The charming semi-sparkling red of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna, Lambrusco is considered the ideal wine to pair with local Emilia cuisine from cured meats like Salame and Prosciutto di Parma to pastas like tortellini and local cheeses.
Often frizzante, or lightly sparkling, classic Lambrusco wines are dry or slightly off-dry with floral aromas, bright red fruit characters and refreshing acidity. The wines are light in tannins and have moderate alcohol.
Typically produced using the Charmat (tank) method, a small proportion is also made by the Traditional or Ancestrale methods. The best examples reflect the different varieties and distinct characteristics of the three main Lambrusco grapes including Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Salamino and Lambrusco Grasparossa.
Scroll down to see the top-scoring Lambrusco wines from the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023
A local favourite, the classic Lambrusco wine style, bottled with mushroom corks as opposed to the sweet, mass-produced Lambrusco wines bottled with screw-cap, is deservedly finding its way into international markets.
And catching the attention of the expert judges at the Decanter World Wine Awards, five Lambrusco wines scored 90+ points.
A region and wine style well worth exploring, below discover five award-winning Lambrusco wines from DWWA 2023 to celebrate World Lambrusco Day on 21st June.
Search all award-winning wines from Emilia-Romagna at awards.decanter.com
World Lambrusco Day: five award-winning styles to try
Cantine Ceci, Bruno, Lambrusco dell’Emilia, Emilia-Romagna NV
Silver, 91 points
100% Lambrusco
Fuller, deeper, Lambrusco with cassis and black cherry. A food wine that has complexity in structure. Alc 11.5%
Cantine Ceci, Otello Ceci 1813 Nerodilambrusc Frizzante, Lambrusco dell’Emilia, Emilia-Romagna NV
Silver, 91 points
100% Lambrusco
Good concentration here with dark berry fruit and the palate is refreshing, bright and elegant. Alc 11%
Venturini Baldini, Rubino Del Cerro, Lambrusco Reggiano Secco, Emilia-Romagna NV
Silver, 91 points
25% Lambrusco Montericco, 35% Lambrusco Grasparossa , 40% Lambrusco Salamino
Fresh blackcurrant, bramble aromas with a chalky texture to it. Easy, simple, and full of flavour. Alc 12%
Cantine Ceci, Bruno E Le Rose, Lambrusco dell’Emilia, Emilia-Romagna NV
Silver, 90 points
85% Lambrusco, 15% Pinot Noir
An elegant sparkling wine, fine acidity with a well balanced finish. Less obviously Lambrusco, a classy expression of this style. Alc 11.5%
Paltrinieri, Solco Semisecco, Lambrusco dell’Emilia, Emilia-Romagna 2022
Silver, 90 points
100% Lambrusco Salamino
Soft and supple fruit with red berry and a hint of roses. Fresh on the palate, a well made example. Alc 11%
