The estate’s top-of-the-line 1997 Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore (100% Chardonnay) offers superb richness and depth in its candied apricots, flowers, honey and roasted nuts. Made in a generous, ample style, this delicious wine finishes long and sweet, with plenty of stuffing to age gracefully for another decade. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. It is amazing to consider that this venerable house based in Trento has produced wines for over a century. Giulio Ferrari was an innovator in bringing Chardonnay and French production methods to Trento. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

One of the best vintages yet from one of Italy’s best sparkling wines. The nose is a true knock-out with deep layers of intensity and perfectly seamless aromas: cookie dough, almonds, peppermint ice cream and campfire ash. The flavors unfold delicately in the mouth and are reinforced by persistent pearls of effervescence.——M.L.(12/15/2006)—— 93