Lambrusco, a delightful sparkling red wine from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, has grown in popularity in recent years. Its refreshing fizz, fruity flavors, and slight sweetness make it a fantastic choice for wine lovers looking for something unique.
But what if you’re interested in trying something new, yet still want to maintain that Lambrusco “feel”?
Look no further, as I’ve compiled a list of five fantastic alternatives to Lambrusco that you’ll be eager to try:
1. Brachetto d’Acqui
2. Schiava
3. Bonarda
4. Bugey-Cerdon
5. Dornfelder
Let’s dive a little deeper into each of these wines, exploring their taste, origin, and other qualities that make them worth trying.
1. Brachetto d’Acqui
Taste and Origin
Brachetto d’Acqui is a sparkling red wine hailing from Piedmont, a region in northwestern Italy. This wine is made from the Brachetto grape, which imparts a beautiful rose petal and red berry aroma.
On the palate, Brachetto d’Acqui is lightly sweet and refreshing, with flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and hints of rose. The wine’s effervescence enhances its delightful fruitiness.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightly sweet and fruity, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy Lambrusco’s approachable flavors
- Aromatic and refreshing
- Pairs well with desserts, particularly chocolate
Cons:
- May be difficult to find outside of Italy
- Not as widely known as Lambrusco, which might make it harder to locate in stores
2. Schiava
Taste and Origin
Schiava is a light-bodied red wine from the Alto Adige region of northern Italy. Made from the Schiava grape, this wine is known for its delicate and fragrant qualities. With flavors of cherry, raspberry, and alpine herbs, Schiava is the perfect wine for those who enjoy Lambrusco’s fruit-forward nature but want to try something a little less effervescent.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Light-bodied and easy-drinking
- Fruity and fragrant
- Pairs well with a variety of foods, from charcuterie to seafood
Cons:
- Lacks the effervescence of Lambrusco
- Might be too light-bodied for those who prefer bolder wines
3. Bonarda
Taste and Origin
Bonarda is an Argentine red wine made from the Bonarda grape, which originally comes from Italy’s Piedmont region. This wine is known for its bold and fruity flavors, with notes of black cherry, plum, and blackberry. The wine also has a touch of spice and earthiness, setting it apart from Lambrusco while still maintaining a fruit-forward profile.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Bold and fruity, with a touch of complexity
- Pairs well with grilled meats and other robust dishes
- Widely available in various price points
Cons:
- Lacks the effervescence and light sweetness of Lambrusco
- Might be too bold for those who prefer lighter red wines
4. Bugey-Cerdon
Taste and Origin
Bugey-Cerdon is a sparkling rosé wine from the Bugey region of eastern France. Made primarily from the Gamay and Poulsard grapes, this wine is lightly sweet, fruity, and effervescent. Flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and delicate floral notes make Bugey-Cerdon an excellent alternative for those who love Lambrusco’s easy-drinking nature.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightly sweet and fruity, with a pleasant effervescence
- Unique and intriguing French sparkling rosé
- Pairs well with a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts
Cons:
- Not as widely available as some of the other alternatives on this list
- Might be too similar to Lambrusco for those looking to branch out significantly
5. Dornfelder
Taste and Origin
Dornfelder is a German red wine made from the Dornfelder grape. This wine is known for its deep color, fruity flavors, and moderate acidity.
It is not only used for red wines but also for sparkling rose-type wines such as the Sparkling Flight Secco Rosé, that resembles Lambrusco somewhat.
With notes of black cherry, blackberry, and a touch of spice, Dornfelder offers a delicious alternative for those who enjoy Lambrusco’s fruit-forward profile.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fruity and easy-drinking, with moderate acidity
- Unique and lesser-known German red wine
- Pairs well with a variety of dishes, from charcuterie to roasted meats
Cons:
- Lacks the effervescence and light sweetness of Lambrusco
- Might be difficult to find outside of Germany
# Conclusion and Personal Recommendation
While Lambrusco is a fantastic wine in its own right, there are many other wines out there that can offer a similar experience. Whether you’re looking for something fruity and effervescent like Brachetto d’Acqui or Bugey-Cerdon, or something more complex like Bonarda or Dornfelder, there’s a wine out there for every Lambrusco lover.
Personally, I recommend giving Brachetto d’Acqui a try, as it maintains the delightful effervescence and fruity flavors of Lambrusco while offering its unique aromatic profile. However, each of these wines is worth trying, so don’t hesitate to explore and find your new favorite alternative to Lambrusco. Cheers!
FAQs
Is Lambrusco a good red wine?
Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Italy that can be quite enjoyable, especially when served chilled. It has a fruity and slightly sweet taste, making it a popular choice for those who prefer lighter and more refreshing red wines. However, it is important to note that Lambrusco varies in quality, so it is recommended to opt for a well-made and reputable bottle to truly appreciate its flavors.
What drinks are similar to Lambrusco?
Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine, has unique characteristics that make it challenging to find exact substitutes. However, if you’re looking for similar drinks, you might enjoy other sparkling red wines like Brachetto d’Acqui or sparkling Shiraz. These wines share some fruity and effervescent qualities that are reminiscent of Lambrusco.
Is red Lambrusco sweet?
Yes, red Lambrusco is typically sweet. It is a sparkling red wine from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy that is known for its fruity and slightly sweet taste.
What kind of wine is Riunite Lambrusco?
Riunite Lambrusco is a red sparkling wine that originates from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. It is made from the Lambrusco grape variety, known for its dark color and fruity flavors. Riunite Lambrusco is typically sweet, with a slightly fizzy and refreshing character.
What level of sweetness is Lambrusco?
Lambrusco can vary in sweetness levels, ranging from dry to sweet. It is available in a range of styles, including secco (dry), amabile (off-dry), and dolce (sweet).
Is Lambrusco red wine sweet or dry?
Lambrusco can be either sweet or dry, as it comes in different styles. Traditional Lambrusco tends to be slightly sweet, with fruity flavors and a touch of effervescence. However, there are also dry versions available, which have less residual sugar and showcase more tannic and acidic characteristics.
