Lambrusco: an In-Depth Wine Profile

What are Lambrusco Wines?

Lambrusco wines are Italian sparkling wines known for their effervescence and fun, fruity wine profile. They are primarily produced in the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions of northern Italy. Lambrusco wines are crafted using the Lambrusco group of grapes and are known for their characteristic effervescence, which makes them a popular choice for those who enjoy sparkling wines. Lambrusco grapes are highly adaptable and are cultivated in various regions, contributing to the diverse styles of Lambrusco wines.

One of the key features of Lambrusco wines is their range of sweetness levels. They can be found in various styles, from dry (secco) to sweet (dolce), catering to different taste preferences. The sweet versions are often more popular internationally, while the drier styles are preferred in Italy. Regardless of the sweetness level, Lambrusco wines have a lower alcohol content compared to other wines, typically around 11-12%, making them light and refreshing. Lambrusco varieties are distributed across different regions in Italy, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines produced.

Lambrusco can vary in colour from deep red to light pink, depending on the specific grape variety and winemaking process used. They are typically found in a frizzante style (slightly sparkling), though spumante versions are also available. The bubbles in Lambrusco wines are usually fine and gentle, adding to their refreshing nature.

Lambrusco is known for its fruity aromas and flavours, which can include notes of berries, cherries, and plums. These wines also often have a slight floral aroma and a hint of earthiness, adding to their complexity. The overall sensory experience is very balanced, with a pleasant acidity that complements the fruitiness and sweetness of the wine.

Lambrusco is versatile and can be enjoyed on different occasions. It is often served chilled, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif. Its light, bubbly nature also makes it an excellent choice for pairing with a wide range of foods, from appetizers to desserts.

Which Grape Varieties are Used for Lambrusco?

Lambrusco wines are crafted from a family of over 60 grape types, each bringing something special to these wines. The most typical are Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Grasparossa, Lambrusco Salamino, Lambrusco Maestri, and Ancellota, the last one mostly used to enrich Lambrusco blends. Other grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon also significantly influence wine styles, a factor often overlooked in the context of Lambrusco varieties.

1. Lambrusco di Sorbara: One of the oldest and most respected grapes in the family. It makes light, refreshing wines with a light red colour. These wines taste fresh and bright, with hints of flowers (especially violets) and red fruits like strawberries and cherries. They work really well with cold cuts and fresh cheeses.
2. Lambrusco Grasparossa: This is a strong member of the family. Growing in the clay-rich hills near Castelvetro, it makes deep-coloured wines with a strong taste. You’ll notice lots of dark fruit flavours, like blackberries and plums, along with some earthy hints. It’s especially good at making semi-sparkling wines that are both rich and easy to drink.
3. Lambrusco Salamino: Coming from the Carpi area near Modena, this grape grows well and produces a lot of fruit. Its wines are dark in colour and full of fresh fruit flavours, specially dark cherries and plums. These wines have a nice, wine-like smell and taste best when they’re young. They’re perfect for everyday meals and special times with friends.
4. Ancellotta: While this grape usually isn’t the main star, it plays a key role in wine blends. Known for its dark colour and high sugar levels, it helps make Lambrusco wines deeper and richer. You can see how important it is in blends like “Rossissimo,” where it adds strong, bright flavours.
5. Lambrusco Maestri: This grape takes longer to ripen but adds something special to the family. It’s often used to make blended wines darker and fuller, giving them a smooth texture and soft bubbles. These wines often mix chocolate notes with fruit smells. While you don’t often see it made into wine by itself, it’s very important for making balanced blends.

Styles of Lambrusco, by Residual Sugar

Having so many Lambrusco styles can lead to confusion, so let’s delve into the characteristics of the most renowned styles.

1. Lambrusco Secco (Dry, ≤ 12 g/L): This dry variant has gentle bubbles and showcases fresh cherries, raspberries, and blackberries, culminating in a crisp, clean finish. It's a refreshing choice that pairs well with light dishes or can be enjoyed on its own.
2. Lambrusco Semisecco (Off-Dry, 12–32 g/L): This off-dry style strikes a balance between crisp acidity and subtle sweetness, offering flavors of ripe red berries, plum, and a hint of violet. Its gentle effervescence and smooth texture make it an excellent match for cured meats, semi-soft cheeses, and mildly spicy dishes.
3. Lambrusco Amabile (Medium-Sweet, 32–50 g/L): A balanced style between dry and sweet. Offers ripe strawberry and cherry notes with gentle bubbles. Shows great versatility with food, from spicy dishes to cheese, making it suitable for most meals.
4. Lambrusco Dolce (Sweet, > 50 g/L): This sweet variant features a harmonious balance and natural acidity. It boasts notes of watermelon, wild strawberry, and ripe cherry, and its inherent tartness adds to its equilibrium. It is perfect for pairing with desserts or as a sweet drink on its own.

Styles of Lambrusco, by Carbonation Level

Having so many Lambrusco styles can lead to confusion, so let’s delve into the characteristics of the most renowned styles.

1. Lambrusco Tranquillo (Still): Unlike its more common sparkling counterparts, this rare still version of Lambrusco lacks carbonation, allowing its deep fruit flavors and tannic structure to shine. With notes of ripe red berries, violets, and subtle earthiness, it pairs well with rustic Italian dishes, cured meats, and aged cheeses.
2. Lambrusco Frizzante (Lightly Sparkling or Semi Sparkling): This lightly sparkling style has a gentle effervescence that enhances its fresh fruit flavors without overpowering the palate. It provides a softer mouthfeel and a more delicate drinking experience, making it a versatile choice for casual sipping or pairing with charcuterie and cheeses.
3. Lambrusco Spumante (Fully Sparkling): With a more pronounced and persistent mousse, this fully sparkling version offers a lively, refreshing sensation on the palate. The vibrant bubbles highlight its bright fruit notes and acidity, making it an excellent companion for rich dishes, from fried foods to hearty pastas.

Misconceptions About Lambrusco

Let's clear up some common misunderstandings about Lambrusco that might be stopping you from trying these interesting wines.

1. "It's All Sickly Sweet": Here's the thing: while some Lambrusco is sweet, you can find them in all levels of sweetness. There are completely dry ones (secco), somewhat sweet ones (semi secco), and everything in between. The dry styles are actually closer to how Lambrusco was traditionally made, and many wine lovers prefer them.
2. "It's Just One Type of Grape": Would you believe that "Lambrusco" actually means about 60 different types of grapes? Each kind adds its own special touch to the wine. Some might make it taste like flowers, others like berries or earth. It's this mix of different grapes that makes Lambrusco wines so varied and interesting.
3. "It's All Low Quality": Yes, the super sweet, mass-made Lambrusco from the 1970s wasn't great. But today's small winemakers are making really good Lambrusco. These newer wines show how good Lambrusco can be when it's made with care and skill.
4. "It Only Comes in Red": While most people think of red when they hear Lambrusco, you can also find it in white and pink (rosé). These different colors give you more choices and show how flexible these grapes can be. Each style has its own fresh, bright taste.
5. "Serve It Warm": This is just wrong! Lambrusco needs to be chilled, just like other sparkling wines. When it's chilled, you can taste all the fruit flavors better, and the bubbles feel more refreshing. The cool temperature also helps balance out the wine's natural tartness.

History and Evolution of Lambrusco

Lambrusco's history dates back to the fertile regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. The Etruscans were the first to cultivate these manageable grapes. Later, Romans featured Lambrusco on their special occasions, and notable figures like Cato and Pliny the Elder mentioned it. At that time, it was an everyday wine enjoyed by many.

In the Middle Ages, Lambrusco continued to be a beloved local choice, cherished mostly in its native area. However, during the Renaissance, the emergence of new trade routes allowed a wider audience to appreciate it. The 18th century marked a significant development: improved bottling techniques enabled winemakers to properly retain the wine’s bubbles. Francesco Aggazzotti’s documentation of Lambrusco production in the 19th century was instrumental in shaping modern winemaking practices.

The wine boom of the 20th century brought a mix of outcomes. While large quantities of sweet, sparkling Lambrusco were produced for markets such as America, the quality often varied. Fortunately, innovations in sparkling wine production, like the Charmat Method (also known as the Tank Method or Martinotti method), enhanced the quality of Lambrusco. This method is the most common and cost-effective process, utilized not just for Lambrusco, but also for other Italian sparkling wines like Prosecco.

First introduced by Federico Martinotti in Italy in 1895, the technique was refined and patented by Eugène Charmat in France in 1907. Consequently, both names are widely used, with the "Martinotti Method" being more familiar in Italy and the "Charmat Method" used worldwide.

Today, Lambrusco is experiencing a revival. Winemakers are crafting high-quality wines that blend traditional methods with modern flavors, offering options ranging from dry to sweet. As people learn about its compatibility with various dishes and gain insight into its rich history, Lambrusco demonstrates that a classic wine can remain vibrant and appealing in the contemporary landscape.