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Lambrusco: It’s Not What You Think It Is
You are Wrong About Lambrusco
It’s hard to admit when you are wrong. It’s okay, everyone has this problem. Five years ago you would not think of drinking pink wine, assuming it was too cheap, too sweet or a grandma drink, but now you’re swilling rosé like a flapper at a Gatsby party. If five-years-ago you saw the today you loading a basket full of pink wine, I’m sure the former would think the latter had gone entirely off the cliff. But here’s the thing, your tastes grow, and if you are willing to try new things, you may find that what you thought was “awful,” is actually damn good. Today I am going to use your love of rosé as a bridge to another woefully maligned wine, Lambrusco.
Lambrusco is Dry, Bubbly and Delicious!
Before you roll your eyes or shake your head, just hear me out. Yes, you may know Lambrusco as a cheap “soda pop sweet” jug wine from one of your more youthful endeavors into the world of wine. But classic Lambrusco, mostly made in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, is nothing like the jug wines of our youth. These Lambruscos are made dry or slightly off-dry with a semi-sparkling, frizzante style in a range of colors and flavor profiles depending on what grapes are used. There are eight related varieties of Lambrusco, but the better wines are made from four of those varietals: Lambrusco Sorbara, Lambrusco Maestri, Lambrusco Grasparossa, and Lambrusco Salamino.
Cantina Della Volta Rimosso
Our wine today is from one of my favorite Lambrusco producers, Cantina Della Volta Their “Rimosso” Lambrusco is made with the Lambrusco Sorbara varietal, the grape that gives the lightest, most perfumed rosé colored wine in this style. You will find notes of raspberries, cherries, and strawberries, mixed with floral notes on the nose. Because these Lambruscos are produced in the same style as the sparkling wines of Champagne, you will find toast, baking spice, and yeast notes as well. These notes are more pronounced as there is no disgorgement stage as with Champagne, leaving all that lees-y funk in the bottle for us to enjoy.
The Best Part!
The best part of drinking quality Lambrusco? The price! You can find many offerings for under $20. They also make a fantastic food pairing with all types of foods. Some of my favorite pairings are with smoked brisket, Korean fried chicken, the classic pairing of prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Enjoy!
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