Lambrusco wines

Pearls in a glass: the fascination of Lambrusco wine

Lambrusco - a name that makes the hearts of wine lovers beat faster. This effervescent Italian wine has become synonymous with refreshing yet sophisticated pleasure. With its lively carbonation, rich history and wide range of flavors, Lambrusco enjoys worldwide popularity. Let's dive deep into the world of this great wine and reveal what makes it so special.

Lambrusco is a very old, red grape family native to Italy. It is believed that this red wine was already cultivated in the times of the Etruscans. The Lambrusco family includes over 60 varieties. Their most famous representatives are the varieties Lambrusco Salamino, Lambrusco Maestri, Lambrusco Grasparossa and Lambrusco Sorbara.

Lambrusco from Emilia-Romagna

The area planted with Lambrusco vines in Italy amounts to over 10,000 hectares. Lambrusco is mainly grown in the wine region of Emilia-Romagna. However, this Italian red wine is also cultivated in Lombardy, Puglia, Sicily and Piedmont.

Origin and variety: a journey through the vineyards of Emilia

History and origin

The history of Lambrusco wine goes back to ancient Rome, where the first traces of the grape variety were found. Originally, Lambrusco comes from the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. More specifically, from the provinces of Modena, Reggio Emilia and Parma. The combination of climate, soil and tradition makes Emilia-Romagna the ideal place for Lambrusco cultivation.

The variety of Lambrusco

Various grape varieties are grouped together under the name "Lambrusco". They each have subtle differences in aroma, color and flavor. Here are some of the most famous Lambrusco varieties:

1. Lambruscodi Sorbara: Light, floral and refreshing, often with a light color.
2. LambruscoSalamino: Intense, fruity flavor with a deep ruby red color.
3. Lambrusco Grasparossa: Strong and full-bodied, with a deep color and notes of berries.
4. Lambrusco Reggiano: Dry and elegant wine, often aged longer.

A feast for the senses: aromas and pleasure

The art of perlage

The hallmark of Lambrusco is undoubtedly its effervescent nature. The perlage, or fine carbonic acid, gives the wine freshness and liveliness. This makes Lambrusco an ideal choice for social occasions and warm summer days.

Variety of aromas and flavors

Lambrusco surprises with a wide range of aromas. From fresh red fruits like cherries and strawberries to subtle notes of flowers and spices. Each sip reveals a new facet. Depending on the variety and production style, the taste can vary from dry and refreshing to semi-dry or even sweet.

Perfect pairings: Culinary adventures with Lambrusco

Traditional Italian cuisine

Lambrusco is not just a wine, but a culinary experience. In Italy, it is popular with classic dishes such as prosciutto di Parma, lasagna, pizza and antipasti. The lively acidity and fruity aromas create a harmonious balance and highlight the flavors of the food.

International creativity

Away from Italy, Lambrusco opens up space for creative pairings. From burger dinners to cuisines like Asian or Mexican. The versatility of Lambrusco allows you to cross taste boundaries and discover new horizons of pleasure.

Lambrusco: a sparkling red wine

In Italy, Lambrusco grapes are mainly used to produce sparkling, fruity red and rosé wines (= Lambrusco Frizzante). Some time ago, these Lambrusco Frizzante were produced as a real mass product. They could not be missing in any Italian restaurant as an everyday drink. Nowadays, the qualities of the traditional Lambrusco wine are being increasingly appreciated again.

From dry to sweet

This wine is relatively dry and has a typical fruity-bitter taste. Thus the traditional Lambrusco cultivation is able to deliver top wines, which harmonize very well with the local cuisine. Such Italian wines are offered, for example, under the designations of origin Lambrusco di Castelvetro, Lambrusco di Sorbara and Lambrusco di Salamino di Santa Croce by smaller wineries. However, Lambrusco grapes are not exclusively used to make sparkling wines, but also delicious still wines.

Intense color and low alcohol

Lambrusco wines are characterized by their intense red color and low alcohol. According to DOC regulations, this may not exceed 10.5% by volume. They smell of cherries and strawberries, are low in tannin. They have a refreshing acidity and taste slightly bitter.

Sometimes dry, sometimes sweet, but almost always sparkling

Whether red, white or rosé - Lambrusco comes in all colors. In 99 out of 100 cases, it is a sparkling wine that presents itself dry or sweet. Lambrusco is particularly known for the latter. A synonym for the sweet life, the dolce vita. Tasty, uncomplicated and without airs and graces. The fresh Lambrusco wines are the perfect companion for sunny days in the deck chair under the parasol.

Lambrusco vs. Fragolino

Lambrusco and Fragolino - these are two wonderful drops. The sparkling, fruity duo from Italy offers equally sweet enjoyment for all occasions. Both sparkling wines come from the vineyards around Modena - coincidence? Hardly. Rather, the local winemakers know how to celebrate life. So if you like Fragolino, you can't go wrong with Lambrusco.

The DOP regions for Lambrusco wine from Modena

Around the city of Modena, the growing area for Lambrusco is divided into four DOP regions. Each with its own terroir, each with typical varieties of Lambrusco grape variety.

• Sorbara: Lambrusco from the Sorbara PDO is vinified from the Lambrusco di Sorbana grape variety of the same name. The variety produces low yields, which makes the wines a sought-after rarity. The vines are planted on the loose and sandy alluvial soil between the Secchia and Panaro rivers.

• Salamino di Santa Croce: North of Modena lies the hamlet of Capri. From here the Lambrusco vine has spread throughout the surrounding countryside. The main focus among local winegrowers is on the Lambrusco Salamino variety, which produces rich yields. According to the DOP guidelines, other Lambrusco varieties and Fortana, so-called Uva d'Oro, may also be used to a small extent. The fertile lowlands, with sand, silt and clay, give rise to ruby red Lambrusco wines with violet hues. On the palate, the wine is fresh, fruity and slightly acidic. Perfect for the Emilian cuisine, which has to offer with pasta and roasts delicious.

• Modena: Lambrusco di Modena takes its cue from all the Lambrusco grape varieties grown within the city limits. This cuvée was created as early as the mid-18th century and has lost none of its quality to this day.

• Grasparossa di Castelvetro: From the dry areas of the hills to the lowlands, the Lambrusco Grasparossa vines thrive. Thanks to the diversity of soils, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro develops into a structured and full-bodied sparkling wine.

Conclusion: A sparkling heritage of the Italian wine world

Lambrusco wine has managed to establish itself as a fascinating wine option over the centuries. Its effervescent nature, variety of flavors and culinary versatility make it a companion for many occasions. Whether as a traditional Italian complement or an innovative wine for modern connoisseurs. Lambrusco remains a pearl in the world of wine. Discover the magic of this bubbly creation and immerse yourself in an incomparable moment of pleasure.

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