A New Chapter: Cyril Brun’s Quest for Precision and Expression at Ferrari Trento

Cyril Brun, the Chef de Cave at Ferrari Trento, is on a mission to take the Italian winery to new heights of sparkling winemaking.

Since arriving in 2023, following a career steeped in prestige Champagne, Brun has begun by challenging and questioning everything in pursuit of perfection. Through numerous trials and blind tests, Cyril is painstaking following the impact of various changes, carefully evaluating how each alteration influences the final wine. This willingness to experiment with new techniques is central to his vision of refining Ferrari’s renowned sparkling wines.

In the heart of the mountains

Ferrari Trento is nestled in the heart of the Trentino region in northern Italy, surrounded by the breathtaking mountainous landscape at an altitude of around 700 metres. The steep, challenging terrain of the vineyards contributes to the production of grapes with exceptional quality, offering the perfect conditions for the winery’s renowned sparkling wines. Founded in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari, the winery has a rich heritage of winemaking that continues to this day. Ferrari sources its grapes not only from its own estate but also from approximately 600 small grower vineyards across the Trentino region, each contributing to the distinctive character of the wines. The focus has always been on producing traditional method sparkling wines, primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, varieties that thrive in the unique terroir of the mountains. The high altitude of the vineyards imparts a freshness and complexity to the wines that sets them apart from the flatter Champagne region, creating a wine style that reflects the region’s particular growing conditions. Sustainability and maintaining quality across the grower vineyards are key priorities for Ferrari, ensuring that every bottle upholds the winery’s commitment to excellence.

Cyril Brun, Chef de Cave, Ferrari Trento “My vision is to take the already high-quality wines of Ferrari Trento and push them to even greater heights of precision and expression. I want to challenge every aspect of the winemaking process – from the vineyards to the cellar – to unlock the full potential of this remarkable terroir. It’s not about changing the core identity, but rather refining and elevating it through meticulous attention to detail. My goal is to create sparkling wines of unparalleled elegance, complexity and balance – wines that capture the essence of the Trentino mountains in every sip. This is the legacy I hope to build upon for the future of Ferrari Trento.”

One area that Cyril is focusing on is enhancing the winemaking processes themselves. He is experimenting with a variety of new clones, planting systems, and pressing methods, particularly fractional pressing, to improve separation and allow for greater control over the different wine fractions. This hands-on approach is all about precision—ensuring that each aspect of the wine’s production contributes to the overall quality. He is gradually moving towards using whole grape bunches instead of traditional fractioning methods, enabling him to better understand the different fractions and to have a clearer vision for their role in the final blend. This shift is also aimed at refining the precision in planning and elevating the wines’ overall complexity.

At the heart of his work is a deep emphasis on texture, elegance, and balance. Cyril is determined to create a wine style that is subtle yet complex, with a distinct, spicy character. He is carefully avoiding the heavy oak influences that can sometimes overshadow the true expression of the terroir. By prioritising the natural characteristics of the fruit and the meticulous control of the winemaking process, Cyril is working to craft a sparkling wine that speaks of its place of origin with clarity and finesse.

In his approach, Cyril is not merely following tradition; he is redefining it. By pushing the team at Ferrari Trento to explore new techniques and rethink conventional methods, he is infusing the winery with a fresh perspective. His goal is not only to preserve Ferrari’s excellence but to enhance it, allowing the winery’s wines to continue evolving while remaining faithful to the rich heritage of Trentino’s terroir. Through these efforts, Cyril Brun is laying the groundwork for a new chapter in Ferrari’s storied history.

Ferrari’s style

The wine style at Ferrari Trento is centred around traditional method sparkling wines, predominantly crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Produced using the Champagne method, the wines undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle, a process that imparts complexity and depth. Under the guidance of the new winemaker, Cyril Brun, Ferrari Trento is refining its approach to create a subtle, complex sparkling wine that highlights the unique character of the Trentino mountains. The aim is to emphasise the spicy, smoky notes of the mountain-grown grapes, while avoiding the heavy oak influence that can overshadow the delicate flavours. The wines are designed to strike a harmonious balance between richness and freshness, with a textured mouthfeel that enhances their elegance. Extended aging periods of 10 to 12 years are employed to develop greater complexity and refinement, helping the wines reach their full potential. While the winery also produces some still wines, its primary focus remains on traditional method sparkling wines, which reflect the distinctive terroir of the Trentino region. This style sets Ferrari Trento apart from the Champagne tradition, offering wines that are both high in quality and uniquely representative of their mountainous origins.

Matteo Bruno Lunelli, President & CEO, Ferrari Trento

Matteo Bruno Lunelli, President & CEO, Ferrari Trento “The Ferrari Trento wines possess a rare and captivating balance – a harmonious interplay of richness and finesse that sets them apart. Each sip reveals layer upon layer of subtle complexity, from the delicate floral notes to the whispers of spice and smoke. What makes these wines so special is their ability to maintain a sense of elegance and purity, even as they evolve and develop over time. It’s a testament to the skill of our winemakers and the exceptional quality of the Trentino terroir. These are wines that inspire wonder with every encounter.”

Family legacy

Ferrari Trento has a rich history of excellence that began with its founding by Giulio Ferrari in 1902. Under the leadership of his successor, Bruno Melly, the winery continued to produce high-quality, long-aged sparkling wines, solidifying its reputation.

Today, Matteo Lunelli, part of the third generation of the family, remains dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the winery’s legacy. Ferrari Trento has assembled a “dream team” of experts, including winemaker Cyril Brun, to further refine the wines.

The winery places strong emphasis on preserving the unique terroir of Trentino, while embracing innovative techniques to showcase the best qualities of the region’s mountain viticulture. With Brun now established in the team they have a new chapter in the family legacy being prepared and it should be worth the wait.