Lambrusco Wine – What to Know & What to Sip

BySimone FM Spinner

Wine 101 Guide to Lambrusco Wines, Pairings, Bottles to Try Now  

Italians know a thing or two about wine and dining, so, when it comes to easy-drinking wines for casual lunches on your patio or backyard barbeques with friends, taking their lead by serving a chilled effervescent Lambrusco wine seems like a perfect choice. 

What is Lambrusco Wine?

Lambrusco is a frizzante or spumante (slightly fizzy to prominently bubbly) red wine that hails from the Emilia-Romagna region in the central heartland of Italy. It is lower in alcohol, and crafted to consume fresh and young.

Lambrusco is produced either as a dry (secco), semi-sweet (semisecco), or sweet (dulce) wine. The dry (secco) style is the most popular with wine lovers but the semi-sweet (semisecco) Lambrusco wines are fantastic for food and wine pairings.  Lambrusco is traditionally produced frizzante but can be made as a full-on sparkling wine.

Ideal Serving temperature: 50-55’F.

Lambrusco Flavor Profile

A classic appertivo, Lambrusco glimmers translucent cranberry red with a cap of ample froth. Elegant and fruit driven, the wine exudes a perfume of vine-ripe strawberry, tangy raspberry, pomegranate, and sharp rhubarb notes with hints of woodsy herbs, black currant, hibiscus, bergamot, clementine peel, and a spritz of Sorrento lemon. 

Lambrusco Food Pairings 

Emilia-Romagna is famous for its regionally crafted Prosciutto di Parma, Modena Aceto Balsamic Vinegar, Mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Grand Padano. It is also the home of stuffed pasta like ravioli, cappellacci, spinach balanzoni, and tortellini, along with multi-layered baked lasagne, and signature Bolognese meat sauce. Adhering to the tested theory that what grows together goes together, Lambrusco will always be a fantastic match for these dishes. Modern-style dry Lambrusco wine pairs perfectly with succulent charcuterie and salty pecorino romano cheese, wood-fired pizza, barbeque, smoked fish, and sweet treats like flourless walnut cocoa cake or baked blackberry and Morello cherry pie à la mode. 

When pairing Lambrusco, keep the sweetness levels in mind. Secco (dry) versions appeal to those who prefer crisp, food-friendly styles without residual sugar. Amabile (off-dry) wines offer a touch of sweetness that complements spicy foods. Dolce (sweet) styles, while less common in modern production, provide dessert wine options that pair beautifully with fruit-based dishes or can be satisfied on their own as a light ending to a meal.

Lambrusco Serving Temperature

Unlike other red wines, this unique sparkling red wine demands a completely different approach to temperature management, and getting it wrong can transform a delightful experience into a disappointing one.

Treat Lambrusco more like a sparkling wine than a traditional red wine. Lambrusco should be served between 45-60°F, with 50-55°F being the sweet spot.

Lambrusco Grapes & Regions

Ancient Etruscans first produced wine from the Lambrusco family of grapes before the rise of the Roman Empire. Its easy going style has been a perennial favorite across the one-time Roman Empire and Italian countryside ever since. 

There are over 60 types of Lambrusco grapes planted across Northern Italy, with the most prolific being Lambrusco Salamino. Lambrusco’s mainstay grapes for modern production include…

  • Lambrusco Grasparossa
  • Lambrusco Maestri
  • Lambrusco Marani
  • Lambrusco Montericco
  • Lambrusco Salamino
  • Lambrusco Sorbara

Today, the Lambrusco DOC (denominazione di origine controllata) is produced in eight subregions across Emilia-Romagna, each with specific regulations governing grape varieties, yields, and winemaking processes. These controlled designations ensure that consumers can trust the quality and authenticity of their bottle, whether they’re purchasing from a local wine shop or browsing options on a website. The region of Modena stands out as particularly prestigious, producing some of the most sought-after examples that showcase the full potential of these remarkable grapes.

Lambrusco DOC Subregions

The diversity within Lambrusco wines can surprise newcomers to this Italian red category. Each major type offers distinct characteristics that reflect both the specific grape variety used and the terroir of its growing region. Understanding these differences helps wine lovers appreciate the complexity hidden within what some dismiss as simply “fizzy red wine.” (Understanding Italian Wine Classifications)

Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro represents the most prestigious and full bodied style in the lambrusco family. This wine displays a deep ruby color with intense purple highlights, creating an impressive visual presentation in the bottle. The flavor profile tends toward richer, more concentrated dark fruit notes, with enough structure to pair beautifully with substantial dishes. Premium producers often age these wines longer, developing additional complexity that rivals more expensive sparkling wines from other regions.

Lambrusco di Sorbara offers the complete opposite experience—this is the lightest, most delicate expression of lambrusco. Its pale pink color might surprise those expecting a deep red wine, but this subtle hue reflects the grape’s naturally lower color extraction. The bubbles tend to be particularly fine and persistent, while the flavors lean toward bright red berries and floral notes. This style works exceptionally well as an aperitif or with lighter fare.

Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce strikes a middle ground between the previous two styles, offering medium body with distinctive violet hues that make it visually striking. The name “salamino” refers to the grape clusters’ resemblance to small salami, and the wines often display savory undertones alongside their primary fruit characteristics. This versatility makes Salamino an excellent choice for those new to lambrusco who want to explore the category’s range.

Lambrusco Reggiano provides perhaps the most versatile option, available in both traditional red versions and increasingly popular rosé styles. Producers in this region often blend different lambrusco varieties to create balanced wines that appeal to diverse palates. The rosé versions have gained particular attention for their Instagram-worthy appearance and crowd-pleasing flavor profile.

The DOC allows Lambrusco wines to contain up to 15 percent blending grapes, such as indigenous Ancellotta Marzemino, Malbo Gentile, and international Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, to enrich the color and add body and structure to the wines. 

Production Methods and Winemaking

The magic of Lambrusco lies not just in the grapes themselves, but in the careful winemaking process that transforms them into the sparkling wines we love. Modern Lambrusco production primarily relies on two distinct methods, each contributing different characteristics to the final wine in the bottle.The traditional Charmat method dominates Lambrusco production, using stainless steel tanks to create the wine’s signature bubbles. This process involves conducting the second fermentation in pressurized tanks rather than individual bottles, allowing winemakers to preserve the fresh, fruit forward character that defines quality Lambrusco. The tank method also enables producers to maintain better control over sweetness levels and ensures consistency across larger production runs. Most everyday Lambrusco wines use this approach, making them accessible while maintaining the authentic character that has made these wines beloved for generations.Premium producers increasingly turn to the Metodo Classico (Traditional Method) for their flagship offerings. This time-intensive process involves bottle fermentation followed by aging on lees for 14 months or more, creating wines with greater complexity and finer bubbles. These bottles command higher prices but offer aged characteristics that rival prestigious sparkling wines from other regions. The extended lees contact develops creamy textures and subtle yeast notes that complement Lambrusco’s natural fruit flavors.

Lambrusco Wines Worth Drinking

Broletto Lambrusco

30% each: Lambrusco Maestri, Lambrusco Marani, Lambrusco Salamino, 10% Ancellotta

100% organic

Broletto Lambrusco is a lush, aromatic Lambrusco from the heart of Emilia-Romagna. It is scented with wild strawberry, ripe rhubarb, blueberries, blackcurrants, and hibiscus along with herbal notes of oregano, thyme, and anisette. On the palate, experience blackberry crème brûlée with burnt sugar.  Broletto Lambrusco shows bright but balanced acidity and just a hint of flinty minerality. Broletto Lambrusco is delicately fizzy and has a touch of sweetness that makes them perfect for classic brunch cuisine, quiche Lorraine,  or Spanish tapas.  Read reviews and buy Broletto Lambrusco here.

Paltrinieri LaRiserva Lambrusco di Sobara

100% Lambrusco di Sorbara

Paltrinieri hails from a small family-owned farm in the sub-region of Sobara. The winery produces various styles of Lambrusco with LaRiserva its most popular export. Small production, with just 17 hectares under vine, Paltriniere LaRiserva Lambrusco di Sobara is a rare treat. This wine shows slightly bitter yet aromatic notes of ruby red grapefruit, sour cherries, and ripe rhubarb, making it the perfect pairing for salty, fat-laden Proscuitto di Parma, fennel salumi, and cheese-filled stuffed shells. Read reviews and buy Paltrinieri LaRiserva Lambrusco di Sobara here.

Cantina di Soliera NV Testacaldi Extreme Metodo Classico 

100% Lambrusco di Sorbara

Devoted to excellence and tradition, Cantina di Soliera never deviated from its metodo classico production technique. As a result, this exceptionally high-quality Lambrusco offers an elevated sipping experience. With a preference for Lambrusco Sobara grapes, the property dabbles in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay too for a different kind of bubbly (think Champagne and Franciacorta). Its Lambrusco is classically perfumed with an equal measure of tartness perfect for a stand-alone appertivo or paired with antipasto, pizza, pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon. 

Medici Ermete Lambrusco Concerto Reggiano

100% Lambrusco Salamino

This scion of the Medici family has been fervently devoted to revitalizing Lambrusco’s reputation by focusing on organic farming and exalted production techniques. Winemakers for four generations, Medici Ermente farms the first modern single vineyard Lambrusco. Deep ruby hues are enlivened with a bold and bubbly mousse,  Medici Ermete Lambrusco Concerto Reggiano exhibits prominent ripe fruit balancing well-developed tannins and spiky acidity. This wine is impressive standing up to cuisine bold in flavors and textures and won’t wither in the presence of spice. Try it with barbequed short ribs and mouth-watering brisket slathered with aromatic sauces, curry with a bit of heat, and chicken Milanese. Buy Medici Ermete Lambrusco Concerto Reggiano here.

Cantina Della Volta Lambrusco di Modena Spumante Rosso

100% Lambrusco Sobara

Cantina Della Volta produces some of the highest quality, award-winning Lambrusco wines available. The winery specializes in Lambrusco red, white, and rosé sparklers but it is their namesake Lambrusco di Modena Spumante Rosso that shines. With notes of Vignola cherry, fresh strawberry, red rose petals, and hints of citrus peel, this elegant and balanced wine is a delightful wine for celebrations, Sunday brunches, winter holiday meals, and cocktail parties. Buy Cantina Della Volta Lambrusco di Modena Spumante Rosso here.

Vino lambrusco offers wine lovers an authentic taste of Italian tradition combined with modern quality and versatility. From the prestigious lambrusco grasparossa di castelvetro to the delicate Sorbara expressions, this category provides options for every palate and occasion. The wine’s unique combination of sparkling refreshment and red wine character creates pairing opportunities that extend far beyond traditional wine categories.