Among the many masterclasses available throughout the year in Italy, I chose the one dedicated to Lambrusco, organized on the occasion of Vinitaly 2024. This wine has always intrigued me for its ability to combine the social aspect of sparkling wine with the versatility of its various versions. The event featured Gabriele Gorelli, Master of Wine, who expertly guided attendees through a fascinating enological journey exploring all the nuances of this versatile and often misunderstood wine.
An Ode to Lambrusco
Gabriele Gorelli opened the masterclass by dispelling a common myth: “The mistake often made is thinking there is only one type of Lambrusco, whereas Lambrusco is actually a continuous spectrum of styles, colors, territories, and varieties. This is what I wanted to convey to this primarily international audience today, especially because the reputation of Lambrusco has fluctuated over the years.”
A Tasting Rich in Nuances
The tasting included nine glasses representing the different expressions of Lambrusco. Each provided a unique perspective on the variables influencing this wine: color, depth, and residual sugar. These distinctive characteristics make Lambrusco an extraordinarily versatile wine, capable of adapting to various occasions and palates.
The Accessibility of Everyday Luxury
Gorelli highlighted how Lambrusco is an accessible everyday luxury. With its lower alcohol content and appealing style, Lambrusco offers a unique opportunity to engage younger people in the world of wine. “It’s not hyperbolic, not difficult, not exclusive; it’s something profoundly inclusive,” Gorelli stated. “Lambrusco can simply be itself, distinctive and unique.”
Wines for Tasting
- Francesco Bellei & C. Ancestrale, Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC This wine features aromas of violets and berries, with a discreet and creamy foam. It has a dry flavor rich in raspberry notes. The wine is veiled red with violet hues and lively fine bubbles, indicating a refermentation that leaves a characteristic sediment.
- Azienda Agricola Pezzuoli – Pietrarossa, Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC This wine has a ruby red color with pink reflections and fine, persistent foam. It presents a bouquet of violet notes. On the palate, it is dry and slightly savory, with freshness and elegance, and a pleasant fruity aftertaste.
- Cantine Lombardini – Il Lombardini, Lambrusco Reggiano DOC This wine shows an intense red color and lively foam. The nose offers an intense and persistent aroma with blackberry notes, while the taste is balanced, soft, intense, and persistent.
- Medici Ermete – Concerto, Lambrusco Reggiano DOC This wine stands out with its intense, bright ruby red color. The aroma offers notes of red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, with remarkable olfactory cleanliness. On the palate, it is dry, fruity, and round, with lively freshness and an excellent balance between acidity and tannins.
- Cleto Chiarli – Vigneto Cialdini, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC This wine presents a deep color that precedes intense yet never excessive aromas. It combines softness and austerity, perfectly expressing the character of its territory with passion.
- Cantina Settecani – Vini del Re, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC The wine has an intense ruby red color with violet reflections, presenting an intense fruity aroma of ripe berries. It is full-bodied, persistent, and soft, fresh and enveloping, ideal for accompanying flavorful first and second courses.
- Villa di Corlo – Corleto, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC This wine is amiable and pleasantly fruity with a slight tannin, making it perfect for pairing with cherry pie, cream puffs, and dry pastries.
- Fattoria Moretto – Semprebon, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC The wine has a ruby color punctuated with purple light and violet foam. It features floral and fruity notes of black cherry and wild blackberries.
- Albinea Canali – Codarossa, Lambrusco Colli di Scandiano e di Canossa DOC The vibrant ruby color with violet reflections enchants the nose with an intense and enveloping aroma of morello cherry, black cherry, blackberry, and peony. The creamy and fresh taste, with slight effervescence, enhances every sip with sublime sweetness and fascinating persistence.