Lambrusco
The image of Lambrusco has been weakened by the low alcohol red, rosé and white wines that are also called Lambrusco which have been sold and consumed in large volumes.
Geography
| Location | Emilia-Romagna 3 provinces (Modena, Parma, Reggio nell’Emilia) |
| Lambrusco di Modena DOC | Basic level Lambrusco, DOC since 2009, sourced from 33 communes |
| Climate | Warm continental with hot summers and cold winters. Heavy influenced by the Po which moderates the climates and causes humidity. |
| River in Lambrusco | Po |
| Main soil flatlands | Alluvial with sand and silt, mostly produce lighter bodied, fruitier wines. |
| Main soil hills | Clay with sandstone and limestone. Brings more structure like acidity and tannins. These hillside grapes have a higher quality and are often used for traditional method. |
Soils
- Di Modena DOC: form the flatlands
- Di Salamino di Santa Croce DOC: still fertile with a bit more sand and clay
- Di Sorbara DOC: sand and loess, hilly in the south
- Di Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC: foothills of the Apennine in the south. Less fertile
Grapes
There are a lot of clones of the Lambrusco grape, these are the three most important:
Lambrusco salamino
- Widely planted quality clone, workhorse
- Most body, highest alcohol, high acidity (to balance tannins) and deep colour
Lambrusco sorbara
- Acts mostly as pollinator because of lots of female flowers
- Less tannins and a bit sweeter
Lambrusco Grasparossa
- High alcohol, full body, good color, tannins and acidity
- Highest quality
- Often acts on its own