09 November 2016
Tasting the fabulous Ferrari wines in Athens
It may come as a surprise, perhaps, for some people but yes, there is another Ferrari besides the luxury automobile company: the ''wine'' Ferrari producing superb wines in Trento, Northern Italy. The climate in Trento is quite cold influenced by the nearby Dolomites mountains crafting the wines character and precision. Very recently I had the chance of tasting these very elegant, traditional - method, sparkling wines in Aiolou 68 fish restaurant in Athens.
Ferrari has been producing wines since 1902 when it was founded by Giulio Ferrari and focuses very much, but not exclusively, in wines from Chardonnay. Since 1952 it is run by the Lunelli family that succeeded Giulio Ferrari. The wines have won numerous awards in every competition in the world and more than 22 Tre Bicchieri. Last year in particular, Ferrari won also the title of “Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year 2015” at the international competition The Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships, prevailing in the final round over two admirable Champagne producers: Charles Heidsieck and Luis Roederer.
So I am absolutely thrilled to see them imported in Greece and being a minor part of this love affair.
All the wines see extended lees ageing starting with two years for the Non Vintage rising to more than five years for the Perlé vintage series while for the iconic Giulio Ferrari it even reaches to ten years on the lees! These are totally delicious wines with purity of fruit, precision and high complexity that are very versatile with food, especially sea food.
Yet with the complexity of the Perlé series there are definitely more options for savoury dishes.
Delicious raw and cured fish at Aiolou 68
Brief (up to 10 words) notes follow:
Ferrari Brut NV (12.5% abv, Chardonnay, min 24 months on the lees)
Citrus, elegant, intense, savoury, perfect as aperitif or light dishes. 90/100
Ferrari Perlé 2009 (12.5% abv, Chardonnay, min 5 years on the lees)
Refined, smooth, silky, excellent, vinous. Serious stuff. 92/100
Ferrari Rosé (12.5% abv, 60% Pinot Noir - 40% Chardonnay, min 24 months on the lees)
Raspberries, fresh, vibrant, textural and mineral. 90/100
Ferrari Rosé Perlé 2009 (min 5 years on the lees)
Opulent, creamy, savoury, long, gorgeous gastronomic wine. 93/100
Ferrari Giulio Ferrari 2001 (100% Chardonnay, min 10 years on the lees)
Current vintage imported in Greece is 2005. Tasted the 2001 in late August.
Praline, rich, nutty, layered, heartbreaking. 95/100
* Ferrari wines are imported in Greece by Oinosis
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