Lambrusco Food Pairings
Lambrusco DOC is the ideal accompaniment for Modenese cuisine, famous in Italy and abroad for its rich dishes which are simultaneously elegant, genuine and homely.
Typical Modenese cuisine includes the following menu of Emilia Romagna classics:
- Start with appetizers: cold cuts and sausages, including the famous prosciutto and mortadella, but also the Parmigiano-Reggiano DOC, considered the “king” of all cheeses.
- Followed by first courses, including the legendary tortellini in broth, but also other dry pasta stuffed or seasoned with meat sauce.
- We then move on to the main courses where all types of boiled meat are the stars, starting with the zampone and the cotechino served with a side of lentils or stewed beans.
- Finally, end with desserts: from the rustic and homemade bensone cake, to the most refined and famous amaretti of Modena.
Amongst all of these delicious dishes, Lambrusco is the star that brings out the true authentic flavours of the cuisine. The diversity in the varieties of Lambrusco lends themselves best to specific dishes, for example:
Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC for its pronounced aromatic notes, its high acidity and lightness is the ideal companion for the first courses of dry stuffed pasta and broth and for the zampone.
The Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC, with its fuller and more intense body, goes perfectly with first courses dressed with meat sauce, or with vegetable sides with a strong taste such as mushrooms and asparagus.
The Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOC for its unique fragrance with a robust flavour is the ideal accompaniment for appetizer with cured meats and aged hard cheese (parmigiano reggiano) as well as with the first courses seasoned with pork.
Lambrusco di Modena DOC‘s strong tannic component and the elegance of it’s aroma make it the ideal pairing for appetizers with cured meats, for baked pasta (such as lasagna) and for dishes prepared with beef and pork.
Overall, Lambrusco’s fresh, fragrant and tannic flavour allows it to be a pleasant wine that is drunk with ease and leisure.
Serving Lambrusco
Lambrusco DOC is typically served at a temperature of 12-14 °C. The Consortium for the Historic Brand of Modenese Lambruscos along with a team of expert oenologist have carried out extensive research and evaluations to identify the perfect glass suitable to enhance the fragrances and flavours of Lambrusco and has created a specific glass dedicated to Lambrusco DOC.
Lambrusco Festival and Events
2nd week of September: Sorbara Lambrusco Festival in Sorbara, Modena
3rd and 4th week of September: Sagra dei Lambruschi, Castelvetro di Modena.
