Two of the most iconic sparkling wine producers of Italy are championed for their sustainable efforts in their sourcing, farming and production. Today, we take a closer look at the mindful values of two of Italy’s most exceptional brands: Ferrari, a family led institution renowned for their elegant sparkling wines, and Bisol, the five-century old icon of Prosecco DOCG. 

Wine, heritage and vision

Ferrari

Ferrari is a leading Italian producer for sparkling wine, a family business founded in 1902 by Giulio Ferraro. In 1952 its management was taken over by Bruno Lunelli, and today is led by the Lunelli’s family’s third generation.. Ferrari has been active in their responsibility towards society and the environment. All vineyards owned by the Lunelli family have had organic certification since 2017. Ferrari has sustainability engrained in their DNA and they strive for continuous innovation offering excellence inside each bottle, and a quest for a harmonious balance between man and nature.

The Ferrari vineyards

Ferrari was named Producer of the Year in 2021 at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships, demonstrating that Italy, and the province of Trentino in particular, is in what is described as the ”pole position”. Italy passed France in terms of medals given in 2019, and the two nations tied with 47 gold medals each in 2020, nine of which were earned by Ferrari.

 

Bisol

Bisol’s rich history dates back to 1542, and today, with the Bisol brothers at the helm, it is one of the most respected Prosecco brands worldwide. Gianluca Bisol, president and CEO of Bisol Prosecco, together with his brother Desiderio Bisol, chief enologist and technical director, produce a range of organically farmed and internationally recognised award-winning Prosecco. Everything they farm is organic, including their finest Prosecco, Prosecco Superiore DOCG from Valdobbiadene, located in Northeast Italy. This region sees the production of the highest quality Prosecco. The brothers describe the Valdobbiadene appellation as the “spiritual homeland of Prosecco Superiore wine - a landscape where the generosity is only matched by the difficulty of tending its rocky slopes.”

The hilly Bisol vineyards

Powered by Sustainability

Ferrari

Founder Giulio Ferrari and the values of the Lunelli family have produced an entrepreneurial vision of creating wellbeing, safety and beauty for those who work with them and for the community in which they work.. Ferrari have obtained Carbon Neutrality Scope 1,2 and partially Scope 3 certification, by accepting accountability for emissions produced by practises including staff commuting and business travel.

Through their assistance with the certified carbon offset project, Ferrari has already offset more than 1,100 tonnes of CO2 by May 2022. The producer has set strategic objectives to reduce their direct emissions to zero. With the incorporation of a photovoltaic plant integrated on the roof of the winery and implementing energy solely from renewable resources, they have been certified by ‘Climate Partner’. This partnership has seen Ferrari being more active towards their Corporate Carbon footprint, following international standards including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Ferrari celebrated their 120^th anniversary by achieving Carbon Neutrality and renewing their contract with F1 as the official toast of the sport earlier this year. “For 120 years our winery has had a virtuous relationship with its local area, which we are extremely keen to promote and protect. Attention to sustainability has always been part of our way of running our business and the reduction and compensation of CO2 emissions is a further sign of this commitment, which we share with our team. As we celebrate our history, we also want to look towards the future; it is therefore our responsibility to make a contribution in the battle against climate change,” said Matteo Lunelli, President and CEO of Ferrari.

The Ferrari cellars 

Bisol

“The power of Prosecco lies in its capacity to become, not a status symbol, but a lifestyle symbol; in fact, our Prosecco is fine, modern, versatile and sustainable,” said Gianluca Bisol.

Gianluca Bisol

The Bisol family operates across more than 20 vineyards in Conegliano Valdobbiadene, specifically from the Cartizze hill. The microclimate of this region sees constant breezes, prime temperatures and sun, allowing the  vines to thrive without the use of chemical spraying. The terrain of the steep hillsides relies on cultivation and harvesting by hand, described as ‘’heroic viticulture’’ – a superior focus on promoting vine health through ecological methods. The Bisol brothers aim to constantly execute new ethical and corrective practices, to ensure maximum biodiversity on and under the soil of their vineyards. 

 

A taste of organic farming

Ferrari

At the core of all agricultural activities, Ferrari aim to achieve the concept of the soil’s natural fertility, including recovering traditional agronomic practices such as green manuring. Thorough regulations and sustainable approaches, involving the elimination of herbicides, acaricides and synthetic fertilisers, Ferrari aspire to protect the quality of life and environment.

Ferrari’s culture of sustainability has been shared with more than 600 vine growers who supply their grapes. The producer’s team of agronomists train and educate these vine growers, whereby they are asked to follow protocol for healthy and sustainable mountain viticulture called ‘’II Vigneto Ferrari’’, certified by CSQA.

Bisol

Located In the heart of Prosecco Superiore, Bisol has earned a prestigious reputation for producing sophisticated, fragrant wines that are true to their terroir. A wide range of wines, from the exquisite Prosecco Superiore Cartizze, to the gentle and reviving Valdobbiadene Brut Rosé Jeio, have been produced from the versatile Glera that reacts to variations in aspects of the soil and microclimate.