The summer heat has passed and the crisp fall air has blustered in. Pinks and corals are being seasonally retired for an ombre of reds, maroons, garnets and purples. Just as our wardrobe swaps, our moods can change too potentially triggering us to switch up the wines we drink. For me, my mood and even my body temperature have an affect on this choice.

While this change takes place, let me arm you with the ULTIMATE traditional sparkling red for fall, LAMBRUSCO.

Being one of the most ancient families of native grapes in all of Italy each with their own genetic make-up and sass, the Lambrusco Family are a wild bunch believed to have descended from the wild vine.

Unfortunately, Lambrusco get s a bad rap. Commercial bottles that were super sweet and “soda like” were brought to the US around the 1970s + 80s and gained its not so great reputation. I bet you still think that Lambrusco equals the fizzy sweet candied wine it was advertised to be. 

However, the Lambrusco that the locals drink in Emilia-Romagna is VERY different from those commercial bottles. Traditional style Lambrusco and the ones to drink are fizzy, dry, semi-sweet and have moderate alcohol of 10% - 12%. There are a few different styles but overall the bubbles and high acidity pair beautifully with local cuisine such as cheesy pastas, prosciutto and salami. Hello Fall Lambrusco Party!

When shopping for this great transitional fall option, see a few different styles to look for:

Lambrusco Di Sorbara is the most well known style and is the lightest, most delicate and floral. Look for Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC. 

Lambrusco Salamino is most widely planted and is balanced, creamy and is a sweeter style but still tasty. Look for Lambrusco Salamino DOC.

Lambrusco Grasparossa is the second most widely planted with a fleshier vibe, fuller bodied and more tannin. Look for Lambrusco Grasparossa Di Castelvetro DOC

One of my favorites is from Villa Corlo Lambrusco Grasparossa Corleto DOC 2020 which is the fuller body of the majority of styles. It’s color is a delicious intense ruby red with mouth watering cherry and cranberry notes and is pleasantly dry. A fizz to be served slightly chilled but will still warm up the insides on those colder Fall evenings. Did I mention it’s the perfect pizza pairing?