In The Glass: Ferrari Perlé 2006

About this time last year, I had the opportunity to try three stellar sparkling wines from Ferrari: Brut Metodo Classico, Rosé Metodo Classico and the 2004 Perlé Metodo Classico.

Metodo Classico, also known as Methode Champenoise, is a method that’s been used for centuries in the Champagne region of France.  Secondary fermentation for Metodo Classico takes place in the bottle, creating a more complex, effervescent wine than sparkling wines that are produced using other methods.

Ferrari was founded in 1902, and is located in the mountainous foothills of the Alps in Trento D.O.C., not far from the Trentino region.  The higher elevation of the vineyards (985-2,300 feet above sea level) aid in producing the crisp, sparkling wines that Ferrari is well-known for.

Of the three Ferrari sparkling wines I tried last year, my favorite was the fresh, elegant, complex and perfectly balanced 2004 Perlé Metodo Classico.  This year, I had the pleasure of sampling the 2006 vintage Perlé Metodo Classico, and once again, I was captivated by Perlé’s elegance and complexity.

Produced from 100 percent Chardonnay, the ’06  Perlé Blanc de Blancs Brut displayed alluring aromas of apple, pear and lemon with a lovely hint of fresh baked sugar cookie and slow roasted almonds.  Creamy and lush on the palate, this bubbly beauty was perfectly balanced by crisp acidity, and it finished with lingering notes of fresh pastries.

If I had blind tasted the 2006 vintage Perlé Metodo Classico, I would have guessed it to be about $60 dollars or more.  It retails for about $35 dollars.

There’s no doubt, this is the best $60 sparkling wine I’ve ever had — for $35 dollars. 

*This wine was provided to me for review purposes.