It’s a wine we never really hear about, but that’s about to change.
Ever tried Lambrusco? Maybe not. This Italian sparkling red wine had a major moment in the 1970s and ’80s, but much like disco, flares and waterbeds of the same era, tastes moved on. It didn’t help that overtly sweet, lesser expressions jumped on the Lambrusco bandwagon during its peak. This meant that a lot of wines didn’t have the quality or finesse of the best Lambruscos, which put more than a few people off. Throw in the fact that we have our own brilliant Aussie sparkling reds to choose from here, and Lambrusco has since been a little overlooked.
This distinctive Italian spritzy wine is easy to like, and it can quickly become a firm favourite. Just ask top American model and author Ashley Graham – she loves it so much that she recently launched her own label in the US. Here in Australia, our Lambrusco selection isn’t huge, but these wines make such brilliant additions to so many meals and different occasions that we think it deserves a much closer look. Still on the fence? It also happens to be an absolute bargain.
If you’re newer to Lambrusco, the best way to get acquainted is to pour a glass for you and a mate, and sip it alongside some cured meats and quality bread. Those savoury, meaty flavours will work together beautifully with the dry, fruity characters in the wine. The bubbles work especially well with fatty salami, peppery flavours and oily antipasti as they help to cleanse the palate between bites.
For more substantial food ideas, stick with the Italian theme and go for pizza or pasta (or both), particularly anything tomato-based, and a little spice can fit nicely, too. Roasts are great here, especially gamey meats like duck, which also makes Lambrusco an excellent BYO for your favourite Chinese barbecue restaurant (dumplings are another prime pairing).
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Three Lambrusco to try
Proving that you don’t have to break the bank (or a tenner) to try Lambrusco is this Italian semi-sweet example. The fruit sweetness in here makes it a great match for hearty Italian foods, as well as cold meats and cheese, but we think a chilli and tomato pasta is screaming out for a glass of this wine to be served with it.
Another absolute cracker of a bargain, this Lambrusco is slightly sparkling, soft and mildly sweet, also coming in at just 8% ABV. It’s right at home at sunny afternoon catch-ups over chips and dip, but it can easily move into dinner with you, too – especially if you’re ordering in pizza.
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You know how we said almost all Lambruscos are made from a blend of grapes? This one proves us wrong, made entirely from the Lambrusco Salamino grape. It has floral aromas, high acidity and a fuller body than other styles, resulting in a more serious Lambrusco that’s another one made for the dinner table.
