Lambrusco – fruit, freshness & sparkling pleasure from Emilia-Romagna
Lambrusco is one of the most traditional and versatile grape varieties in Italy. Particularly in Emilia-Romagna, around Modena, Parma and Reggio Emilia, it produces the popular sparkling red wines, which are fruity, fresh and wonderfully uncomplicated.
Lambrusco comes in many varieties: from dry (secco) to sweet (amabile), from light and fruity to complex and structured. Typical aromas include red berries, violets, cherries, blackberries, herbs and a fresh kick of acidity. The fine perlage makes Lambrusco the ideal accompaniment to hearty dishes.
🔹 Lambrusco di Sorbara: Very light, fresh, floral, often light red and dry.
🔹 Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro: Darker, stronger, rich in tannins, perfect BBQ accompaniment.
🔹 Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce: Fruity, balanced, classic Emilia style.
➡ Lambrusco is the ultimate accompaniment to Emilian cuisine: ham, salami, pasta, pizza, tramezzini & antipasti.
🥂 The ideal serving temperature for Lambrusco
Lambrusco is best drunk slightly chilled at around 10-14 °C – this allows its freshness, fruit and fine perlage to come into their own. Especially on warm days, well-chilled Lambrusco is a wonderfully invigorating aperitif or versatile accompaniment to food.
🍕 Lambrusco & dishes – The best food pairings
1️⃣ Fresh, light Lambrusco di Sorbara
Taste: Dry, very fresh, floral & delicate.
Typical aromas: strawberry, raspberry, violet, citrus.
✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Antipasti & salads → Parma ham with melon, caprese, leaf salad with strawberries, classic tramezzini with tuna or egg
✔ Fish & seafood → Prawns, squid rings, sushi variations
✔ Summer cuisine & light pasta → Pasta with lemon, vegetable risotto
2️⃣ Strong Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro
Taste: Dry, dark fruity, with more tannin and structure.
Typical aromas: blackberry, black cherry, pepper, herbs.
✅ Best food pairings:
✔ BBQ & grilled dishes → Salsiccia, ribs, grilled vegetables
✔ Ham & sausages → Mortadella, Salame Felino, Coppa
✔ Hearty pasta & pizza → Tortellini with ragù, lasagne, pizza salami
3️⃣ Fruity Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce (or amabile style)
Taste: Fruity, balanced, slightly sweet or semi-dry.
Typical aromas: cherry, wild berries, violets, spices.
✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Pizza & pasta with tomato sauce → Margherita pizza, spaghetti Napoli, tagliatelle with mushrooms
✔ Regional specialties → Tortellini in brodo, lasagne, tigelle with cold cuts, tramezzini with ham or vegetables
✔ Cheese & fruit → Grana Padano, pecorino, figs, pears
🔍 Lambrusco & food pairing at a glance
| Lambrusco style | Best food pairings |
|---|---|
| Lambrusco di Sorbara | Antipasti, fish, tramezzini, light pasta, summer cuisine |
| Lambrusco Grasparossa | BBQ, ham, pizza, lasagna |
| Lambrusco Salamino / amabile |
Pasta, pizza, tramezzini, regional specialties, cheese & fruit |
🚀 Conclusion: Why Lambrusco is ideal for Emilia-Romagna cuisine
Lambrusco is fresh, lively and incredibly versatile. Whether as a light summer wine, BBQ companion or fruity pasta partner – Lambrusco brings fun and enjoyment to your glass! 🇮🇹🍷
⭢ Which combination did you like best? Discover all the matching recipes here! 😊🚀
Latest recipes with Lambrusco as an accompaniment to food
Easter almond cake with rhubarb compote
Sweet Easter finale with a sparkling companion Delicate almond cake with a crispy crust, served [...]
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