The Vino Vino Situation presents Lambrusco Grasparossa, a sparkling red wine from Emilia

il_los_angeles_logoFor the Italian version of this article, visit Il Los Angeles, the online magazine of the Italian community in LA

Let me show you something unique in the Italian wine scene: Sparkling red wine! Lambrusco is a wonderful and funny wine, not ordinary, but too often undervalued. Lambrusco is a traditional wine of Emilia Romagna, a region famous for excellent food and sparkling wine. Usually, you can find white or rosé sparkling wine (Moscato d’Asti, or Spumante Rotari Brut), but a red sparkling wine is really unique!

Lambrusco is produced with the Charmat method, which means that the second fermentation is made in a big tank. This is the perfect method for an aromatic grape like Lambrusco, because it doesn’t alter its fruity flavor.

There are many types of Lambrusco grapes, such as Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Salamino, Lambrusco Marani, Lambrusco Maestri… The wine of this week is made with Lambrusco Grasparossa grapes.

Fattoria Moretto is an organic family farm founded in 1971 in the heart of Castelvetro hills, near the city of Modena. Their wines are really traditional and usually dry. Sometimes you can find sweet Lambrusco, but it’s not part of Emilia Romagna tradition! Could you eat cheese and charcuterie with a sweet wine? I don’t think so.

This Lambrusco Grasparossa has a very intense red ruby color, and the typical smell of red fruit: blackberry and strawberry. When you smell it, you may think it has a sweet taste. But when you drink it, the taste is actually really dry like a real Lambrusco!

The perfect combination in Italy is with cheese and charcuterie. Even better, with tortellini, a popular pasta dish of Emilia Romagna. You can try to make on your own tortellini, then rush to buy Lambrusco and you will have the perfect dinner! Just remember that Lambrusco Grasparossa is to be served chilled, so put it into the fridge.

Enjoy your wine!

Producer: Fattoria Moretto
Name: Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOP secco
Region: Emilia Romagna
Type: Sparkling red wine
Price: About $15
Grapes: Lambrusco Grasparossa

Working in wineries across Italy, I get to see how much passion goes into each bottle. With the Vino Vino Situation, every week I present a great Italian wine that won’t break your budget. My reviews are unsponsored and unsolicited. Salute!