Lambrusco
Lambrusco is a family of Italian grape varieties primarily grown in Emilia-Romagna and parts of Lombardy, used to produce both red and rosé wines, with the most notable being frizzante (semi-sparkling) styles. These grapes typically produce wines with vibrant acidity, moderate tannins, and flavors of red fruits, violets, and sometimes a touch of bitterness, ranging from dry to sweet versions. Lambrusco thrives in the moderate continental climate of central-northern Italy and produces wines that are traditionally meant to be consumed young.
Perfect Pairings for Lambrusco
Discover dishes that beautifully complement Lambrusco wines
Antipasti
Antipasti typically consists of a variety of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives, creating a diverse flavor profile with savory, tangy, and salty notes. Light, crisp wines with good acidity help cut through the richness of the meats and cheeses, while refreshing beers with moderate carbonation cleanse the palate between different components.
Fried chicken
Fried chicken offers a delightful combination of juicy meat, crispy coating, and savory seasonings that create multiple pairing opportunities. The richness and salt content calls for beverages with either cleansing effervescence and acidity (like Champagne, Riesling, Pilsner) or complementary malt sweetness (like Chardonnay, Pale Ale) to cut through the fat while highlighting the savory aspects.
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmigiano-Reggiano offers concentrated umami richness with nutty, fruity, and savory notes that develop with aging. Its crystalline texture and complex flavor profile call for beverages that can either complement its intensity or provide contrasting effervescence to cleanse the palate between bites.
Pepperoni pizza
Pepperoni pizza features savory tomato sauce, melted cheese, and spicy cured pork that call for beverages with enough acidity to cut through the fat while complementing the savory flavors. Medium-bodied, acidic red wines like Sangiovese balance the richness, while crisp, moderately hoppy beers refresh the palate between bites without overwhelming the dish.
Prosciutto
Prosciutto's delicate, salty-sweet flavor profile and silky texture pairs beautifully with crisp, high-acid white wines that cut through its richness while complementing its inherent sweetness. Sparkling options like Prosecco provide refreshing contrast, while light beers with mild hop character and effervescence cleanse the palate between bites of this luxurious cured ham.
Salumi
Salumi is a category of cured Italian meat products, primarily made from pork, with rich, savory, and sometimes fatty profiles that benefit from beverages with good acidity to cut through the richness. The salt and umami qualities in salumi call for wines with bright fruit and moderate tannins, while beers with carbonation help cleanse the palate between bites.