Lambrusco is one big misunderstanding—made up of several smaller ones.
One of the more minor misconceptions is that Lambrusco is a single grape variety. In fact, Lambrusco is a whole family of grape varieties, made up of many different members who, like in most families, don’t necessarily have all that much in common.
Lambrusco may even be the oldest grape family still cultivated in Italy today—it was already mentioned by Cato in De agri cultura over 2,000 years ago. At its peak in the 17th century, the family may have had up to 50 members (and countless biotypes). Today, around 15 varieties remain—and anyone visiting Emilia should definitely try as many of them as possible.
Gianluca Bergianti’s Rosso is made from 80% Salamino di Santa Croce, a variety that combines the elegance and delicacy of Lambrusco di Sorbara (which makes up the remaining 20%) with the power and structure of Lambrusco Grasparossa, typically found in the hills south of Modena.
Gianluca carries out the second fermentation of this Rosso the traditional way—in the bottle—yet as a Spumante, and with an unusually long time on the lees for a Lambrusco.
Style & Aromas
Dark violet foam, fine-grained mousse. Aromas of wild berries, licorice, and fresh herbs. From the very first sip, it makes its presence known—powerful yet elegant. The acidity is vibrant and gives it direction. Perfectly balanced. Even after six years in the bottle, it shows not the slightest sign of fatigue.
Fact Sheet
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Grape varieties: 80% Lambrusco Salamino, 20% Lambrusco Sorbara
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Plant protection: Only sulfur, copper, and preparations of plant or animal origin (not certified)
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Vineyard: Light clay and slate
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Harvest: Hand-picked
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Fermentation: Spontaneous | wild yeasts, Metodo Classico, secondary fermentation in bottle, disgorged, pas dosé
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Aging: In the bottle
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Filtration: None
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SO₂: < 30 mg/l
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Alcohol: 12.5%
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Closure: Natural cork
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Serving temperature: 8–10 °C
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Ideal drinking window: Now – 2032
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Volume and price per liter: 0.75 l / (€43.87/l)
All winemakers listed at Vinonudo use compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations in their vineyards, and refrain from using herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers.
