D4 Sparkling: Lambrusco Flashcards
Examines the region, grapes, method of production, and styles of Lambrusco.
In which region of Italy is Lambrusco made?
Emilia-Romagna (central Italy)
What is the climate of Lambrusco growing areas?
Warm and Semi-Continental with adequate rainfall (735mm)
Is irrigation permissible in Lambrusco regions?
Yes, Lambrusco regions may irrigate
What are the soils where Lambrusco is grown?
Are they fertile or poor?
-
Alluvial, predominantly clay + silt;
- prone to compaction but good water retention;
- Fertile, which results in high yields.
What are the most common training systems used for Lambrusco?
- Cordon trained (e.g. Sylvoz)
- Geneva Double Curtain
Both good for high vigor and allow mechanization.
Name two environmental threats that consistently afflict the growing areas of Lambrusco.
- Humidity, which can lead to fungal disease;
- Grapevine yellows, a group of bacterial diseases for which there is no control (know the most common in Europe, flavescence dorée).
What are the 3 most important Lambrusco grape varieties?
- Lambrusco Salamino
- Lambrusco Grasparossa
- Lambrusco di Sorbara
Which of the three Lambrusco varieties is the most widely planted?
Lambrusco Salamino
What is the general profile of Lambrusco Salamino?
- Perfumed;
- Deeply colored;
- Full body;
- Medium+ tannins;
- High acidity.
What are the requirements for Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOC?
- Minimum of 85% Lambrusco Salamino;
- Maximum yield of 133 hL/ha.
Lambrusco Grasparossa:
- On what soil does it grow best?
- Is it grown mostly on hillsides or the valley floor?
Grows best on clay + silt, grown on mostly on hillsides
What is the general profile of Lambrusco Grasparossa?
- Deeply coloured;
- Full body;
- Structured;
- High tannins.
What are the requirements for Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC?
- Minimum of 85% Lambrusco Grasparossa;
- Maximum yield of 126 hL/ha.
What is the general profile of Lambrusco di Sorbara (both the grape and the DOC)?
- Pale;
- Light body;
- High acidity;
- Medium+ tannins.
What are the requirements for Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC?
- Minimum of 60% Lambrusco di Sorbara;
- Maximum yield of 126 hL/ha.
Lambrusco di Modena DOC (also called Modena DOC):
- What are the maximum yields?
- What are the grapes?
- Maximum yield of 161 hL/ha (high! This can lead to low fruit intensity and low prices);
- Several Lambrusco varieties permitted.
Reggiano Lambrusco DOC:
- What are the maximum yields?
- What are the grapes?
- Maximum yield of 126 hL/ha;
- Several different Lambrusco varieties permitted.
What is the name of the IGT that can be used for spumante and frizzante wines made from Lambrusco varieties?
Emilia IGT
How long are most Lambrusco grapes macerated to obtain that deep purple color?
Why?
1-2 days for most Lambruscos
- The shorter maceration extracts anthocyanins but not as many tannins
How long is Lambrusco Grasparossa macerated?
Why?
3-4 days for Grasparossa
- Helps increase structure and body
Does Lambrusco usually go through malolactic conversion or is malo usually blocked?
Malo is usually blocked to retain acidity
The majority of Lambruscos are made using:
- Carbonation
- Tank Method
- Traditional Method
Tank Method
Lambrusco is allowed to be:
- Frizzante only
- Spumante only
- Frizzante or Spumante
Frizzante or Spumante
Briefly describe the primary and secondary fermentations of a general Lambrusco.
- Primary fermentation: low temperatures of 18–20°C (64.4–68°F) to preserve primary fruit aromas;
- Malo blocked;
- Secondary fermentation: low temperatures of 12–15°C (53.6–59°F);
- it takes 2 weeks to ferment for frizzante;
- it takes 4 weeks to ferment for spumante.
Why aren’t Lambruscos aged sur lie?
To retain the primary fruit flavors
The DOCs of Lambrusco require a minimum __% abv for spumante and __% abv for frizzante wines.
- 11% for spumante
- 10.5% for frizzante
What is the minimum alcohol percent for Amabile or Dolce Lambrusco?
7%
How many grams of sugar in Lambrusco Dossagio Zero?
0-3g/L
How many grams of sugar in Lambrusco Extra Brut?
0-6g/L
How many grams of sugar in Lambrusco Brut?
0-12g/L
How many grams of sugar in Lambrusco Extra Dry?
12-17g/L
How many grams of sugar in Lambrusco Sec/Secco/Asciutto?
17-32g/L
How many grams of sugar in Lambrusco Demi-Sec/Abboccato?
32-50g/L
How many grams of sugar in Lambrusco Dolce?
>50g/L
What are the four sweetness categories allowed for Lambrusco Frizzante?
- Secco/Asciutto
- Abboccato
- Amabile
- Dolce
Do dry styles of Lambrusco (Dossagio Zero to Brut) usually see dosage?
No, most dry styles of Lambrusco don’t get a dosage.
Lambrusco markets: approximately how much stays in the home market vs. how much is exported?
Approximately how much Lambrusco is produced annually?
Roughly 200 million bottles of Lambrusco are produced annually
* 20% is DOC and is mainly sold in Italy;
* 80% is IGT and is mainly exported.
How are off-dry to sweet Lambruscos made to get their sweetness?
- Fermentation stopped at desired sweetness level;
- Addition of RCGM.
