Lambrusco di Grasparossa, Sfecciato Balugani, Castelvetro di Modena

We tasted this Lambrusco, our latest Wine of the Week, at our recent Italy tasting and were blown away by how well it was suited to late November’s cooler climes. 

A delicious, deep -garnet colour and fine bubbles is an unusual description of a red wine, but one which deserves attention in my opinion. The nose offers up notes of ripe, dark cherry which are echoed on the palate along with crisp acidity, light, fresh tannins and that delightful effervescence. Best served at cellar temperature this is the perfect accompaniment to fatty pork dishes, summer salads and roast vegetables. Lambrusco is a wine that many of us have turned away from, but I would urge you to have another look, it certainly has its place when it comes from talented producers like Roberto Balugani.

With five hectares situated around their winery, this 105-year-old family estate is run by Roberto and his son Federico. The property was initially a farm but since 1979 mechanicturned-winemaker Robert has focused on the production of vines, taking complete control over the property in 1985, and bottling his first wine in 1992. Fast forward to the present day where Roberto’s son, also a former mechanic, helps with production.