Lambrusco: Emilia-Romagna’s Sparkling Red Gem
Lambrusco, the effervescent red wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy, offers a unique tasting experience. This region, known for its culinary delights, produces a range of Lambrusco styles from sweet to dry.
Towns and Villages
Modena stands out as the heart of Lambrusco production. Visit its historic center, featuring the UNESCO-listed cathedral and Piazza Grande.
Reggio Emilia, another Lambrusco hub, boasts charming piazzas and the Tricolore Flag Museum. Don’t miss the local farmers’ markets for authentic regional products.
Wine Producers
- Cleto Chiarli: One of the oldest Lambrusco producers, offering winery tours and tastings.
- Cantina della Volta: Known for their high-quality, traditional method Lambrusco.
- Medici Ermete: A family-run winery producing award-winning Lambrusco since 1890.
Book tours in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak season.
Accommodations
Hotel Cervetta 5 in Modena offers a central location perfect for wine enthusiasts. For a countryside experience, try Agriturismo Opera 02, a working winery with on-site accommodations.
In Reggio Emilia, Albergo delle Notarie provides a blend of historical charm and modern comfort.
Dining
Osteria Francescana in Modena, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an unparalleled culinary experience. Pair your meal with local Lambrusco for a true taste of the region.
For a more casual setting, try Trattoria Aldina in Modena or Ristorante L’Erba del Re in Reggio Emilia. Both serve traditional Emilian cuisine perfectly complemented by Lambrusco.
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore Enoteca Compagnia del Taglio in Modena for an extensive selection of Lambrusco and other regional wines. Their knowledgeable staff offers excellent recommendations.
In Reggio Emilia, visit Enoteca Garibaldi for a cozy atmosphere and wide variety of local wines. They often host tastings and wine-pairing events.
Other Shops
Stop by Salumeria Giusti in Modena, a historic deli selling traditional Emilian cured meats and cheeses. Perfect for picnic supplies or edible souvenirs.
Acetaia di Giorgio offers high-quality balsamic vinegar, another regional specialty. Book a tour to learn about the production process and taste different ages.
Attractions
Visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello to combine your love for wine with Italian automotive history. Many wineries are located nearby for a full day of exploration.
Take a stroll through Parco Giardino Sigurtà near Verona, a beautiful garden perfect for picnics with your favorite Lambrusco.
Events
Attend the Lambrusco Wine Festival in June, held in various locations throughout Emilia-Romagna. It features tastings, workshops, and local food pairings.
Don’t miss Enologica, an annual wine and food fair in Bologna showcasing the best of Emilia-Romagna’s culinary traditions.
Appellations
Familiarize yourself with key Lambrusco DOCs:
- Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC: Known for light-bodied, floral wines
- Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC: Produces fuller-bodied, tannic wines
- Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOC: Offers well-balanced, versatile wines
Each appellation has unique characteristics reflecting its specific terroir and production methods.
Grape Varieties
Lambrusco is the star grape in Emilia-Romagna. It’s not a single variety but a family of grapes with several sub-varieties.
Key Lambrusco varieties include:
- Lambrusco di Sorbara: Light-bodied with high acidity
- Lambrusco Grasparossa: Full-bodied with deep color
- Lambrusco Salamino: Medium-bodied, fruity
- Lambrusco Maestri: Tannic and robust
Other notable grapes in the region are Malvasia, Trebbiano, and Sangiovese.
Main Wine Styles
Emilia-Romagna is famous for its sparkling red wines made from Lambrusco grapes. These wines range from dry (secco) to sweet (dolce).
Popular styles include:
- Frizzante: Lightly sparkling
- Spumante: Fully sparkling
- Rosato: Rosé style
The region also produces still red, white, and rosé wines.
Food Specialties
Emilia-Romagna is a food lover’s paradise. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma are iconic products.
Local specialties to try:
- Tortellini in brodo: Stuffed pasta in broth
- Tagliatelle al ragù: Ribbon pasta with meat sauce
- Zampone: Stuffed pig’s trotter
- Balsamic vinegar from Modena
Drives & Walks
The Via Emilia is a historic Roman road perfect for a scenic drive through the region’s vineyards and towns.
Recommended walks:
- Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi: Scenic hiking trails near Bologna
- Corno alle Scale Regional Park: Mountain walks with panoramic views
- Vineyard walks in Scandiano or Castelvetro di Modena
Itineraries
3-Day Lambrusco Tour:
- Day 1: Explore Modena, visit acetaia for balsamic vinegar tasting
- Day 2: Wine tasting in Castelvetro di Modena, dinner in Reggio Emilia
- Day 3: Visit Parma for cheese and ham tasting, evening in Bologna
Week-long Gourmet Experience:
- Days 1-2: Bologna (food tours, cooking classes)
- Days 3-4: Modena and Reggio Emilia (Lambrusco wineries, balsamic vinegar)
- Days 5-6: Parma (cheese, ham, wine pairings)
- Day 7: Piacenza (local wines and cuisine)
Getting There & Around
Emilia-Romagna is easily accessible by air, train, and car.
By Air
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport: Main international gateway
- Parma Airport: Smaller, with limited flights
By Train
- High-speed rail connects Bologna to major Italian cities
- Regional trains link smaller towns
By Car
Renting a car offers flexibility for winery visits. Major highways include:
- A1 (Milan-Naples)
- A14 (Bologna-Taranto)
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer ideal weather for wine tasting and outdoor activities.
Seasonal Highlights
- Summer: Lively festivals, but hot temperatures
- Autumn: Grape harvest season, perfect for winery tours
- Winter: Quieter, good for city exploration and hearty cuisine
Sustainability Efforts
Emilia-Romagna is embracing sustainable wine production:
- Organic vineyards: Growing number of certified producers
- Water conservation: Innovative irrigation techniques
- Biodiversity: Encouraging natural pest control in vineyards
Look for wineries with sustainability certifications for eco-friendly wine experiences.
Language Tips
While English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing some Italian enhances your experience.
Useful Wine-Related Phrases
- “Un bicchiere di vino, per favore” – A glass of wine, please
- “Posso assaggiare?” – May I taste?
- “Salute!” – Cheers!
Further Resources
For more information on Emilia-Romagna’s wine scene:
- Emilia Romagna Vini: Official wine tourism website
- Visit Emilia Romagna: Regional tourism portal
- Consorzio Tutela Lambrusco: Lambrusco Consortium website
Download wine apps like Vivino or CellarTracker for on-the-go tasting notes and ratings.
