trento is celebrated for its excellence and is recognized as a symbol of the Italian art of living. 

Producer and Winemaker

The Lunelli family continues to oversee Ferrari Trento, ensuring that the founder’s dedication to quality and tradition endures. The winemaking team employs meticulous methods, including hand-harvesting and extended aging on the lees, to craft wines that embody elegance and complexity. 

Vineyards and Microclimate

Ferrari Riserva Lunelli 2015 is produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes cultivated in the family’s own vineyards surrounding Villa Margon in Trentino. The 2015 vintage experienced a hot and dry growing season, with favorable weather conditions until June and minimal rainfall during the summer. The altitude of the vineyards played a crucial role in maintaining good acidity, complexity, structure, and aromatic finesse in the grapes despite the warm year. 

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Chardonnay

Vinification & Aging Methods

This Trentodoc sparkling wine is unique within the Ferrari portfolio, as its first fermentation occurs in large Austrian oak casks, a method reminiscent of the practices during Bruno Lunelli’s era. This approach imparts greater body, intriguing richness, and harmonious roundness to the wine. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes at least seven years of maturation in the bottle on selected yeasts, enhancing its complexity and depth. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5% 

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Rich appearance with bright gold hues and fine, persistent perlage.

• Nose: Distinctively complex, featuring aromas of yellow fruit, toasted almond, licorice, panforte, and cinnamon. With oxygenation, tones of coffee and anise gradually emerge.

• Palate: The texture is rich and elegant, offering a balanced and enveloping sip. The refined and creamy effervescence leads to a long persistence, with a finish that recalls spicy and sweet pastry notes, highlighting a pleasant and satisfying gustatory trail. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Ferrari Riserva Lunelli 2015 is extraordinarily versatile when matched with food and is ideal for enjoying throughout a meal. It pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, including grilled fish, crustaceans, warm fish appetizers, vegetables in batter, steamed fish hors d’oeuvres, oysters, and fresh cheeses. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate its aromatic profile and complexity, serve Ferrari Riserva Lunelli 2015 well-chilled at a temperature of 10-12°C (50-54°F). Pour gently into a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromas and maintain the fine perlage. Allowing the wine a few moments to breathe after pouring can enhance its expressive character.

Storage and Aging Potential

While Ferrari Riserva Lunelli 2015 is crafted for immediate enjoyment, it possesses the structure and complexity to develop additional depth with further cellaring. For optimal freshness and flavor, it is recommended to consume within 5-10 years of the vintage date. Store the bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature to preserve its quality.

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 98 points (November 2024) 

• Decanter: 96 points (April 2023) 

• Vinous: 93 points (November 2022) 

• Wine Spectator: 93 points (September 2024)