The Essential Guide to Lambrusco Wines

Lambrusco is a family of grapes grown almost exclusively in the region of Emilia, of Emilia-Romanga in central Italy, but to use the word on its own is technically incorrect as there are 19 different Lambrusco grape varieties. Lambrusco lovers may recognize the five most well-known varieties from the list below, but if you’ve yet to experience this lightly sparkling, delicious wine, the following information should help to guide you on your journey.

Lambrusco di Sorbara

The lightest of the Lambrusco family, sorbara grows mainly in the province of Modena and must be co-planted with Lambrusco salamino for pollination. In the glass, it is light pink in colour, with aromas and flavours of violets, red currant, cranberry and strawberry. Perfect for unctuous foods like the local Emilia dish of gnocco fritto—fried bread pillows served piping hot with a side of prosciutto. Tuck the meat inside the bread, let the fat melt, and enjoy a delicious dripping antipasto alongside the mouth-scrubbing acidity of the sorbara. A standout example is Paltrinieri Leclisse. A shade of red berry blush for colour, this wine is dry with sharp acidity and loads of red apples, wild strawberries, and crisp cranberry notes.

Lambrusco Grasparossa 

The boldest member of the family, grasparossa is the most tannic and full-bodied, though less intensely aromatic than its siblings. The grape grows best on high hillsides with cooler climates, producing wines that are inky purple, creamy, and packed with flavours of ripe black cherry and dark plum. While mostly made in a dry style, it can also be made in a dolce (sweet) style. The Cleto Chiarli family has been making Lambrusco wines for 160 years, and their Vigneti Cialdini is a benchmark expression of grasparossa. With its intense colour, frothy tannins, and dark black fruits, this is a great pairing for tagliatelle pasta with Bolognese sauce.

Lambrusco Salamino 

Named for its cylindrical grape bunches that grow in a shape reminiscent of a salami, this is the most abundant planting of the Lambrusco grapes. Also known as Lambrusco salamino di Santa Croce (after its birthplace), it is considered the best of the family as it combines the perfume and grace of the sorbara with the power and structure of the grasparossa. Deep purple in colour, it offers aromas and flavours of violet, rose, blueberry, and black currant. Tannic yet creamy, it is fruity and fleshy with impeccable balance. Medici Ermete, a 130-year-old winery that specializes in salamino, has gained world-wide recognition with their Concerto. Serve it chilled with your next meal of burgers and fries for a surprisingly delicious pairing.

Lambrusco Maestri and Lambrusco Marani

These two lesser-seen family members, while rarely found as single bottlings outside Emilia, are often found in the industry as blends. Maestri, which takes its name from a town within the province of Parma, is the most deeply coloured Lambrusco, displaying notes of milk chocolate, bubble gum, candied violets, black plum, and black cherry; it is a wine that once tasted, is truly unforgettable. Marani, on the other hand, is fruity and floral, offering notes of violet, iris and peony, alongside high acidity. Plantings of this grape are decreasing in favour of Maestri. The Venturini Baldini Marchese Manodori blends Maestri and marani with grasparossa and salamino, resulting in a wine that is fruity, spicy and floral with a hint of milk chocolate in the background. A must try for lovers of any of the Lambrusco wines.