Lambrusco, perhaps best known for its gently sparkling pink and red wines, is actually composed of 5 separate DOC; Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, Lambrusco di Sorbara, Reggiano and Lambrusco di Modena. All are based in the province of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy. The first DOCs were created in 1970. The wines range from bone dry to sweet and thus are a staple match with a wide range of local cuisine.
There are a number of grapes allowed in the various DOC, including Lambrusco Salamino, Lambrusco Grasparossa, Lambrusco di Sorbara, Malbo Gentile, Ancellotta and Brugnola (also known locally as Fortana or Uva d’Oro).
Reggiano, the largest subregion tends to produce wines with noticeable sweetness.
Grasparossa tends to produce the darkest and most tannic wines.
Sorbara is regarded as the best of the various specified Lambrusco clones. It produces wines which are highly fragrant and floral, and the lightest in color of the five DOC wines.
Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce wines are known for their deep ruby color, purple-edged froth and exceptional fragrance combined with relatively lighter body.