Cyril Brun Shines at Ferrari Trento: A Champenois Star in Italy

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Cyril Brun's transition to Ferrari Trento marks a new era in Italian sparkling wine, blending tradition with innovation. Discover his vision for excellence.

Cyril Brun’s Bold Leap: Elevating Ferrari Trento

In the ever-evolving landscape of the wine industry, the move of Cyril Brun from Champagne to Ferrari Trento stands as a testament to the power of vision and ambition. Having spent nearly 25 years in the heart of Champagne, where he cultivated his expertise as chef de cave at prestigious houses like Charles Heidsieck and Veuve Clicquot, Brun embarked on a new journey in summer 2023 that surprised many. The allure of Ferrari Trento was not merely in its rich history but in its potential for greatness. “What convinced me was the quality of the wine that was already made at the time and the potential of the territory,” he reflects. This sentiment captures not just a professional transition but also an emotional connection to a region brimming with promise.

Brun’s initial interactions with the Lunelli family—who have been pivotal in establishing Ferrari as Italy’s premier sparkling-wine producer—were marked by admiration. “They were searching for someone to go one step further,” he explains, recognizing that his unique background could catalyze innovation within this storied house. With over 900 hectares (2,200 acres) of vineyards, Brun saw an opportunity to infuse new techniques while respecting the time-honored traditions that define Trentodoc wines. His arrival heralds a significant chapter for Ferrari, blending Italian elegance with French finesse—a bold amalgamation poised to redefine sparkling wine.

Brun’s enthusiasm for this new challenge is palpable; he thrives on stepping outside his comfort zone. “I’m aiming to think a little out of my comfort zone,” he says, demonstrating his commitment to pushing boundaries while remaining true to Ferrari’s identity. This nuanced understanding reflects not just an appreciation for craftsmanship but also a deep respect for terroir—a principle that guides every decision within winemaking.

Embracing Terroir: The Heartbeat of Trento

Transitioning from Champagne’s chalky soils to Trento’s dolomitic landscape has required Brun to adopt a fresh perspective on viticulture. He recognizes that each region possesses its unique characteristics; for instance, Trentino’s altitude (ranging from 1,000 to 2,600 feet) introduces distinct climatic influences that affect grape ripening and flavor development. "Chardonnays from Trento are probably a bit more vertical, sharper, more precise than those from Champagne," Brun explains, highlighting how altitude plays a crucial role in crafting wines with exceptional clarity and focus.

To fully grasp these nuances, Brun immersed himself in local practices and traditions during his first year. He tasted every vintage produced by Ferrari multiple times and engaged deeply with vineyard teams who hold invaluable knowledge about their land. “Spending much time in the vineyards was key,” he emphasizes. His approach underscores an essential philosophy in winemaking: understanding where grapes come from is vital to expressing their full potential in the bottle.

As he navigates this new terrain, Brun has introduced innovative techniques aimed at enhancing complexity without compromising authenticity. His initiatives include creating a reserve library—a strategic collection of aged wines designed to elevate future blends—and tailoring liqueurs de dosage specific to each cuvée. Such meticulous attention exemplifies his dedication to refining quality while ensuring every bottle resonates with the identity of its origins.

Crafting Identity: The Future of Ferrari Trento

Cyril Brun’s vision extends beyond immediate production goals; it embodies a long-term commitment to enhancing both quality and identity within Ferrari Trento wines. “The main element is to remain curious,” he notes when discussing his journey so far—an ethos that serves as both guiding principle and personal mantra as he embarks on this ambitious endeavor.

However, elevating Ferrari’s profile comes with challenges requiring substantial investment and patience. Building new facilities dedicated solely to reserve wines involves considerable resources—both financial and logistical—but Brun remains steadfast in his belief that this investment will yield dividends over time. “We do not exist compared to the size of sparkling wine,” he states candidly; yet it’s clear that volume is secondary to creating something exceptional.

Furthermore, Brun understands that cultivating relationships within Italy’s rich gastronomic tapestry will be critical for success. As an ambassador for Italian wine culture, he recommends pairing innovations like Riserva Lunelli with local cheeses such as scamorza—a nod toward bridging traditional flavors with modern interpretations.

Brun’s first blends will soon emerge from their slumber; scheduled for tasting between Christmas 2025 and spring 2026, they symbolize not just personal ambition but an entire region’s potential waiting to be realized. In navigating these uncharted waters—with all their complexities—he embodies what it means to be both a custodian and innovator in one of wine’s most dynamic realms.

Through Cyril Brun’s journey at Ferrari Trento—a blend of heritage and innovation—the world watches eagerly as tradition meets ambition head-on in Italy’s enchanting northern landscapes.

Photo by henry fournier on Unsplash