Trentodoc

Question 1

Trentodoc

General info

Answer 1

• Traditional method in the Trentino region of Italy under Trento DOC
• Started by Giulio Ferrari in 1902, after visiting Champagne
• Vineyards on hillsides sites below high mountains
• Many wines are 100% Chardonnay + PN, Pinot Blanc and Meunier
• Ripe apple fruit + brioche and/or biscuit-like autolytic notes
• med alcohol / med+ acidity
• very good to outstanding quality
• premium to super-premium prices

Question 2

Trentodoc

Climate

Answer 2

• warm continental climatewith marked cooling influences
• High daytime summer temperatures due to protection from cold winds from the north by mountains and heat building up in the valley floor
• High diurnal range due to cold air descending from the mountains at night = help retain acidity

Question 3

Trentodoc

Soils

Answer 3

• Stony and well drained
• Poorer in nutrients on the steeper slopes
• high flavour intensity

Question 4

Trentodoc

Vineyard management

Answer 4

• vineyards on slope above the valley floor (400-700m)
• high elevation = high diurnal range = long repening season = high intensity of flavour + retained acidity
• Harvest 2 weeks later than Franciacorta
• SLopes = hand harvest = extra costs
• either Guyot on slopes or Pergola on steeper , terraced vineyards (4500-6000 plants per ha)
• Chardonnay on cooler sites (for longer , cooler ripening) / PN on warmer south- and south-east facing slopes
• spring frost on the lowest slopes and valley floor
• Havest date picked according to acidity levels

Question 5

Trentodoc

Winemaking

Answer 5

• Max yields at 105hL/ha
• 1st fermentation in stainless steel / MALO takes place
• Cultured yeasts are common (including local strains isolated by the oenology school of the region)
• Some use small amounts of reserve wines in NV blends
• Min 15 months lees ageing / common practice is 20-30 months)
• Vintage wines = min 24 months
• Reserva = min 36 months (5-10 years is frequent)

Question 6

Trentodoc

Wine law and Business

Answer 6

• 54 producers + numerous small producers
• 4 companies produce 95% of the wine
  Ferrari: 100 ha own fruit + 500 ha of bought fruit (total denomination = 800ha)
  Rotari and Altemasi = brands owned by co-operatives
  Cesarini Sforza = also owned by a co-operative
• From 7 million to 9.3 million bottles between 2010 and 2019
• 80% of sales in Italian market