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Vino: Lambrusco

2007_06_21_lambrusco.jpgLambrusco is a summer standby; fun, fizzy & fresh; an excellent red wine to toast summer's arrival with!

Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine. Who said red can't be sparkling? Sparkling reds can be fabulous and Lambrusco proves that!

 
 

Lambrusco (the name for both the grape and the wine) suffers from a severe marketing slump here in the United States, thanks to Riunite in the 70's, though it's enjoyed a good reputation abroad for hundreds of years. In fact, it is one of the oldest wines and can trace its roots to ancient times.

Lambruscos are fizzy reds that range from light to dark. My favorites tend to be the inky dark ones with a rich and full mouth feel, balanced by the characteristic high acid and a touch of sweetness. The lighter bodies Lambruscos are equally great, just more delicate.

These inexpensive wines usually fall in the $10 to $20 range, try not to go below $5 for a bottle as you may be getting into the artifically sweetened, Riunite territory.

Serve chilled with just about anything. Great as an aperitif, with main courses and, like the rest of summer, it rocks with grilling.

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Comments (5)

Just had this at Cento Vini last weekend along with a cheese plate. It was more like $10/glass, but divine, nonetheless!

posted by Kathryn on 2007-06-21 12:40:17
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This is one of my favorite wines but it is somewhat hard to find. Anyone know which stores in NY carry a selection?

posted by sf on 2007-06-21 12:44:54
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SF: Astor has three or four different offerings ranging from $9.99 to $15.99/bottle, Appellation Wines & Spirits also carries two in the $12 to $15/range.

Kathryn: Most restaurants try to make bottle cost back on the first glass or 1.5 glasses of wine they sell, hence; a $10/glass at a restaurant means the bottle cost $10 to $15.

posted by jennyd on 2007-06-21 14:01:37
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trader joe's also carries lambrusco -- at least they did last summer -- at less than $10 / bottle

posted by abby on 2007-06-21 15:11:05
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my absolute favorite is by Cantine Ceci. Last I checked, September Wines & Spirits on Stanton & Ludlow carried it for under $20. They also pour it at various places, including 'inoteca. It's the best!

posted by Michele on 2007-06-22 07:24:37
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