Lambrusco Wine: Food Pairings & Taste Profile

Lambrusco(s) Wine Profile

Last Updated on April 26, 2023.

Pronuciation: Lam-broo-skoh; Italian Lahm-broo-skaw ]

Table Of Contents

Lambruso Wine
- Frizzante v. Spumante
The Structure, Taste & Style of Lambrusco Wines
Pairing Lambrusco With Food
Current Countries Producing Lambrusco:
Notable Lambrusco Producers:
Frequently Asked Questions about Lambrusco Wine

Lambrusco is the wild child of Italian wines, and like most wild things, it’s complicated. Starting with its name, which is derived from ancient Roman and translates as ‘wild vine,’ named because of its ability to grow anywhere and its high yields. But the Romans also applied the name to any grapevine that grew outside of cultivated vineyards, so many varieties selected to plant from ‘wild vines’ and bred further were named Lambrusco. This makes it neither a single grape variety nor a family of grape varieties, but a term used for countless arrays of grapes. The many vines bearing the name Lambrusco are mostly unrelated and adding to the mix, there are currently 60 identified as Lambrusco.

Thankfully, they have a lot in common. They all originated from the central-eastern Italian region of Emilia. They’re all red. They’re all either made frizzante or spumante. They’re all labeled either secco – dry, amabile – slightly sweet, or dolce -sweet and most are blends of various Lambrusco grapes with the Ancellotta grape to adds natural fruit sweetness.

Lambruso Wine

Frizzante v. Spumante

Frizzante comes from the Italian word frizzare, which literally means to prick. Spumante comes from the Italian word spumare, which means to foam. So, what’s the difference between frizzante and spumante sparkling wines of Italy? The biggest difference between them is the levels of effervescence or bubbles produced in each bottle. Technically speaking, frizzante wines are semi-sparkling wines with mild bubbles, where spumante wines are fully sparkling wines with vigorous bubbles.

Given the Lambruscos’ many sparking personalities, it’s hard to know where to begin, so for the sake of simplicity, let’s focus on the five most common styles.

Lambrusco di Modena

The basic level of Lambrusco, sourced throughout the Province of Modena, home of balsamic vinegar.

Lambrusco di Sorbara

Also made in the Province of Modena around the village of Sorbara. This wine is traditionally made dry, with cranberry, pomegranate and reflects the region’s terroir.

Lambrusco di Grasparossa di Castelvetro

Made in the southern Modena Province from a darker-colored grape with more tannins, more structure and deeper dark-berry fruit.

Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce

Farther west from the province of Emilia Reggio. Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce is the most widely planted and adds color and acidity in blends. It has raspberry and cherry fruit with a light tannic structure.

Lambrusco Reggiano

The primary source of off-dry/semi-sweet blended Lambrusco labeled amabile and dolce and is known to be crisp and pungent. It’s also the home of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

The Structure, Taste & Style of Lambrusco Wines

With these styles and flavor profiles of Lambrusco(s) reading the label is crucial to find a wine for our tastes and culinary complements. However, there are a few things that you can expect from all quality Lambrusco wines. In the glass, it should be deep ruby with purple tints with a pink froth while expressing aromatics of lilac, violet, rose, pine, licorice and leather. In terms of taste, expect sour cherry, black cherry, pomegranate, elderberry, raspberry, black tea, orange peel and black olive.

Pairing Lambrusco With Food

Lambrusco is an incredibly versatile food wine, but as with most wines from a specific region, “what grows together goes together”- Emilia-Romagna, the home of salami, prosciutto, mortadella, bresaola Bolognese Ragu, tortellini, ravioli, cannelloni and PIZZA! Other matches are Strawberry Arugula Salad with Balsamico, grilled chicken, lamb, hamburgers, steak, Tokyo-style ramen, Asian orange chicken, General Tso’s chicken and Korean BBQ ribs. Cheese-wise try it with pecorino or Parmigiano Reggianon, Grano Padano. It even complements hard to match dark chocolates.

Current Countries Producing Lambrusco:

Italy
Argentina
Australia

Notable Lambrusco Producers:

NV Zanetti Villa di Corlo Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Corleto

NV Cantina Puianello Colli di Scandiano e di Canossa Grasparossa Secco Lambrusco

2017 Chiarli Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Villa Cialdini Secco Frizzante

2017 Alberici Amilcare Lambrusco Dell’Emilia Rosso I.G.P. Emilia IGT

2014 Paltrinieri Lambrusco di Modena Grosso Brut Lambrusco di Modena DOC

2016 Fiorini Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Becco Rosso

NV Caprari Lambrusco dell’Emilia Osteria Emilia IGT

2013 Cantina Della Volta Rosé Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC Lambrusco di Sorbara

NV Lo Duca Reggiano Rosso Dolce Emilia Romagna Lambrusco

2011 Cavicchioli Lambrusco di Sorbara Vigna del Cristo Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC

NV Venturini Baldini montelocco Emilia IGT Lambrusco

2009 Camillo Donati Lambrusco Tenuta S. Andrea Emilia IGT

NV Medici Ermete Reggiano I Quercioli Dolce Lambrusco

2017 Chiarli Vecchia Modena Premium Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC

NV Donelli Lambrusco Lambrusco di Sorbara Vino Secco Frizzante Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC

2011 Lo Duca Reggiano Rosso Dolce Emilia Romagna Lambrusco

NV Rota Lambrusco di Modena 27 Villa Castellazzo – Via Romani Lambrusco di Modena DOC

2018 Tenuta Pederzana Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Semi Secco

2009 Francesco Vezzelli Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Rive Dei Ciliegi Red Blend

2015 Cantine Ceci Otello Nero di Lambrusco Emilia IGT

2017 Paltrinieri Lambrusco di Sorbara Leclisse Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC

2019 Vigneto Saetti Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce Rosso Viola Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOC

Frequently Asked Questions about Lambrusco Wine

What are the best Lambrusco wine and food pairings?

Lambrusco, a slightly effervescent Italian red wine, is a delightful addition to any meal, as its refreshing and fruity characteristics create a harmonious balance with various food pairings. One of the most iconic pairings is with classic Italian cured meats, such as prosciutto and salami, as well as rich, creamy cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano. The wine’s acidity and bubbles help cleanse the palate and accentuate the savory flavors of these delectable dishes.

Another fantastic pairing involves traditional Italian pasta dishes, especially those with tomato-based sauces. Lambrusco’s fruity notes bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while its tannins provide a pleasant contrast to the rich, tangy sauce.

For a more adventurous culinary experience, Lambrusco pairs exceptionally well with spicy foods, such as Indian or Thai cuisine. The wine’s effervescence and slight sweetness help to temper the heat of these dishes, while still allowing the complex flavors to shine through.

Lastly, for those with a sweet tooth, Lambrusco is a surprisingly delightful companion to fruit-based desserts. Its fruity flavors and natural acidity complement the sweetness of the desserts, creating a well-rounded and satisfying finish to any meal.

What does Lambrusco wine taste like?

Lambrusco wine boasts a unique and refreshing taste profile that can vary depending on the style and producer. Generally, Lambrusco is characterized by its vibrant fruit flavors, which can include notes of red and black berries, such as raspberry, blackberry, and black cherry. Some Lambruscos may also exhibit hints of plum, violets, and even citrus fruits.

The wine’s acidity is typically quite pronounced, giving it a crisp and lively mouthfeel. The effervescence, ranging from a gentle fizz to a more noticeable sparkle, adds to its refreshing character. Tannins in Lambrusco are usually mild to moderate, providing a pleasant structure without overwhelming the palate.

In terms of sweetness, Lambrusco wines can range from dry (secco) to sweet (dolce or amabile). Dry Lambruscos exhibit a more tart and crisp profile, while the sweeter varieties emphasize the wine’s fruity flavors and provide a rounder, luscious mouthfeel. Regardless of the style, Lambrusco is known for its approachable, versatile, and food-friendly nature, making it an enjoyable wine for various occasions.

Is Lambrusco sweet or dry?

Lambrusco can be both sweet and dry, as it comes in a range of styles. The sweetness level of Lambrusco depends on the specific type and producer. There are dry versions, called “secco,” which have a more crisp and tart flavor profile. On the other hand, there are sweeter varieties, referred to as “dolce” or “amabile,” which offer a more pronounced fruity sweetness. Some Lambruscos fall in between these two categories, providing a balanced and versatile wine experience.

Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chardonnay

Chenin Blanc

Cinsault

Grenache

Malbec

Marsanne

Nebbiolo

Petit Verdot

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Meunier

Riesling

Tannat

Teroldego

Written By Jeff Bareilles

Jeff or “JB” is a native to the San Francisco Bay area and wants to live in a world where wine is served with every meal. As a beverage and food professional with more than 20 years of experience, he’s contributed to The Food Lover’s Guide to Wine; The Pho Cookbook (James Beard Award Best Signal Subject 2018); Unforgettable: The Bold Flavors of Paula Wolfert’s Renegade Life (James Beard Award Lifetime Achievement Award 2018); Manresa: An Edible Reflection; Happiness is on the Plate: Episode #1; Wine Spectator; Wine Enthusiast; The Wall Street Journal; San Francisco Chronicle; and GQ Magazine. When he’s not “tasting” and eating he’s writing about food and beverage or developing recipes in his laboratory (AKA: kitchen).

Lambrusco