Best Italian sparkling wines in Hong Kong

Trento DOC (Trentino-Alto Adige)

Sparkling wines from Trento DOC is produced using the Classic Method, or Metodo Classico, and made only with Trentino grapes in high-altitude vineyards near the Alpines.

The wines made here are among the best Italian sparkling wines. One of the key parts of making a Trento DOC classic method wine is the secondary fermentation of the base wine, which takes place in the bottle.

Ferrari winery was among the firsts to produce Metodo Classico sparkling wines in Trento, planting Chardonnay vines in this Dolomite mountain region after working in Champagne at the beginning of the 20th century.

Grape varieties permitted in Trento DOC are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Blanc. According to DOC regulations, Brut has to be aged at least 15 months on lees; vintage for at least 24 months and at least 36 months for Riserva.

Wines to try:

NV Ferrari Brut (8A, East meets West, HKD 238)

First year of production 1902

Grape: 100% Chardonnay

Winemaking: Metodo Classico, aged 20 months on lees, 6-8 g/l dosage

2008 Ferrari Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore (sabrage only, East meets West, HKD 900)

Grape: 100% Chardonnay, aged 10 years on lees, <3 g/l dosage

2016 Etyssa Cuvee No.5 Extra Brut (5A, Cheese Meets Wine, HKD 410)

Grape: 100% Chardonnay

Winemaking: Metodo Classico, 4 years aging on lees, 3.9 g/l dosage