Lambrusco is a family of red grape varieties from Italy, most commonly associated with a lightly sparkling wine of the same name, whose industrial reputation overshadows many excellent examples.
Lambrusco divides into two very distinct styles. The bulk of production is low alcohol, fizzy, sweet wine that can be any colour. However, there are many producers, generally smaller in scale, who make the traditional Lambrusco style: a deep red, lightly sparkling, almost invariably dry wine with a flavour of sour cherries. Each variety in the Lambrusco family brings a different characteristic, whether structure, colour, perfume, fruit richness, alcohol or tannin so individual styles may vary accordingly.
Although grapes called Lambrusco can be found all over Italy, they are often genetically distinct from the closely related family of Lambrusco varieties from Emilia-Romagna. Derived from the Latin “labrusca” meaning “wild vine”, Lambrusco may well have been domesticated by the ancient Etruscans, although it is not named as a specific variety in written records until the late 16th century.
Lambrusco plantings, and certainly the wine denomination that shares this name, are centred on Italy’s Emilio-Romagna region. Indeed, the wines have evolved as a brilliant match for the rich, often pork-based cuisine in this part of the world. The fruity Lambrusco Maestri variety in particular has travelled further afield as far as Argentina and Australia.
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Lambrusco’s main varieties include: Lambrusco Salomino, Lambrusco Grasparossa, Lambrusco Maestri, Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Marani, Lambrusco Salamino, Lambrusco Viadanese, Lambrusco di Alessandria, Lambrusco Oliva, Lambrusco Montericco, Lambrusco Barghi. Lambrusco di Rivalta, Lambrusco Corbelli, Lambrusco di Fiorano, Lambrusco Gonzaga, Lambrusco Nobel, Lambrusco Benetti and Lambrusco Pjcol Ross.
