Why It’s Time to Embrace Lambrusco, Again!

bottles of wine
Concerto lambrusco – winner of several prizes

As you meander through the enchanting landscapes of Emilia Romagna, it’s impossible to ignore the region’s deep-rooted love affair with food and wine. The recent renaissance of Lambrusco, the region’s bubbly red gem, is a testament to the passionate efforts of local winemakers who have worked tirelessly to restore its reputation. In this article, we’ll reveal why now is the perfect time to embrace Lambrusco and explore the culinary treasures of Emilia Romagna.

Reviving a Bubbly Legacy

Lambrusco, with its vivacious effervescence and refreshing character, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Pioneers like Giorgio Medici have led the charge in refining the fermentation process, ensuring a consistently high-quality end product. Wineries across Emilia Romagna have embraced this newfound dedication to excellence, resulting in a new generation of Lambrusco wines that are delighting palates worldwide.

The 2019 Matilde di Canossa Lambrusco Awards showcased the finest offerings from each Appellation of Origin area. From delicate fizz to knockout perlage, there is a Lambrusco variety to suit any taste and pair with dishes from pizza to sushi. Explore the diverse range of Lambrusco wines, including Lambrusco Reggiano, Lambrusco di Modena, Lambrusco di Sorbara, Colli di Scandiano e Canossa Lambrusco, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce, Lambrusco Mantovano, and Colli di Parma. Each variety offers unique flavors, colors, and bouquets that perfectly complement the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Discover the Charm of Lambrusco Wineries

A visit to the prestigious Medici Ermete winery offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Lambrusco. Here, you can explore the family’s historic cellar, indulge in a guided tasting, and marvel at the traditional “acetaia” where the region’s prized balsamic vinegar is aged.

For a more authentic experience, venture to the charming Garuti winery in Sorbara. This delightful, family-run estate offers tastings of their award-winning Lambrusco di Sorbara, as well as a heartwarming, home-cooked meal of Emilian specialties.

Finally, treat yourself to the luxury of Opera 02, a chic winery and resort set amidst the scenic Modenese hills. Savor a gourmet meal on the panoramic terrace, overlooking the vineyards, as you sip their exceptional Lambrusco.

Discover Award-Winning Lambruscos to Savor

As you embark on your Lambrusco journey, consider sampling some of the finest, award-winning bottles that showcase the versatility and allure of this effervescent wine. Here are five exceptional styles you must try:

Cantina Sociale di Gualtieri, Il Ligabue, Lambrusco Reggiano Secco, Emilia-Romagna 2021

With a rich and full-bodied character, this Lambrusco features dark berry fruits, floral notes, and violets. It boasts a lovely texture, a long savory aftertaste, and a delightful mousse. Pair it with the right dishes, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Alc 11%

Venturini Baldini, Cadelvento Rosé Brut, Lambrusco Reggiano Secco, Emilia-Romagna 2020

This very pale salmon Lambrusco presents a pronounced nose of strawberries and cherries, accompanied by bright acidity, a creamy texture, and a delicate mousse. Its long aftertaste is sure to delight. Alc 12%

Paltrinieri, Solco, Lambrusco dell’Emilia, Emilia-Romagna 2021

With its bubble gum red cherry nose, this Lambrusco offers plenty of dark fruit and cherry notes on the palate. Its engaging and appealing character is complemented by a compelling finish. Alc 10.5%

Vinicola Decordi Del Borgo Imperiale Cortesole, Collezione 21 Extra Dry, Lambrusco dell’Emilia, Emilia-Romagna 2021

This Lambrusco features expressive ripe blackberry and sour plum flavors with a touch of violet. Simple and refreshing, it culminates in a lively finish. Alc 11%

Cantine Ceci, Terre Verdiane 1813 Amabile, Lambrusco dell’Emilia, Emilia-Romagna NV

Showcasing bright dark fruit notes, this refined and easy-drinking Lambrusco serves as an excellent introduction to the world of authentic Lambrusco wines. Alc 8.5%

These five outstanding Lambruscos exemplify the remarkable diversity of this reinvigorated wine variety. As you sample these award-winning bottles, you’ll further appreciate the depth and charm that Lambrusco has to offer, elevating your wine-tasting experience in the enchanting region of Emilia Romagna.

Exploring Emilia Romagna’s Culinary Wonderland

Pair your Lambrusco explorations with a deep dive into the region’s culinary heritage. The bustling towns of Reggio Emilia and Modena are brimming with gourmet emporiums, charming cafés, and exquisite eateries. In Modena, the foodie capital of Emilia Romagna, be sure to visit the stunning cathedral and immerse yourself in the vibrant aperitivo scene.

Sample the region’s finest balsamic vinegar from traditional “acetaia” attics, and indulge in the iconic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at the Hombre farm and cheesemaking workshop. These culinary delights perfectly complement the effervescent flavors of Lambrusco.

With its revitalized reputation and irresistible charm, there’s never been a better time to embrace Lambrusco. Delve into the alluring world of Emilia Romagna’s food and wine, and discover the magic of Lambrusco for yourself.

A Journey Through Motor Valley

As you sip on Lambrusco and savor the region’s culinary delights, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Emilia Romagna’s Motor Valley. This stretch between Modena and Bologna is home to some of Italy’s most renowned automobile brands.

For car enthusiasts and racing fanatics, a visit to the spectacular Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena is a must. While sampling Parmigiano at the Hombre farm, take a moment to appreciate the Umberto Panini Collection, a private automotive museum that houses historic Maseratis and other record-breaking cars and motorcycles.

If you’re itching to hit the road yourself, Canossa Events offers guided and independent driving itineraries aboard a range of vehicles, from the zippy Fiat 500 Abarth to a vintage Ferrari. Traverse the picturesque Emilian hills as you immerse yourself in the region’s automotive heritage.

In Conclusion

Emilia Romagna’s Lambrusco revival has ushered in a new era of appreciation for this effervescent wine. The diverse range of Lambrusco varieties, each with its unique characteristics, offers endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. Pair your wine journey with the region’s culinary masterpieces, from balsamic vinegar to Parmigiano Reggiano, and experience the true essence of Emilia Romagna.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a food enthusiast, or a car aficionado, Emilia Romagna has something for everyone. As you wander through charming towns, dine in exquisite restaurants, and visit renowned wineries, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with Lambrusco and the enchanting region that has nurtured its renaissance. So, raise a glass and toast to the vivacious spirit of Lambrusco, the sparkling treasure of Emilia Romagna.

Lambrusco – Rediscovering this precious wine

Meet Lambrusco – a refreshing, foamy red wine, ideal for a family picnic, fresh egg pasta companion or an appetizer for a summer cocktail party alongside with a bowl of fruits or berries. Unlike Champagne, where the second fermentation occurs in the bottle, Lambrusco is treated by a method called Charmant – where the wine gets its bubbles while stored in large steel tanks, prior to bottling. However these days we see a variety of producers doing bottle fermented lambruscos.

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Organic Unique high quality bottle fermented Lambrusco from Modena – San Polo di Castelvetro.

 

The origin of Lambrusco.

Being originally produced in Emilia-Romagna (northern Italy), this lower alcohol content wine is primarily made from the Lambrusco family grape, in fact most red wines have 13/15 alcohol degrees but lambrusco rarely has more than 11/12. Ranging from classic dry to an exquisitely sweet fragrant, the frothy drink has made a long way from its popularity peak in the 70-ies to a gradual decline due to mass production and then a revival in the recent years. The reputation of a cheap alike-soda is long behind and today, a great variety of tangy and delicious Lambrusco wines are available; in this article we shall discuss the frizzante type – lightly sparkling red ones.

The difference between secco, dolce and amabile

Depending on the tannin, and alcohol amount, Lambrusco can harmonize with a wide assortment of dishes. When picking up the right sort for a barbecue or a romantic dinner, make sure you understand the labels: secco for dry, amabile for medium sweet and dolce – for a sweet dessert wine.

Saio Rosso Lambrusco from Agriturismo San Polo Castelvetro di Modena.

This Lambrusco offers a unique experience, San Polo is a strictly organic producer, who use the bottle fermented method like in champagne. The wine is aged for 3 years before being consumed. It is robust and rustic but yet fruit and pleasant, and ideal for meaty pasta, and roast beefs sort of dishes.

Lambrusco di Sorbara from Cavicchioli, for example, will add an unforgettable air and a rosy scent to a light fruit dessert. It can be drunk on its own as aperitivo before dinner.

Lambrusco of Venturini Baldini, on the other hand – with its cheerful spirit of raspberry balanced by a touch of bitterness – is known to be best served with traditional pasta and local Emilia Romagna cuisine.

Lambrusco Grasparossa Amabile from Chiarli vinery, made by one of the oldest wineries dating back to 1860, has its cheerful berry overtone and goes along with a Parmesan cheese or Prosciutto di Parma.

The best Lambrusco wines are affordable for all Lambrusco prices vary from 5 euros to 10 euros per bottle, which is another great reason to include this fizzy wine into your menu.
Vittorio Graziano Fontana dei Boschi’s lambrusco, for example, has a delicious aroma encompassing a strong purple berry scent blurred with notes of salami. It is best to be accompanied by cold cuts like Parma ham or another cured meat. Unlike traditional Lambrusco wines which are best to be drunk young, this one goes just as well being slightly aged.

Lambrusco Concerto from Medici Ermete  has its multi-fragrant element providing a unique, persistent essence with a slightly bitter finish – it will fit perfectly into a barbecue brunch with an old-fashioned pollo alla cacciatora.

Ca’ Montanari Opera Lambrusco di Modena Secco  is one of the best choices to supplement down-to-earth dishes such as the Lasagne or tagliatelle alla  Bolognese. This dark colored, flowery-scented drink adds a long-lasting impression to any Italian-style classic dish.

Lambrusco is best to be served chilled

The ideal temperature for getting the utmost value is around 12/15 degree celsius. Serving it too warm might destroy the complexity of the multi-layer aroma bouquet: the alcohol, evaporating too fast will overlay the sophisticated perky fruit flavor for which this wine is so much appreciated.
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Lambrusco red wines differ in hues, texture and sweetness-bitterness scale – each sparkling drink suits a different mood and occasion. Experiment with the wine-food combinations until you find the true spirit and the best match.

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