Complete Guide to Lambrusco: Types and Pairings

Emilia Romagna, a region renowned for its authentic flavors and deep-rooted traditions, finds one of its most iconic enological symbols in Lambrusco. This sparkling, lively, and versatile wine has earned a place of honor on both Italian and international tables over time.

Its millennia-old history intertwines with that of the territory, telling a story of continuous evolution that has led this product to express the very essence of Emilian culture.

Lambrusco is not just a wine but a universe of nuances, aromas, and sensations that vary depending on the grape variety, production method, and region.

Each bottle tells a unique story, shaped by passion, expertise, and respect for tradition. Its versatility makes it the perfect companion for numerous Italian dishes, from local cured meats to hearty pasta dishes and even traditional desserts.

The Many Faces of Lambrusco: Types and Characteristics

The world of Lambrusco is surprisingly diverse. Contrary to the popular belief that it is a single type of wine, there are multiple varieties, each with distinctive characteristics reflecting its place of origin and the vinification techniques used.

Sparkling and Semi-Sparkling Lambrusco: Freshness in a Bottle

Lambrusco Spumante Emilia IGP - Purple Labels

This variety presents itself as smooth, enveloping, and full-bodied, with beautiful expressions of blackberry and wild berries, complemented by intense notes of cloves and black pepper.

Originating from the splendid hills of Torrechiara, this Lambrusco pairs perfectly with local cured meats, traditional pasta dishes, and seasonal boiled meats. It can even be daringly paired with shellfish and tuna.

Lambrusco Frizzante Emilia IGT - Red Labels

Sourced from the romantic Taro valleys, this variety offers splendid blackberry and wild berry notes, enriched by intense hints of cloves and black pepper.

Exceptionally versatile in food pairings, it complements cooked and raw shoulder ham, cicciolata, and culatta—typical Emilian cold cuts.

Among pasta dishes, it excels with lasagna, tagliatelle with ragù, and anolini with slow-cooked meat.

For meat lovers, it is ideal with both cured and non-cured boiled meats, as well as roasts and game dishes. Finally, it enhances the flavors of a plum tart or a chocolate salami, offering a refined sensory experience.

Bottle-Fermented Lambrusco: The Art of Patience

The bottle fermentation method represents a return to origins, paying homage to ancient techniques that enhance Lambrusco's authenticity.

Ponente 270 by Podere Cipolla is an extraordinary example of this approach.

Natural bottle fermentation imparts aromatic complexity and a fine, persistent perlage. This red wine, produced in the Emilian hills, is made from Lambrusco grape varieties. On the nose, it presents a symphony of juicy red fruit with rustic accents reminiscent of the earth and undergrowth. The sip is lively, sparkling, and straightforward, with a freshness that invites another taste.

Ferrando - Lambrusco Salamino by Quarticello embodies the purest soul of the Salamino grape. Bottle fermentation creates a wine of great character, with a complex aromatic profile ranging from red fruits to aromatic herbs, with a pleasant balsamic note on the finish.

Ferrando is a naturally sparkling rosé obtained from the Lambrusco Salamino grape, one of the most widely planted varieties in the region. The name derives from the grape cluster’s characteristic long and cylindrical shape, resembling a small salami.

Organic Lambrusco

The increasing focus on sustainability has led many wineries to embrace organic production, respecting the environment while enhancing the natural quality of their wines.

I Calanchi - Lambrusco DOC BIO by Monte Delle Vigne perfectly embodies this philosophy. A certified organic Lambrusco, it clearly expresses the characteristics of its terroir, offering a rich organoleptic profile and a vibrant freshness that captivates from the first sip.

The Dark Soul of Lambrusco: Intensity and Character

Otello - Nero di Lambrusco 1813 by Cantine Ceci has become a symbol of excellence. Its intense ruby-red color, nearly impenetrable, hints at a structured and characterful wine. On the palate, it offers notes of blackberry, plum, and spices, supported by soft tannins and a pleasant effervescence.

For those looking for a more compact format with the same intensity, Otellino, also from Cantine Ceci, features complex and enveloping scents of wild berries—from strawberry to raspberry, up to blackberry—alongside beautiful violet notes on the finish. Its intense, smooth, and rounded taste strikes a perfect balance with a pleasant freshness and never-aggressive tannins.

Lambrusco Millesimato: An Award-Winning Wine

Marcello - Lambrusco Millesimato by Ariola is the true star of an extraordinary vintage, a Grand Cru that fully expresses the characteristics of a high-class Lambrusco.

This wine stands out for its aromatic complexity and enveloping structure, offering a unique sensory experience.

Its lively bubbles and rich aromatic profile, featuring ripe red fruit, spicy notes, and a slight toastiness, make it the best example of premium Lambrusco—perfect for those seeking a unique and refined wine.

Awarded multiple times in Italy and worldwide, Lambrusco Marcello has won:

• Gold Medal – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, 2013
• Gold Medal – Vinitaly, 2011
• 99/100 rating – Annuario dei Migliori Vini Italiani by Luca Maroni, 2013
• Best Sparkling Red Wine in the World – International Wine Challenge, London, 2011

A Lambrusco that is not just a wine but a true icon of quality, recognized globally as the best sparkling red wine in the world.

The Elegance of Tradition

Trentasei - Lambrusco di Modena Spumante DOC Brut by Cantina della Volta elevates Lambrusco to new levels of sophistication. Produced using the traditional method, with at least 36 months on the lees, this brut sparkling wine surprises with elegance and complexity.

Lambrusco Rosé and Its Color Variations

Lambrusco isn’t just red. Lambrusco Rosé enchants with its delicate pink hue and fresh aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and rose petals. A versatile wine, perfect as an aperitif or paired with light dishes.

Dark Lambrusco, on the other hand, represents the more intense and structured soul of the grape. Its deep color hints at a bold wine with notes of black fruits, spices, and a pleasant tannic presence.

Regional Expressions: From Grasparossa to Salamino

Il Tasso - Lambrusco Grasparossa from Fattorie Moretto is an excellent expression of the Grasparossa variety, known for its higher tannins and structure. Intense aromas of wild berries and spices blend with a pleasant balsamic note, creating a wine of great personality.

Il Monovitigno - Lambrusco Grasparossa DOP, also from Fattorie Moretto, offers an authentic, unfiltered experience of this variety, highlighting its full aromatic richness and structure.

Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOC from Cantina Santa Croce, on the other hand, embodies the elegance and finesse of the Salamino grape. Less tannic than Grasparossa, it captivates with its freshness and fragrance, where floral notes harmoniously merge with hints of crisp red fruits.

Regional Specialties: Torcularia, Colli di Parma, and Beyond

Torcularia - Lambrusco Frizzante IGT from Cantine Carra pays homage to the ancient winemaking traditions of the region. Its name evokes the traditional press ("torchio") once used for grape crushing. This is a genuine Lambrusco with delicate effervescence and an aromatic bouquet that speaks of terroir and tradition.

Lambrusco Frizzante Colli di Parma DOC from Lamoretti represents the essence of Lambrusco from the Parma hillside vineyards. Thanks to its unique location, this wine stands out for its remarkable freshness and minerality, accompanied by an aromatic bouquet that ranges from red fruits to herbal notes.

Sparkling, fruity, vinous, and fresh—yet with good concentration and a hint of tannin—this is a wine with great personality, easy to drink, and irresistibly enjoyable.

Lambrusco and Gastronomy: Perfect Pairings

Lambrusco’s versatility makes it the ideal companion for numerous culinary delights. Its acidity, freshness, and moderate tannins allow it to balance rich, fatty dishes by cleansing the palate and preparing it for the next bite.

Classic Emilian Pairings

With typical Emilian cured meats, such as Prosciutto di Parma, Culatello di Zibello, and Coppa Piacentina, a Lambrusco Frizzante Emilia IGT - Red Label is the perfect match. Its freshness and slight tannins balance the saltiness and fat of the cured meats, creating an ideal harmony of flavors.

For hearty first courses like tortellini in broth or cappelletti, a Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOC enhances the flavors of the filling without overpowering the delicacy of the broth.

Unexpected and International Pairings

Lambrusco surprisingly pairs well with international cuisines. Otello - Nero di Lambrusco 1813 complements spicy Asian dishes perfectly, with its structure balancing the heat while its effervescence refreshes the palate.

Sweets and Desserts: Lambrusco Surprises

Contrary to what one might think, Lambrusco can also be a perfect companion for desserts. A red fruit tart finds an ideal match in Lini 910’s Lambrusco Rosé, whose freshness enhances the sweetness of the fruit without being overpowering.

For chocolate-based desserts, a more structured Lambrusco Grasparossa creates an interesting contrast that enhances both elements of the pairing. Even naturally sweet Lambrusco, with its delicate effervescence and residual sugar, pairs beautifully with traditional dry pastries, such as typical Emilian biscuits.

A Heritage to Discover and Celebrate

Lambrusco represents one of the most authentic expressions of Emilian food and wine culture—a heritage of biodiversity and tradition that deserves to be rediscovered and appreciated. Its extraordinary versatility makes it a democratic wine, capable of satisfying diverse palates and pairing with a wide variety of dishes.

In recent years, thanks to the passionate work of visionary producers, Lambrusco has been able to reinvent itself, staying true to its roots while boldly looking to the future. The growing focus on sustainability, the quality of raw materials, and the authentic expression of the territory have led to the creation of prestigious labels that are helping to reshape the perception of this wine on an international level.

Whether it’s a traditional Lambrusco or one of its modern interpretations, every bottle tells a story of passion, terroir and culture. It is an invitation to the table and a journey through the flavors and aromas of one of Italy’s richest gastronomic regions.

A glass of Lambrusco is much more than just a wine—it’s a complete sensory experience, a toast to the joy of life and the convivial spirit that defines Emilia.

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