This week we decided to try sweeter wines. The first was Casa Bella Lambrusco Dolce from Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It had an ABV of 8% and cost $8. I was surprised to learn that most Lambruscos are dry, when I had always considered it a sweet wine. It is made up primarily of the Lambrusco grape variety. There was no vintage year labeled for this wine.
We decided to pair this sweet bubbly red with some toasted rosemary crackers and a creamy brie cheese. The wine was chilled ahead of time and allowed to warm a bit before serving.
Reviews on vivino.com have described this wine as being sparkly and light, with notes of dark fruits such as blueberries and blackcurrants. It also has some red fruit flavor such as cherries and cranberries.
Upon opening, I noticed its deep purple color and strawberry/red fruit aroma. It tasted strongly of sweet blueberries and subtle tart blackberries. The bubbles and sweetness of the wine actually made the cheese taste creamier, sweeter, and more buttery. The food did not make the wine taste less sweet. It was a viscous wine but not too heavy. I would describe it as having a medium body, with low acidity.
According to the Wine Folly book on page 122 describing Lambrusco wines, this variety ranges in sweetness and has common tasting notes of strawberry, blackberry, rhubarb, hibiscus, and potting soil. It is mostly made in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Also on page 60 I took the advice to pair a sparkling wine like this with a delicate, buttery cheese like Brie and I am glad I did.
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