What is Lambrusco?
29th June 2020
What is Lambrusco? Lambrusco is an Italian grape, used to make red wine and also the name of the wine that grape makes.
The Lambrusco grape – In the Roman times, the Lambrusco grape was said to have yielded a lot and been highly valued in making wine.
There are over 60 identified varieties of the Lambrusco grape throughout Italy, the main 6 are:
- Lambrusco Grasparossa
- Lambrusco Maestri
- Lambrusco Marani
- Lambrusco Montericco
- Lambrusco Salamino
- Lambrusco Sorbara.
The majority of Lambrusco wines are made using more than one Lambrusco grape variety and they are also allowed to use up to 15% of other specific blending grapes.
Does Lambrusco Have To Be Red? No, Lambrusco can be a white wine, red wine or even a rosé wine.
Sweet Lambrusco became the best selling imported wine in America during the 1970s & 1980s, it was also one of the first Italian Wines to be have been sold successfully overseas, exporting over 13 million cases to the United States in 1985 alone.
Can Lambrusco Only Be Made In Italy? No, Italy is the main producer, but Australia & Argentina are two other countries that produce Lambrusco.
Another Interesting Fact About Lambrusco – Lambrusco is normally a sweet wine but can be dry as well and it is normally made using the Charmat Method.
Lambrusco is sometimes considered to be a cheap tasting wine, because of its cheap price, but this isn’t always the case, just because Lambrusco has a lower price, doesn’t always mean it will taste basic, these are 5 brilliant exceptions, all from Italy.
The Lambruscos
Cantine Ceci Spa – Terre Verdiane Lambrusco Amabile – Tasting Notes
Aromas – “A fizzy smooth feeling on the palate, with dark berry fruits.”
Flavours – “A hint of sweetness alongside the dark berry fruits.”
This Lambrusco won a Gold Medal in the Summer Days Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.
Cantine Ceci Spa – Terre Verdiane Lambrusco Secco – Tasting Notes
Aromas – “Rhubarb and blackberries on the aroma.”
Flavours – “Initially creamy with blackcurrants then a dryness in the length.”
This Lambrusco won a Silver Medal in the Gastronomic Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.
Cantine Ceci Spa – Otello Nero Di Lambrusco 1813 – Tasting Notes
Aromas – “A mixture of strawberry tart and darker red berries on the aroma.”
Flavours – “Tighter flavours, including dark red berries, a touch of strawberries and a hint of spice.”
This Lambrusco won a Silver Medal in the Light & Fruity Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.
Venturini Baldini – Cadelvento (Lambrusco Spumante DOP) – Tasting Notes
Aromas – “Light strawberry and raspberry aromas.”
Flavours – “Red berries with a touch of minerals / pink grapefruit.”
This Lambrusco won a Silver Medal in the Classic & Elegant Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.
Venturini Baldini – Rubino del Cerro (Lambrusco Spumante DOP) – Tasting Notes
Aromas – “Soft blackcurrant aromas.”
Flavours – “Sharp red berries and blackcurrant flavours.”
This Lambrusco won a Silver Medal in the Summer Days Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.
Oliver Walkey
WSET 2 Journalist focused on sharing Champagne and Sparkling Wine reviews and cocktails to the world.