Trento DOC, Italy: Terroir, Wine Styles, 10 Best Bottles to Buy (2024)

Trento DOC (also known as Trentodoc) is a breathtaking appellation in the Trentino region of northern Italy. This region produces delicious sparkling wines exclusively from the Trentino grape.

The delicate Trento DOC wines boast fresh acidity, lively floral aromas, and a persistent finish. 

In this article, we’ll take a quick look at the Trento DOC appellation, wine styles, the 10 best bottles to buy now, serving tips and food pairings, and winemaking techniques and regulations. 

A Quick Intro To The Trento DOC Appellation

The Trento DOC appellation produces delicious sparkling wines using the classic method (Metodo Classico.) 

Its vineyards are located around 800 meters above sea level, and its terroir comprises well-drained limestone soils. The region also boasts microclimates and warm breezes that come from Lake Garda.

The history of the Trento DOC appellation dates back to 1900 when Giulio Ferrari, an enologist from San Michele Agrarian Institute of Alto Adige, brought Chardonnay grapes to the region. 

He started producing Italian sparkling wine styles using Metodo Classico, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle. Today, several producers in the Trentino region have adopted the technique.

As a result, in 1993, Metodo Classico wines earned DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origins) status - a certification that guarantees the quality of winemaking and product origin.

Trento DOC Wine Styles And Characteristics

Trento DOC produces white and rose sparkling wines using the classic Champagne grapes - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Blanc. 

Here are the three different types of Trento DOC sparkling wines: 

• Non-vintage wines: These wines are aged on the lees for a minimum of 15 months.
• Vintage wines: Trento DOC vintage wines are aged for a minimum of 24 months.
• Riserva wines: The Riserva wines are aged for a minimum of 36 months.

Also, depending on the dosage (a mixture of sugar and reserve wine) added by a sparkling wine producer, these Metodo Classico wines can be classified as: 

• Pas Dose (zero dosage): Containing residual sugar of up to 3 grams/liter.
• Extra Brut: Residual sugar between 0-6 grams/liter.
• Brut: Residual sugar of up to 12 grams/liter.
• Extra Dry: Residual sugar between 12-17 grams/liter.
• Dry, Sec: Residual sugar between 17-32 grams/liter.
• Demi-Sec: Residual sugar between 32-50 grams/liter.

10 Irresistible Trento DOC Wines To Try In 2024

Here are the 10 finest Trento DOC wine  bottles to try: 

1. 1972 Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari 'Giulio Ferrari' Riserva del Fondatore
2. 2006 Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari 'Giulio Ferrari' Riserva del Fondatore Rose
3. 2009 Rotari 'Flavio' Riserva Brut
4. 2007 Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari Perle Nero Millesimato
5. 2008 Letrari '976 Riserva del Fondatore' Talento
6. 2009 Cavit Altemasi Graal Riserva Brut
7. 2010 Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari Perle Nero Riserva Millesimato
8. 2017 Cantina Toblino 'Antares' Millesimato Brut
9. 2011 Cesarini Sforza Aquila Reale Riserva Spumante Brut
10. 2015 Maso Martis Dosaggio Zero Riserva

1. 1972 Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari 'Giulio Ferrari' Riserva del Fondatore ($720)

This Chardonnay sparkler from the Trentino Alto Adige region offers an intense bouquet of exotic fruits with hints of chocolate, hazelnut, and balsamic notes. 

2. 2006 Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari 'Giulio Ferrari' Riserva del Fondatore Rose ($290)

A delicate, vibrant sparkling wine that offers bright acidity with red berry, apple, and citrus notes. 

3. 2009 Rotari 'Flavio' Riserva Brut ($206)

This elegant, full-bodied Trentodoc wine boasts fresh acidity and aromas of yeast, hazelnut, and honey. 

4. 2007 Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari Perle Nero Millesimato ($84)

Produced from the Pinot Nero grape variety, this Italian wine offers fresh acidity with nectarine, roasted almonds, and mineral notes. 

5. 2008 Letrari '976 Riserva del Fondatore' Talento ($84)

A full and rounded Italian wine with a persistent finish and notes of vanilla, bread crust, and stone fruit. 

6. 2009 Cavit Altemasi Graal Riserva Brut ($72)

This crisp sparkling wine from northern Italy opens with intense aromas of apple and citrus and offers hints of mineral and candied fruit notes. 

7. 2010 Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari Perle Nero Riserva Millesimato ($70)

Produced exclusively from the Pinot Nero grape variety, this Trento DOC wine offers bread crust, pear, and yellow flower notes with a dry finish. 

8. 2017 Cantina Toblino 'Antares' Millesimato Brut ($49)

A traditional method sparkling wine that boasts excellent freshness with bread crust, dry pastry, and mineral notes.

9. 2011 Cesarini Sforza Aquila Reale Riserva Spumante Brut ($45)

A fine, complex riserva wine that boasts rich, salty flavors and intense candied fruit aromas. 

10. 2015 Maso Martis Dosaggio Zero Riserva ($32)

A gorgeous Metodo Classico wine made from Pinot Nero and Chardonnay grapes. It offers floral, stone fruit, and hazelnut notes. 

Trento DOC Wine: Serving Tips And Food Pairings

For best results, serve your Trentodoc sparkling wine at around 45-55°F.

Enjoy Trento DOC Metodo Classico wines as aperitifsor serve these food-friendly drinks with savory tarts, shellfish dishes, pasta, and white meats. 

Trento DOC: Viticulture And Winemaking Regulations

All Trentodoc wineries follow sustainable viticultural practices, and the producers use organic manure in their vineyards. Also, irrigation is only permitted as an emergency measure, and the maximum grape yield should not be more than 70%.

The region’s vineyards cover about 10,000 hectares, and only 8% of the grapes are used for the sparkling base wine.

To be labeled a Trentodoc wine, the producers need to adhere to more strict standards. For example, the Trentodoc sparkling wine should be produced using the region’s specific plantation, pruning, and hand-harvesting techniques. 

The minimum alcohol content of Trento DOC non-vintage and vintage wines should be 11.5%, while riserva wines should have a minimum of 12% ABV.

Enjoy A Bubbly Trento DOC Wine While Building Your Wine Portfolio!

Whether you fancy a Chardonnay sparkler or a Pinot Bianco bubbly, the Trento DOC appellation has something for you! 

Interestingly, the finest bottles from the best Trento DOC wine producers carry an incredible aging potential of 30+ years. So, these wines would make a great addition to your cellar. 

If you’re a wine enthusiast looking for long-term wine investment opportunities, head to the Vinovest website. You’ll discover an easy way to buy, store, and sell Italian sparkling wine, Champagne, Pinot Noir, and other fine wines from the Trentino DOC and all over the world.