In the Drink
Camilla Lunelli, Ferrari Wines
All Ferrari wines are produced according to the regulations of the metodo classicoTrento D.O.C, a process akin to that used by the finest Champagne houses. Ferrari’s best-known wines – Ferrari Brut, Perlé and Giulio Ferrari – are blanc de blancs, meaning they are made from 100% Chardonnay, apparent in their remarkable delicacy and finesse.Ferrari was founded in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari. After studying in France, Giulio returned to Trentino convinced that his native region’s terroir was ideal for growing Chardonnay grapes suitable for the production of world-class sparkling wines. A pioneer in Italian viticulture, Ferrari was the first Italian winemaker and viticulturalist to dedicate his vineyards almost entirely to Chardonnay – and by 1906 the awards had begun to roll in. Ferrari was well on its way to producing what would soon become the most famous sparkling wine in all of Italy. In fact, Ferrari is a perennial 22-time winner of the Tre Bicchieri award, Italy’s highest wine accolade, often with Giulio Ferrari and with the most recent honor going to the 2005 Ferrari Perlé Nero bottling in 2012.
In 1952, Giulio Ferrari, not having any children, chose friend and local merchant Bruno Lunelli as successor for his beloved business. Today, the third generation of the Lunelli family is at the helm, overseeing 300 acres of prime estate vineyards in Trentino. Production is in the hands of a capable team of eight winemakers, led by chief winemaker Marcello Lunelli, and four agronomists. The pursuit of excellence in all areas of Ferrari production and management is an enduring family legacy with several cousins involved from the new generation: Marcello’s cousin, Matteo Lunelli, is the Chairman of Ferrari F.lli Lunelli SpA, Camilla Lunelli heads up global communications, and Alessandro Lunelli, an engineer by training, is responsible for planning and technical oversight.