If your version of Lambrusco is that sweet, bubbly red wine that tastes like soda that your Dad used to drink, then you need to give the fizzy red stuff a second shot. Lambrusco is arguably one of the most food-friendly sparkling wines around and hails from Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Sure, it may have a less than stellar reputation due to the crappy Lambruscos of yore, but that works for your advantage, Thurstqueens because all in all, Lambrusco is cheap AF.

The bubbly red stuff goes with just about anything: from prosciutto and parm to Tres Leches Cake. Basically, if you’re looking to have your world rocked by a bubbly red to bust out at your next meal and get people talking — score yourself a bottle of Lambrusco, and always serve that shit chilled.

But what is Lambrusco, you ask? And what kind of Lambrusco should you look for when you’re out and about? Let’s dive in, Thurstqueen.

WHAT IS LAMBRUSCO AND HOW IS IT MADE?

Lambrusco is not only the name of that red sparkling wine, but it’s also the name of the family of grapes that make this fizzy beverage. Essentially, it’s an umbrella term for a family of grapes - like Muscat or Malvasia - that go under this category. So far, there are over 60 different varieties of Lambrusco ranging from Salamino, Sorbara, Grasparossa, Maestri and many more. Some Lambruscos are blends of these grapes.

As far as the production process for Lambrusco, this beverage is either made in the ancestral method like Pet Nats, the traditional method like Champagne, or made in the Charmat (Tank) Method like Prosecco. We’ve discussed the traditional method at length in this blog - both during my posts on Champagne and Cava. So let’s quickly touch on the tank method and how it works for more mass produced Lambruscos and Prosecco.

THE TANK METHOD - A QUICK DETOUR

For the tank method - or charmat method - a winemaker adds sugar and yeast to the base wine (which is not sparkling yet) in a pressurized tank. As the sugar ferments, the carbon dioxide is released which results in bubbles. A small amount of sugar is added at the end of the process - dosage - and then the bottles are filled from the tank.

THE TYPES OF LAMBRUSCO TO LOOK FOR IN THE WILD

There are a surprising array of different styles of Lambrusco to pick and choose from in the wild, and it’s important to have a general understanding of the different categories so you can pick the perfect bottle of bubbles for whatever dish you have in mind. We’ll take a quick peek at the top three styles you’re most likely to run into on your travels, and discuss what to pair them with below.

LAMBRUSCO DI SORBARA - LIGHT, FLORAL, MINERAL

Lambrusco di Sorbara almost verges upon sparkling rosé territory, but not quite. This watermelon tourmaline-colored sparkler is light, acidic, and super bright. Expect loads of white florals and plenty of dry, crisp freshness. Lambrusco di Sorbara is great for pairing with desserts - like the Tres Leches Cake pairing I mentioned earlier. Consider pairing this with slightly sweeter dishes, like curries, Lap Cheong sausage, and Pad Thai as well. That sharp acidity cuts beautifully with any dish that has just a hint of sugar. Because Lambrusco di Sorbara is the lightest sparkler of the bunch, this wine plays great with salads as well.

LAMBRUSCO GRASPAROSSA - MEATY, TANNIC, EARTHY

Lambrusco Grasparossa is polar opposite of Lambrusco di Sorbara. Grasparossa is the ultimate bubbly burger wine. Lambrusco di Grasparossa has loads of dark red fruit aromas, and some peppery characteristics as well. This savory, robust and more powerful expression of Lambrusco is the quintessential bottle of bubbles for that “big red-lover” in your life. Consider pairing this type of Lambrusco with salami, pepperoni pizza, steaks, and red meat of all kinds. Absolutely pair this one with food and heartier dishes.

LAMBRUSCO SALAMINO - BERRIES, BOLD FRUIT, FIZZ

If Lambrusco di Sorbara and Lambrusco Grasparossa are the extremes, Lambrusco Salamino is kind of the middle man. With gentler bubbles, Lambrusco Salamino is often a blend of multiple Lambrusco grapes and is a very balanced red wine with gentle sparklers. Fans of Malbec and Barbera will probably really enjoy Lambrusco Salamino because of its fairly easy-going nature. Consider pairing Lambrusco Salamino with all things pasta and pizza related. Lambrusco Salamino is also great with chocolate chip cookies.

PICK OF THE WEEK: ROLFSHARK LAMBRUSCO DI SORBARA $19.00

I have to confess, the Rolfshark Lambrusco di Sorbara is one of my go-to bevvies whenever I find myself hankering for a red sparkler. More food-friendly than a sparkling rosé (in my humble opinion) this minerally, bright berry, mouthwateringly acidic bottle of bubbles is quite possibly one of the most food-friendly sparkling wines I’ve encountered of late.

It’s so fresh and crunchy, this is light and versatile enough to not compete with fruit-forward desserts and kills with any and all fresh salads. There’s just enough structure and tannin here where it can stand up to a thick and juicy cheeseburger or slice of pepperoni pizza as well.

If you’re one of those people who hates sparkling wines - gasp, BLASPHEMY - but loves red wines I urge you to consider giving the Rolfshark Lambrusco di Sorbara a shot. It just might change your mind.

DISCOVER LAMBRUSCO: THE FOOD-FRIENDLY SPARKLING ITALIAN RED YOU NEED MORE OF IN YOUR LIFE