Two reasons for this Lambrusco post: First, we’re sorry to all the customers who still continue to call or email and inquire if we will ever have anymore Della Robbia. We will not, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a similar, just as delicious product out there! Enter reason two, it is Lambrusco Day!
Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine produced in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy and can be made in a dry to sweet profile, and either effervescent (like a Moscato) or fully sparkling like a Champagne. In times past, there were white and Rosé variations as well, using little or no skin contact. Today, a few Rosés are available in the marketplace, but so few in comparison to the red stylings.
Lambrusco is generally served slightly chilled, or cellar temp, as all wines actually should be served.
Lambrusco is not just the wine style, but the name of the primary red grape that it comes from. Lambrusco is grown in Italy and has 6 commonly found variations, all indigenous to Emilia Romagna, and none are clones.
- Lambrusco Grasparossa
- Lambrusco Maestri
- Lambrusco Marani
- Lambrusco Montericco
- Lambrusco Salamino
- Lambrusco Sorbara
The majority of Lambruscos are blended between the Lambrusco grape variations and up to 15% of additional blending grapes (generally used for coloring) under the DOC regulations in the region.
Emilia Romagna houses all the Lambrusco DOCs excepting one: Lambrusco Mantovano is in the Lombardy region of Italy.
While there are some wines labeled “Lambrusco” from Australia, these are not true Lambrusco wines like the wines of Italy. They are semi-sweet wines that are produced to be easy-drinkers, and lack the structure and correct stylings, so be mindful of that as you explore around for Lambrusco.
Happy Lambrusco Day!