Lambrusco: the sparkling red wine of Italy!

There’s an exciting movement happening in imported wine and it’s getting a lot of buzz. Lambrusco is making a comeback. No, not the super sweet fizzy wine that was popular in the U.S. back in the 1970s and 80s, but REAL Lambrusco — dry, earthy, refreshing and beloved by Italians for generations.

Actually, Lambrusco is both a red wine grape and the region where the wine is mad. Grown in four zones in Emilia-Romagna and one in Lombardy, around the provinces of Mantua (where Romeo was banished), Modena (also famed for its Balsamic Vinegar), Parma (parmesan cheese, anyone?) and Reggio nell’Emilia (an up and coming Italian fashion hub). Although this region has a winemaking history which dates back to the Etruscans, the most highly rated Lambrusco wines today are frothy, slightly sparkly (or frizzante as they say in Italy) red wines, meant to drink now. Made using the Charmat process, with a second fermentation inside a pressurized tank.

From Italian Celebrations to Yours!

Italians have long included sparkling wines as part of life’s celebratory moments. Some, like spumante are sipped for toasting at the start of a meal. Others, like sweet moscato d’ Asti are paired with desserts and often pushed aside after a sip or two. But, there are some effervescent Italian reds too good to set aside after toasting and meant to be enjoyed throughout the entire  meal. These refreshingly dry, frizzante reds are the stuff of celebrations. Of family reunions. Of holidays. Of weddings. And, these are the wines that are arriving in America.

The quality of today’s imported Lambrusco wines is astounding. Fruity and simple, with a touch of earthiness and loads of finesse. From dry — or secco —though semisweet; from pale rose to deep purple hues, there’s a Lambrusco for everyone. Plus, Lambrusco is a great value. With most wines coming in under $20 a bottle, it’s a whole new reason to celebrate.

Planning a wedding? Make sure to invite Lambrusco!

Perfect for weddings — it’s effervescent, light, has a lower alcohol content than traditional reds and the color is like romance in a glass. For the next big thing in sparkling wine, it’s time to go red!

A few of our favorite Lambruscos:

MOLO 8 Lambrusco Mantovano

Why We Like It: Brilliant as an aperitif. Rich fruit, but with a bubbly effervescence that brings this wine to a whole new level. You can drink it with anything, but actually you can drink it with nothing at all. 

I Quercioli Secco Reggiano Lambrusco DOC

Why We Like It:
It actually smells like violets! We love pairing this with an antipasta course of dried meats, parmigiano reggiano cheese, olives and crusty bread. 

Lambrusco di Sorbara DOP Rosato Frizzante

Why We Like It:
The highest quality and most aromatic Lambruscos come from the Sobara region. Pour it in the glass and you'll smell rose petal, violet, and fresh red fruit. Elegant long-lasting froth wakes up your tastebuds.