Fruity, sparkling rosé and red wines from Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. Read more >
LAMBRUSCO: A GREAT WINE THAT SHOULD ALWAYS BE IN YOUR WINE RACK
Lambrusco is an Italian wine, usually sparkling. Traditionally red, it is now also available in white and rosé. The term Lambrusco indicates a series of black grapes and the wine produced with them. Lambrusco grapes are mainly cultivated in the broad Emilia plain and in the southern part of Lombardy, between the Po (the longest river in Italy) and the city of Modena. Lambrusco is one of the most sold wine in Italy and exported worldwide: in 2016, 400 million bottles were produced.
There are several types of Lambrusco wine, with different degrees of sweetness, and different types of effervescence. Lambrusco is either frizzante or spumante (and, in these cases) can be dry (secco), or sweet (semi-secco). Both the frizzante and spumante versions can also be rosés.
Grape variety
Lambrusco is made from a family of grape varieties. This family includes no less than sixty varieties, the 3 main ones are Salamino, Grasparossa, and Sorbara.
The Lambrusco grapes obtained from the Salamino bunches are distinguished by their intense ruby red colour, with a purple reflective foam.
Grasparossa is the grape variety that gives the most structured Lambrusco, with the body, very intense colour, purple and dense foam.
Sorbara is the lightest in colour of them as the grapes tend to have relatively thin skins with very little pigment. It is also considered as the highest quality variety.
Production method
Most winegrowers produce Lambrusco using the Charmat method, in pressurized tanks to obtain larger bubbles compared to other sparkling wines produced using the traditional method. While few Lambruscos are produced with the traditional method in which the wine goes through the second fermentation in bottle giving it more finesse and a higher degree of sparkling.
The appellations
The following are the appellations of Lambrusco in order of annual production capacity.
- Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce has an annual production of approximately 183,000 ha. Most of these wines are very sweet and of low quality. The few dry matured Lambruscos are however excellent.
- Lambrusco Reggiano has an annual production of approximately 156,000 ha. West of Modena lies the most important area in terms of volume. Various Lambrusco varieties are used, most frequently the Lambrusco Salamino variety but also the Lambrusco Marani, Lambrusco Maestri, and Lambrusco Montericco varieties. The alcohol content is 10-11.5 % by volume, the total acidity 7-9 g/l. The recommended drinking temperature is 12-14 °C.
- Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro has an annual production of approximately 112,000 ha, it is produced from the Lambrusco Grasparossa grape variety. The wine is dark, rich in tannins and has a residual sweetness. The area lies south of Modena. The alcohol content is 10.5-11% by volume, the total acidity is 7-8 g/l. The recommended drinking temperature is 13-14 °C.
- Lambrusco di Sorbara has an annual production of approximately 102,000 ha, is mainly produced from the Lambrusco di Sorbara grape variety. It is often dry and has a high acid content. It is the highest quality, lightest and most fragrant of Lambrusco wines. It can be produced in both rosé and red wine. The area lies North of Modena. The alcohol content is 10.5-12% by volume, the total acidity is 7-9 g/l. The recommended drinking temperature is 14-15 °C.
What can we open it with?
Lambrusco is a wine that goes well with products rich in fat, flavour and robust foods such as pork, sausages, barbeques, lamb, pizza. It is excellent to be enjoyed with cheese, especially Parmesan. It is used in cooking in the preparation of dishes or first courses such as risotto with Lambrusco and pasta with Lambrusco.
This wine is also used in the preparation of cocktails, then mixed with other spirits and fruit and served as an aperitif.
→ Nose: it has aromas of cherries, watermelon, blackberry raspberries, and notes of violet
→ Palate: It is soft, fruity, fresh, sweet, smooth and lively on the palate. It has medium to full body, tannin, acidity, and alcohol.
Why should you give it a try?
It reveals everything about the Italian character; it is colourful, sociable, approachable and lively.
It is pocket-friendly, if you are budget-conscious and you desire bubbles at the same time, try this bottle.
Lambrusco is a food-friendly wine, it is an amazing all-rounder.
Enough varieties depending on your taste; it ranges from bone-dry to very sweet.
Vinatis proposes you a selection of Lambrusco for optimum enjoyment, all you have to do is to explore the different varieties!
