It’s festive, refreshing, light, versatile and easy on the palette; Lambrusco [lamˈbru.sko] is the perfect accompaniment for all summertime occasions.
While most wine enthusiasts may be familiar with Lambrusco, this unique Italian wine still remains relatively undiscovered by many. This frizzante (semi sparkling) wine stands out amongst all other red wines, because unlike most reds which are typically served at room temperature or just below, Lambrusco is best served chilled (which helps to bring out its fruity and refreshing flavours). It’s then safe to say that with Lambrusco you can have your cake and eat it- a red wine that’s additionally refreshing and perfect for the summer.
Lambrusco wine is made from a red grape variety with the same name (there’s many Lambrusco grape varieties and the wines are typically made with more than one variety), and is mostly grown in the Emilia-Romagna as well as the Lombardy regions of Italy. The frizzante nature of the wine makes it a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a wine that’s a bit more subtle than the usual sparkling wine.
Lambrusco is mostly a simple and easy-drinking wine, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find that there are many different styles and variations available, from light and fruity to more complex and structured. The final product would all depend on the grapes used, the wine producer and the region in which the grapes are grown. The wine can range in colour from a light ruby to a deep purple and have aromas and flavours of red and black fruits like raspberry and cherry, as well as floral and earthy notes. Lambrusco can be made in both sparkling and still styles, but the more popular choice is the frizzante type.
This delightful wine is typically fermented using the Charmat method, which involves a secondary fermentation in a giant pressurized stainless steel tank in order to create its unique effervescence effect. This process helps to preserve the wine’s effervescence and creates a wine that is lower in alcohol and tannins, making it a wonderful choice for those who prefer a lighter wine.
Because of this wine’s refreshing and slightly sweet taste, it pairs beautifully with a variety of foods including pizza, charcuterie and cheese spreads and pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces. Make sure to include Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano for a true Italian experience!
I thoroughly enjoy this wine and would recommend anyone who’s new to the world of wine to go ahead and try it. Whether you’re looking for a new type of red wine to sample, or something a little unconventional then Lambrusco should definitely be on your to-drink “hit list”…
Remember; good manners and good wine are timeless. Cheers to a life well-lived,
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