Lambrusco

Question 1

Introduction of Lambrusco.

Answer 1

• Lambrusco is a frothy, red wine from Emilia-Romagna region.
• Also the name of a black grape variety, which has many clones, used to make these wines.
• These various clones, grown in a number of different delimited areas created a range of styles of Lambrusco. The wines have in common high acidity and fruitiness that makes them well suited to the rich foods of the region.
• Unfortunately, the pedigree of these wines have been weakened by the low alcohol and cheaper Lambrusco sold and consumed in large volumes.

Question 2

Location of Lambrusco.

Answer 2

• Made in 3 provinces within the Emilia-Romagna region. We only talk about the DOCs of Modena province here.
• Lambrusco di Modena DOC is the basic level Lambrusco from a wide area.
• Three other more specific appellations: Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC, Lambrusco di Salamino di Santa Croce DOC, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC.

Question 3

Climate of Lambrusco.

Answer 3

Warm continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.

Question 4

Vineyard of Lambrusco.

Answer 4

• Alluvial soils on the flat Po Valley produce light wines. Clay-dominated hillside sites produce wines with greater structure.
• Training and trellising is to local tradition.
• Grapes must have a minimum potential alcohol of 9.5% abv.

Question 5

Grape varieties of Lambrusco.

Answer 5

• There are many grape varieties called Lambrusco. The plural is Lambruschi. The most important varieties are:
– Lambrusco di Sorbara
– Lambrusco Salamino
– Lambrusco Grasparossa.
• The largest DOC is Lambrusco di Modena, which can be made from any Lambrusco variety. The smaller DOCs have the name of the Lambrusco variety which must make up the majority of the blend in each DOC.

Question 6

Winemaking of Lambrusco.

Answer 6

• Both tank fermentation and bottle fermentation are allowed. The vast majority is in tank.
• A maximum juice yield is set slightly higher than in Champagne.
• Cool primary fermentation relative to still red wines to retain fresh fruity aromas + release a small amount of tannins.
• RCGM (rectified concentrated grape must) may be added to produce a sweet style.

Question 7

Important labelling terms of Lambrusco.

Answer 7

All of Lambrusco wines can come in any combination of:

1) Spumante or Frizzante
2) Rossi or Rosato
3) Secco, Semi-secco, Amabile or Dolce (RCGM is used for sweetening).

Question 8

Important trade structures of Lambrusco.

Answer 8

This region is one of small growers and large co-operative producers.