Let the record state: Great Lambrusco has always existed. But if your impression of the effervescent red wine, which hails from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is less than complimentary, you are forgiven. After all, the painfully sweet versions commonly found in the United States in the 1970s and 80s did a number on Lambrusco’s stateside reputation. Mercifully, superior bottlings are helping to change the modern narrative.
“The top wines of Lambrusco have such a verve, energy and happiness that you feel better after a few sips,” says Writer-at-Large Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast’s resident Italian wine reviewer. “The continued push towards better farming, drier wines and a revitalization of old-school winemaking techniques are creating wines that show complexity and drinkability in equal proportions.”
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The moment’s best-of-class Lambrusco wines, featured below, have a freshness and character distinctive from older styles. Of course, there remains a wide variety in the category—Lambrusco can range from bone dry to treacly, slightly bubbly to full-on fizzy, bright white to inky purple. This fact alone has helped to diversify and uplift Lambrusco’s one-dimensional reputation. But the category’s ascension is arguably tied to the rise of funky sparklers, itself a trend linked with the popularity of pét-nats. None of this, however, would be possible without producers focused on quality.
“Historic families such as Lini [of Lini 910] and Medici [of Medici Ermete] have not rested on their laurels and continue to push and innovate, while smaller farmers such as Vigneto Saetti and newcomer Sebastian Van de Sype look to the past to move forward with integrated farms and regenerative agriculture,” says Porter. All of this and more bodes well for the future of the category. “Lambrusco is the cutting edge of Italian wine.”
Cleto Chiarli 2022 Vecchia Modena Premium Lambrusco di Sorbara (Lambrusco di Sorbara)
Wild strawberry, sour cherry, orange zest and fresh thyme aromas open the nose of this fresh and vibrant sparkler. The zingy palate pops with crushed raspberries, roses and a hint of game finishing with electric acidity that keeps the palate fresh and vitalized. Best Buy. 91 Points — Jeff Porter
Cleto Chiarli 2022 Vigneto Cialdini Lambrusco Grasparossa (Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro)
Concentrated aromas of black plum, fig, blackberry, white pepper, allspice and tea leaf roll out of the glass. Gamy on the palate with a lush and generous offering of black cherry jam that is balanced by floral and savory elements bringing the wine to its earthy finish. Best Buy. 94 Points — J.P.
Paltrinieri 2021 Radice Lambrusco di Sorbara (Lambrusco di Sorbara)
When you get a wine like this, there is no turning back. A wine that is both pure, delicious and intriguing all at once is a rarity and is to be celebrated. At first, it is reserved. But once it wakes up, the wine shows a fresh mix of strawberry, boysenberry and pomegranate that gives way to intense floral notes, wild herbs and game. It’s energetic and vital with acidity that’s so crisp you will not realize you have just downed the bottle. Editor’s Choice. 96 Points — J.P.
Vigneto Saetti 2021 Rosso Viola Lambrusco Salamino (Lambrusco dell’Emilia)
100% Salamino grown organically in the hills north of Modena this wine is the personification of the Saetti family’s dedication to their craft. Aromas of blackberries, mulberries and tamarind share the glass with violets, dried roses and wild herbs. The palate is lush and vibrant at the same time with rich ripe black-hued fruits balanced with crunchy acidity. The wine has a long and refined finish highlighted by the well-crafted perlage. 95 Points — J.P.
Podere Giardino 2021 Suoli Cataldi Rosé Lambrusco Marani (Lambrusco Reggiano)
This perfumed Lambrusco is very pretty and engaging. Dried red currants, raspberries and sour cherries effortlessly lift from the glass. After a few swirls, they are joined by hints of flowers and aromas of the forest. The palate is electric with vibrant acidity showcasing sour cherry flavors with loads of dried flower petals giving the wine an irresistible quality … like you gotta have it. Best Buy. 94 Points — J.P.
Lini 910 NV Labrusca Bianco Lambrusco Salamino (Lambrusco dell’Emilia)
Enticing aromas of Bosc pear, chamomile, singed orange rind and lemon oil waft from the glass. It’s vibrant and crisp on the palate with tart nectarine, pressed yellow flowers, gentian and bitter almond on the finish. Best Buy. 93 Points — J.P.
Podere Giardino 2021 Suoli Cataldi Sparkling (Lambrusco Reggiano)
This is a true classic. Bold and upfront out of the glass with Bing cherry aromas combined with savory herbs, anise and turned earth. The palate pops with more tart fruit notes of Damson plums, pomegranates and sour cherries combined with fresh and dried flowers and a subtle hint of game. It finishes with gentle bubbles and zingy acidity just screaming for a slice of cured meat or aged cheese. Best Buy. 93 Points — J.P.
Lini 910 NV Labrusca Rosso Sparkling (Lambrusco dell’Emilia)
The deepest color of purple you could imagine, this wine is loaded with aromas of blackberry pie, spiced plums, violet candy and bay leaf. Supertasty and requiring some restraint, the palate is like biting into the juiciest plum you can conjure yet is balanced with notes of dried leaves, wild herbs and roasted coffee, making this joyous and very drinkable wine more complex than you might think. Best Buy. 92 Points — J.P.
Fiorini 2021 Corte delgi Attimi Lambrusco di Sorbara (Lambrusco di Sorbara)
This Lambrusco di Sorbara explodes with aromas of a gigantic bouquet of fresh roses and an entire bushel of fresh cherries, each equally holding court on the nose. The palate continues the story of roses and cherries with a creamy texture finishing with the natural vibrance of the grape. 92 Points — J.P.
Fiorini 2019 Terre al Sole Lambrusco Grasparossa (Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro)
This 100% Grasparossa made via the Champagne method opens with a superpretty nose of wild roses, macerated cherries, black currants and fresh leafy herbs. It’s elegant on the palate, showing a balanced combination of sour plum and violets and finishing with a hint of graphite. Complex and nuanced, this wine will wow all the senses. 92 Points — J.P.
Sebastian Van de Sype 2020 Grasparossa di Castelvetro (Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro)
This beautiful deeply colored wine, made of 100% Grasparossa, shines with an even mix of fruit-forwardness and savoriness. Wild black raspberries and sour cherries merge with violets and savory herbs. The palate is well-balanced, with ample dark fruit flavors that are highlighted by subtle notes of turned earth and smoked game. The wine finishes with bright acidity and fine bubbles. 91 Points — J.P.
Cleto Chiarli 2021 Lambrusco del Fondatore Lambrusco di Sorbara (Lambrusco di Sorbara)
Candied cherries, strawberries, wild herbs and dried violets weave in and out of the glass with subtle hints of smoked game. The palate balances the savory quality of the wine with cherries jubilee, cranberry and dried rose finishing with a creamy texture and an elegant sparkle. Best Buy. 91 Points — J.P.
Lini 910 NV Lambrusca Riserva Sparkling (Lambrusco dell’Emilia)
A blend of 85% Lambrusco Salamino and 15% Ancellotta, this wine opens with plump and ripe blueberries and blackberries that fold into aromas of wildflowers and freshly picked herbs. The palate is rich and lush with black plums, a touch of bitter chocolate and espresso with a twist of lemon giving a tart and vibrant pop of acidity on the finish, keeping the palate refreshed with each sip. 90 Points — J.P.
Fiorini 2021 Becco Rosso Lambrusco Grasparossa (Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro)
Black plums and blackberries doused in sweet and savory spices open the nose on this forward and lavish Lambrusco. Mouthfilling, the palate is loaded with black-hued fruits and notes of game, finishing with violet candy and the acidity needed to keep the fruits from being too forward. This wine is fun! 90 Points — J.P.
Medici Ermete 2022 Concerto Lambrusco Salamino (Lambrusco Reggiano)
This forward and plump Lambrusco is a bundle of blackberries, macerated black cherries and savory spices from the get-go. The aromas carry over to the palate with an addition of floral and game notes that give the wine more depth. Soft and fizzy, this wine can only bring smiles. 89 Points — J.P.
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