Wines
Lambrusco
Wine style and varietal guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- Sparkling
- Sparkling • Red
- 8–12% ABV
- Light-Medium body
- Off-Dry sweetness
- medium-high acidity
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You like a hint of sweetness balanced with acidity.
Skip if…
- ✗You want a fully dry or fully sweet wine.
At a Glance
95–135 calCal / Glass
8–12%ABV
Off-DrySweetness
medium-highAcidity
Low-MediumTannin
Light-MediumBody
1–10gSugar
8°CServe
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Lambrusco?
Lambrusco is a family of Italian sparkling or frizzante red wines, usually light to medium-bodied, bright, fruity, and served chilled.
Taste profile
Off-Dry sweetnessmedium-high acidityLow-Medium tanninsLight-Medium bodyRed FruitCrispSparklingSweet
Sensory profile
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
AcidityFlat – Crisp
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style: Sparkling
- ABV range: 8–12%
- Light-Medium body
- Off-Dry sweetness
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Lambrusco
- Region(s)
- Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy
- Country
- Italy
- Skin contact
- Red grape skin contact
- Sparkling method
- Varies / frizzante
How it’s made
- Method
- Sparkling or frizzante red wine production; exact method varies.
Food pairings
- Cheese Board
- Pasta
- Pizza
- BBQ
When to serve
DessertSweet wine fansDinnerSavoury foodSparkling
- Best with Cheese Board
- Best with Pasta
- Best with Pizza
- Red Fruit
- Crisp
Frequently asked questions
- What is Lambrusco?
- Lambrusco is a family of Italian sparkling or frizzante red wines, usually light to medium-bodied, bright, fruity, and served chilled.
- What does Lambrusco taste like?
- Lambrusco is often described as Red Fruit, Crisp, Sparkling, Sweet. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
- What foods pair with Lambrusco?
- Lambrusco pairs well with Cheese Board, Pasta, Pizza, BBQ. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
- When should I drink Lambrusco?
- Lambrusco works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
- What wines are similar to Lambrusco?
- If you enjoy Lambrusco, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
- Does Lambrusco improve with age?
- Cellaring potential for Lambrusco depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.