Lambrusco sparkling wine- not just Riunite anymore

Lambrusco sparkling wine- not just Riunite anymore – Episode #617

February 3, 2009

Gary Vaynerchuk tries a Lambrusco and talks about the sparkling wine that has a funny reputation from the enormous success of Riunite.

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Comments on this episode(160) Leave a comment ›

“Just came across this episode and enjoyed watching it.

A couple of…” by James Koch
“I’m sitting here drinking Labrusca Rosso Reggiano Lambrusco as I’m wat…” by JD Gless
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Wines tasted in this episode:

Venturini Baldini LambruscoReggiano

160 Responses

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November 11, 2009

James Koch
Just came across this episode and enjoyed watching it.

A couple of things:

- No Lambrusco is made in Romagna (that’s Sangiovese, Albana, etc. territory – by law). THE Lambrusco regions are all centered in Emilia (the Northern part of the Emilia-Romagna region) though one of the official Lambrusco zones is located in Lombardia. Lambrusco is also grown in Puglia/Apulia but THE finest, authentic frizzante (and still) Lambrusco versions are all made in and around the cities of Modena, Parma and Reggio.

- TBH, TTB actually doesn’t allow to list the alcohol percentage as “8.5% plus 2.5%” on wine labels. It means that the potential alcohol would have been 11.0% if all of the residual sugar would have been converted into alcohol (and CO2).

I agree, Lambrusco has come a long way since AR (after Riunite). As a matter of fact two Italian Lambruscos [Lambrusco Reggiano DOC Secco ‘CONCERTO’ (100% Salamino; single vineyard) by Medici Ermete and Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC ‘VECCHIA MODENA PREMIUM’ by Cleto Chiarli] have both just (last month) received the prestigious TRE BICCHIERI award by Gambero Rosso, Italy’s most important wine guide (Gambero Rosso 2010/Italian Wines 2010) last month. This marks the very first time that any Lambrusco has ever been given this special recognition. – Another sure sign that (REAL/QUALITY) Lambrusco has FINALLY superseded its tarnished image in the USA.
August 8, 2009

JD Gless
I’m sitting here drinking Labrusca Rosso Reggiano Lambrusco as I’m watching this. What I’m drinking is a slightly drier version of Lambrusco, a great Summer version of the wine. Would be a good accompaniament to anything off the BBQ. This guy is too much fun to watch!
July 4, 2009

Buccia
All of producer that you have tell like Ceci or Riunite or Lini wasn’t a really serious producer but they bought the grapes and put it on the bottle…you never try Venturini Baldini labrusco that is the most place all over biological.. They are the first producer all over the worl of lambrusco quality sice 1960… The other producer of lambrusco like Ceci are many times ago close for sofistication of the wine…
June 8, 2009

nnothing
qotd: nope
May 26, 2009

George
Just returned from a week in Emilia Romagna last month. It was ubiquitous and very affordable over there. Had it with most of our meals. Most of them very locally produced and not exported. I loved it. Searching for sources here in the US. Apparently Riunite Lambrusco can still be purchased here. I might try it just to compare.
March 28, 2009

squid
When I was a teen I visited Germany and Lineavini made a lambrusco that seemed in every single shop. I really liked it at the time, but I’d probably think it was crap if I had it today.
March 23, 2009

Rhonda
I have had several, this was a favorite of my Grandma’s and I am not talking the Ruinite shiz either Thanks for this show, I emailed you a while ago about Lambrusco and you were gracious enough to reply, you rock GaryVee.
March 4, 2009

JudeMurphy
I have… not/// had one oF tHose‚‚‚‚‚‚‚óé?íí˜˜f

(Just thought I’d make my comment look a bit interesting seeing as it says the same thing as every other one!)
February 19, 2009

Sharon
Yes! I had a great semi-dry Lambrusco last year, the 2006 Tenuta Pederzana Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Semi Seceo. I would recommend it to anyone.
February 19, 2009

UHollis
never had the lambrusco.
gonna seek it out.
February 17, 2009

Kate the Great
Never had Lambrusco.
February 17, 2009

TWalk
The last one i remember having was ca’ de medici…and it was pretty darn dellicious
February 15, 2009

JayZee
Interesting show – I never even thought of a Lambrusco show (see QOTD). I am intrigued by your description because I really have liked some sparkling shiraz that I have had in the past so, in my case, similarity may be good.

QOTD: Nope, at least not to my recollection. In fact, a few years ago, my work group did a holiday dinner at a nice restaurant and one guy asked if they had any Lambrusco – I was horrified (they didn’t). Yes, that’s what Riunite and others did. But I am always willing to try new things and I never thought that there was any good Lambrusco – it seemed oxymoronic to me.
February 14, 2009

agamemnon
Finally found it… Barbolino “Lambrusca Grasparossa di Castelvetro” Try with some nice antipasti – super!
February 13, 2009

Frank in Omaha
Yes, I just finished a bottle this week. Great with Italian style dried salume and spicy coppa.

This would be a good summer wine where you might drink a white but your looking for a bit more flavor.

Have some with prosciutto wrapped melon on the patio. Drink some Lambrusco while you grill a Italian sausage, cut it up and pass it around. The Lambrusco will pair great with that. Then seamlessly move to a Chianti, super tuscan or a cab to go with your rare steak ala Florentine.

btw i just watched your video about Tocai Fruilano, er, the wine formerly know as tocai fruilano. I completley agree with what you said. Big white that coats your whole palate with flavor and nice, crisp acidity.
February 12, 2009

wannaBconnoisseur
Never had one. Need to try!
February 10, 2009

Jason S.
QOTD: never had one before!
February 10, 2009

mindpirate
QOTD: Never had one at all. Time to expand my PAL.
February 9, 2009

YoungDave
QOTD: Only one a couple of years ago, so it’s about time I jump back in and find another one this week!
February 9, 2009

Wednesday
Yes, fun fourth of July wine for the variety of foods that show up for a picnic.
Good show.
February 8, 2009

yowens
Cool show, I totally new varietal for me. QOTD: negative but I will!
February 8, 2009

Ray Barnes
I am pleased that the method of second fermentation for this sparkling wine was explained, unlike the last episode which featured such a wine. This was well done.
February 8, 2009

gordoyflaca
P.S . It Tastes Better In A Red Wine Glass!
February 8, 2009

Jimmy T
Gary, when that came out red it surprised the crap out of me! That was awesome.

QOTD: I have never had this but really want to.
February 8, 2009

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – I don’t think I have had one, but I obviously need to. Thanks for introducing us to new things.