Lambrusco

Also known as Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Salamino, Lambrusco Grasparossa, Lambrusco Maestri, Lambrusco Marani, Lambrusco Montericco.

Lambrusco is not a single variety but a large family of related red grapes native above all to Emilia (Modena, Reggio and Parma) and neighbouring Lombardy, descended from wild vines (vitis labrusca of the Romans). Its many distinct biotypes — di Sorbara, Salamino, Grasparossa, Maestri, Marani, Montericco, Viadanese and others — each have their own DOCs and characters.

As a group Lambrusco is made almost exclusively into lightly sparkling (frizzante) or fully sparkling reds and rosés, from bone-dry to sweet, with bright acidity, modest tannin and vivid berry and violet aromas — the emblematic everyday sparkling red of Emilia.