A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Ferrari Trento and spending time with the third generation of the Lunelli family—Marcello, Matteo, Camilla, and Alessandro. Continuing to uphold the Ferrari tradition, they have successfully blended innovation with tradition, ensuring that Ferrari Trento remains a symbol of Italian excellence on the global stage and the podiums of F1.
Ferrari Trento is a name that epitomizes luxury and excellence, having produced some of the world’s finest sparkling wines for over a century. Located in the scenic region of Trentino, Italy, Ferrari Trento’s wines reflect the dedication and passion of the Ferrari and Lunelli families.
The journey of Ferrari Trento began in 1902 with Giulio Ferrari (long before Enzo Ferrari created is racing team and no relation), a visionary who aspired to create a sparkling wine that could compete with the best French Champagnes. Giulio was a pioneer, recognising the potential of the Trentino region for cultivating high-quality Chardonnay grapes. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality laid the foundation for what would become an iconic brand.
In 1952, with no heirs to continue his legacy, Giulio Ferrari entrusted his winery to Bruno Lunelli, a local wine shop owner. Bruno’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for winemaking propelled Ferrari Trento to new heights. Under his leadership, the winery expanded its production while maintaining the high standards set by Giulio.
As I arrived at Ferrari Trento I was immediately struck by its breathtaking landscape and the Dolomite Mountains, which provide a stunning backdrop and contribute to the unique terroir of the area.
My visited started with a walk through the vineyards with Camila, granddaughter of Bruno Lunelli and communications director at Ferrari Trento and Matteo, CEO of Ferrari Trento and President of the Lunelli Group. They talked proudly about owning the largest vineyard estate, with the support network of around 600 grape growers in the area. Together they have created a long-term partnership, sharing Ferrari’s protocol for managing sustainability, as well as monitoring and advising on the production of excellent grape quality. I was interested to hear how they strike a balance between protecting their heritage but also staying ahead with innovation. As we strolled through the vines, on our way to catch the helicopter, Matteo told me how they are using AI to predict when the grapes are at their optimum for picking, satellite imagery is used to assess stress in the vineyard and measuring the humidity in the soil to make advancements in irrigation and sustainability. And they are using altitude to offset the effects of global warming by planting new vines 100m higher up the hillside (800m+) in conditions that are one degree cooler. Camila added “all our vineyards are certified organic and bio-diversity plays a significant role in our wine production, we gained organic certification in 2005”. She went on to explain the bug and butterfly activity along with the dedicated beehive area (has been relocated to the upper edge of the land following a resident bear attack), all indicate the sustainable nature of the vineyard.
Next up was our surprise treat, a helicopter ride over the 135 hectares of hillside vineyards which produce close to seven million bottles of wine a year. Whilst up in the air Alessandro explained that we were in the Trentodoc region “Trentodoc expresses the essence of mountain bubbles, produced exclusively with the Classic Method from Trentino grapes only. It is the first DOC born in Italy for the Classic Method and the second in the world after Champagne”.
As we came in to land, I caught a beautiful perspective of the sixteenth-century Villa Margon, the beautifully preserved estate that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. Over time, it has passed into the hands of several notable noble families, including the Fugger, Lodron, and Salvadori. During the Council of Trent, the villa played host to cardinals, high-ranking prelates from across Europe, and even Emperor Charles V. The villa’s walls are adorned with frescoes that illustrate various themes, such as the exploits of Emperor Charles V, biblical stories, and scenes of rural life. Three of these frescoes are particularly dedicated to the world of vines and wine, underscoring the long-standing winemaking tradition of the Trentino region.
The Lunelli family, have meticulously restored it to its former splendour. It now serves as part of the “Path through Beauty and Excellence,” a journey that celebrates the art of sparkling wines, architecture, painting, and haute cuisine.
After our alfresco lunch, we settled ourselves into the ‘Room of the Months’ ready embark on an exquisite wine tasting led by Chef de Caves Cyril Brun. Cyril started by telling us it all starts in the vineyards, “you can’t make great wine with poor grapes, but you can make poor wine with great grapes”. The beauty of their wine is in the diversity of the terroir and winemaking – despite only growing pinot noir and Chardonnay, they vinify separately, blending across huge diverse wines “likened to an artist having a broad range of colours to paint with”. It really does tell you something about the significance and strength of the Ferrari Trento brand when the Lunelli family managed to tempt French born Cyril to join them from the Champagne House of Charles Heidsieck (and previously Veuve Clicquot). And it doesn’t stop there, Formula 1 chose to step away from Champagne. For three years – “starting with the 2021 season – the Italian sparkling wine par excellence will celebrate the victories of the great champions of Formula 1®, with a Jeroboam of Ferrari Trentodoc on the most iconic podiums in the world of sport”.
Ferrari Brut Magnum NV
We started with the historic Trento label, made with 100% chardonnay grapes which provide a distinctly fresh, crisp and creamy wine with an elegant mouse. Made with the 2020 base wine and disgorged in February 2024, there’s wonderful aromas and flavours of ripe golden apples.
Ferrari Perle Magnum 2017 (and 2018 750ml)
Perle, meaning ‘vintage’ has key ageing potential and is the icon of Ferrari Trento style, a synthesis of elegance, freshness and harmony complexity. Since 1971, the first year of production, it has confirmed, harvest after the harvest, its extraordinary success. This Blanc de Blancs has 5-6 years of lees ageing, and many years of potential ageing ahead of it.
Ferrari Perlé Rosé Riserva 2017
An interesting blend of 70% Blanc de Noirs, 20% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The expression of the Pinot Noir at altitude comes through with elegance, tension and a medium bodied mouthful. The smooth, soft feeling is all down to the quality of the fruit, and the rigour involved in checking on the wine every 30 minutes during vinification.
Ferrari Riserva Lunelli 2016 (not yet released)
Given the family name to reflect the heritage, this is very much a gastronomic wine with its cream profile it’s an excellent match for cheese, mushroom risotto or Asian cuisine. The maturation in oak adds “intriguing richness and harmonious complexity, but Cyril warns us that “oak should not take over the wine, it should protect it”.
Giulio Ferrari Riserva Del Fondatore 2015
First vinified in 1972, this wine is named after the original founder Guilio Ferrari (Riserva Del Fondatore meaning ‘Riserva of the Founder’). “It is the signature that designates the best Italian bubbles in the world, able to win the challenge of time and consecrate themselves to myth”. Guilio is the reference point of Italian sparkling wines, with people often asking for GF in restaurants, just like you may request DP in France. This wine is a paradox, young, fresh but with complexity and depth. Without doubt, this was my favourite of all the wines we tasted.
Giulio Ferrari Rose 2012 (available in the UK Spring 2025)
A strict selection of Pinot Noir grapes (95%) with a small percentage of Rose produced with the Pinot Noir grapes, are aged on the lees for more than 10 years to produce a surprisingly vibrant, intense and complex but fresh and fruity wine (think strawberries and cream).
UK Stockists include Fortnum and Mason, VINVM, Wine Direct, Honest Grapes, Fraziers Wine Merchants, Drinks Direct, North and South Wines and Svinando.
My visit culminated with a gourmet experience at Locanda Margon, a Michelin-starred restaurant owned by the Lunelli’s, that pairs Ferrari Trento wines with exquisite cuisine. This visit was a tour between ‘Beauty and Taste’, starting with the beauty and art of Villa Margon, through to an exquisite masterclass and finishing with the delightful Michelin Star Locanda Morgon.
Ferrari Trento’s wines are not just beverages; they are a celebration of history, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. From the visionary dreams of Giulio Ferrari to the innovative leadership of the Lunelli family, Ferrari Trento continues to enchant wine lovers around the world. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, a journey through Ferrari Trento’s vineyards and cellars is an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Italian elegance and craftsmanship.