Lambrusco grape variety

Lambrusco is both a wine and a generic term for a group of grape varieties. In view of the high genetic variance, one cannot really speak of a grape variety family. What all Lambrusco varieties have in common, however, is the fact that they were selected from wild vines. The wines made from them also bear the name Lambrusco. Most Lambrusco can be found in Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy in northern Italy. They are characterised by their distinctly fruity freshness, many of which are supported by a clear mousse. However, still Lambrusco wines are also produced. The wines can range from dry to distinctly residual sweet and usually exhibit flavours of bright red fruits such as raspberries, redcurrants or cherries, often complemented by floral notes. Lambrusco wines have long suffered from the bad reputation of cheap mass-produced goods, but higher-quality examples have shown their potential in principle in recent years.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Lambrusco wine

What characterises the Lambrusco grape variety?

Lambrusco stands for fruity, fresh wines, often with a sparkling effervescence. Typical flavours are red fruits such as raspberry, redcurrant or cherry, sometimes with floral notes. It ranges from dry to sweet and has developed from a reputation as a mass-produced wine to a wine with real quality potential.

What is Lambrusco and where does it come from?

Lambrusco is a traditional sparkling wine from Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy. It is made from the grape variety of the same name and is known for its freshness, liveliness and fruity flavours. It has been produced in family wineries for centuries and enjoys great popularity worldwide.

What are the differences between Lambrusco and other wines?

Unlike many red wines, Lambrusco is sparkling and slightly effervescent. This makes it fresher and less heavy, perfect for socialising and warm days. While classic red wines are often full-bodied and still, Lambrusco impresses with its lightness and fine perlage.

What dishes go well with Lambrusco?

Lambrusco is a versatile accompaniment to food
- When dry, it goes perfectly with antipasti, charcuterie and savoury cheeses
- Semi-dry harmonises with pasta, pizza and grilled meat
- Sweet goes perfectly with desserts, fruit platters and light cakes.

How long can you keep an open bottle of Lambrusco?

Once opened, Lambrusco should be drunk within 2-3 days. It is best stored in the fridge with a champagne stopper to preserve its freshness and perlage.

Is Lambrusco an expensive wine?

No - Lambrusco is known for its excellent value for money. You can get authentic Italian enjoyment for just a few euros. However, there are also high-quality variants from top wineries that are suitable for special occasions.

What are the health benefits of Lambrusco?

Like other red wines, Lambrusco also contains antioxidants such as resveratrol, which can have positive effects on the cardiovascular system and well-being when consumed in moderation. Important: It should be consumed responsibly.

Are there different types of Lambrusco?

Yes - there are numerous varieties, depending on the grape variety, region and vinification: Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro or Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce are just a few examples. Each variety has its own characteristics, ranging from light and floral to strong and intense.

How is Lambrusco produced?

Lambrusco is usually produced using the Charmat method, in which the second fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. This gives it its fine perlage and fruity freshness. Some winegrowers also use traditional bottle fermentation for particularly fine varieties.

Discover more grape varieties for red wines.

Aglianico

Aglianico is one of the oldest grape varieties from southern Italy. The first written evidence of its cultivation dates back to the 16th century. It produces high-quality wines with a deep ruby to garnet red colour and a rich, multi-layered bouquet.

Barbera

Barbera is the most widely cultivated red grape variety in the northern Italian region of Piedmont - but is also widespread in Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It produces fruity, accessible red wines with an intense ruby red colour and aromas of red fruits, cherries, plums and spices. They are medium-bodied on the palate, with moderate tannins and lively acidity even when fully ripe.

Bobal

The Spanish Bobal comes from the Utiel-Requena wine-growing region near Valencia. Its thick-skinned grapes make it resistant to drought. They are also responsible for the almost opaque purple colour, high tannins and plenty of structure. Typical flavours are dark berries such as cherry and plum, accompanied by spicy and herbal notes.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety that originated in France, particularly in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. The grape - a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon - produces medium-bodied wines with moderate tannins but high acidity.

Carmenère

Carmenère gilt als die "Signature Grape" Chiles. Fast die Hälfte der weltweiten Bestände wachsen dort. Ursprünglich stammt die Sorte aber aus Bordeaux, wo vor der Reblauskatastrophe weit verbreitet war.

Dornfelder

The Dornfelder grape variety is the most successful new red variety from Germany. Dornfelder is known for its medium body and soft tannins - as well as its deep dark colour. However, it should not be confused with the similar-sounding Dunkelfelder variety.

Airén

The Spanish grape variety Airén is one of the most widely cultivated white grapes in the world. It is particularly adaptable and resistant to drought, robust against most vine diseases and is considered to be high-yielding even on poor soils.

Catarratto

Catarratto is an indigenous white grape from Sicily, Italy. It is one of the most widely cultivated grapes there. Catarratto wines are generally fresh and fruity, with a medium body and good acidity. Typical flavours are citrus fruit, green apple and floral notes, often accompanied by a hint of almond and minerality.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the most widely cultivated white premium grape variety. Its origins probably lie in Burgundy, but today it is grown all over the world. One of the reasons for its success is its enormous ability to adapt to a wide range of conditions.

Chasselas

Chasselas is a white grape variety that is mainly cultivated in Switzerland, particularly in the Vaud region. It is also found in France and in Germany and Austria under the name Chasselas.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety that originated in the French Loire Valley and is known for its versatility. Chenin can be vinified both dry and sweet, still and sparkling. Its flavour is characterised by high acidity and lots of fruit such as green apple, pear or quince, often complemented by honey notes. Depending on the terroir and vinification, the grape can also show both mineral and floral tones.

Elbling

Elbling is a very old white grape variety with a long history that is mainly cultivated in Germany, particularly along the upper Moselle. The wines are light, fresh and sparkling, with a strong, marked acidity and low alcohol content - which makes Elbling particularly interesting as a base wine for sparkling wines.

Here you can find information on other grape varieties.