Lambrusco is a delightful sparkling red wine hailing from Italy. This wine is special because it’s one of the few sparkling red wines in the world! This gives Lambrusco a distinctive character that sets it apart from other wines. Originating from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Lambrusco has been enjoyed for centuries, and today, we’re going to explore more of what makes this delicious sparkling wine one in a million.
Lambrusco’s ancient roots
Lambrusco has ancient origins dating back to Roman times. The Romans were known to enjoy Lambrusco, praising it for its refreshing qualities.
There are even historical records which suggest that Lambrusco vines were cultivated as far back as 7th century BC! Aside from being a rare kind of wine, this rich history is one of the things that add to the allure of Lambrusco.
The many varieties of Lambrusco
Did you know Lambrusco isn't just one type of wine? In fact, there are over 60 different varieties of Lambrusco grapes.
Some of the most popular kinds include Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Grasparossa, and Lambrusco Salamino. Each variety has its own unique flavour profile, ranging from dry and tannic to sweet and fruity.
While this range of varieties may make Lambrusco overwhelming to the new wine enthusiast, it should actually give you a bit of hope. If you think you’ve tried Lambrusco and failed to see its appeal, chances are you just haven’t found the right one yet!
Lambrusco styles
You may think that Lambrusco is quite dry and tannic, considering it’s a red wine. However, this drink is actually often associated with sweetness.
Lambrusco comes in a variety of styles, from dry (secco) to sweet (dolce). Dry Lambrusco is crisp and tannic with a hit of those bubbles. On the other hand, sweet Lambrusco offers a fruity, easy-drinking experience, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their wine.
Related Article: Breaking the Misconceptions of Dry Wine
Where Lambrusco gets its fizz
So, how does one of the few sparkling red wines in the world get its bubbles?
Lambrusco is made sparkling through two primary methods: the Charmat method and the traditional method.
With the Charmat method, the wine is fermented in large stainless steel tanks, preserving its fruity flavours. This is the same method used to make Prosecco, Italy’s version of champagne.
The traditional method involves a secondary fermentation of the wine in the bottle. This results in finer bubbles and a more complex taste. Either method can be used to add fizz into Lambrusco and bring a unique flavour to each.
Related Article: Champagne vs Prosseco: Know the Difference
Non-red Lambrusco
A red Lambrusco is the rarity, but there are also other types of this sparkling wine that are even more rare.
Lambrusco comes in rosé as well as white wine versions. White Lambrusco is known as Lambrusco Bianco and is made out of the same grapes but processed without the skin. Rosé Lambrusco offers a gorgeous pink tint and is both fruity and floral.
As you can probably tell by now, Lambrusco is a wine full of surprises. It’s got a rich history, comes in diverse styles, and is always a good time. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting your journey, there's always something new to discover with Lambrusco.
Think this sparkling wine is something you might like? Find your perfect Lambrusco today! Explore the catalogue at minuman.com and grab yourself a bottle to start your journey.