Last week we had the opportunity to learn more about the Italian wine region Trentodoc via Zoom. The Zoom presentation was delightfully well-prepared and in addition we enjoyed a delicious Ferrari sparkling wine from the Trentodoc region.

The tagline for Trentodoc is “Sparkling Wines from the Mountains.” The wine region is located in Trentino in northern Italy, not far from the Dolomites. The presentation included colorful, seasonal photos of the vineyards located on slopes with surrounding mountains.

The Trentodoc Trademark

“The Trademark is a seal of belonging, indicating territorial origin, quality assurance with the value-added features of brands that are already well-known and appreciated.”

Trentodoc winemakers are focused on tradition, territory and long aging. The DOC appellation, established in 1993, was the first appellation in Italy for champenoise sparkling wine.

The majority of the land in Trentino is located at more than 1000 meters (3,281 feet) above sea level. The Trentodoc vineyards can be found as high as 900 meters (2953 feet) above sea level. According to the presentation, “It is the only champenoise sparkling wine in the world produced in a mountain environment.”

Today the Trentodoc vineyards comprise of 750 hectares (1,853 acres). The vineyards are farmed sustainably.

Regulations for Trentodoc

Grapes varieties allowed include: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Meunier. Trentodoc produces both white and rosé sparkling wines. The wineries are limited to 150 tons per hectare. Irrigation is allowed only for emergencies.

Aging Categories

• Brut: 15 months
• Single-vintage: 24 months
• Riserva: 36 months on lees

Some of the wine producers age their sparkling wines on the lees for as along as 10 years.

Research

In addition to the informative presentation and the wine tasting, we found the research intriguing. A three year study analyzed 43 Trentodoc wine samples. “They were founded 1,700 volatile compounds (ten times more than those known to date and in amounts similar to more complex prestigious red wines), 200 of the volatile compounds, are specific to Trentodoc.” 

A number of (100) aromatic compounds were produced because of wide temperature changes. It was noted that these aromatic changes were not caused by the way the wines were produced but rather to the temperature changes. “These results indicates a strong link with the mountain territory: if a metodo classico sparkling wine contains a significant amount of these compounds, this means that specific grapes are used and that that wine can only be Trentodoc.”

Trentodoc Wine Tasting

The Ferrari Perlé 2014, TrentoDoc had a yellow color with light gold hue. The 12.5% alcohol sparkling wine was as impressive as it was complex. Multiple columns of tiny bubbles formed a central and circumferential mousse on the wine’s surface. The columns of bubbles continued to last while the wine was tasted. The wine aged for 50 months on the lees. Made entirely with hand harvested Chardonnay grapes, the aroma was reminiscent of apples and freshly baked bread. On the taste there was apple, freshly baked bread, citrus and mineral like chalk. The mouthfeel was lively. The finish was refreshing and cleansing with plenty of fruit. We have an apple pie that is begging to be matched with the Ferrari Perlé 2014.

The next time you are looking for a sparkling wine, ask at your local wine shop about Trentodoc wines.

Cheers,
Terry and Kathy