Venturini Baldini Lambrusco Sparkling Wines

Venturini Baldini is a 130 acre estate from the 17th century, situated in the hills between Reggio Emilia and Parma. They have been producing organic Lambrusco and sparkling wines since 1976. Since the early 1990’s, Venturini Baldini has been growing only organically certified grapes. The winery was one of the first in Italy and the first in the region to switch to an entirely organic production, and this commitment is now deeply rooted in their approach to farming and wine making.

In 2013, Giuseppe and Julia Prestia took over the estate from the Venturini Baldini family, continuing the visionary work of the previous owners to produce organic sparkling wines.

These are excellent examples of finely craft Lambrusco wines from Italy, not to be confused with the cheap candy-sweet Lambrusco that were popularized the 1970s and 1980s. All of these excellent wines underwent a secondary fermentation using the Charmat method to achieve the light effervescence.

Venturini Baldini Montelocco Lambrusco Emilia IGP NV ($16.99) - This Lambrusco is a single-variety wine produced with Salamino grapes. It is deep purple in color with fragrances of herbs and dark red fruit. On the the palate it has very light fizz, is off-dry and has a nice black cherry flavor. (11.5 % ABV)

Venturini Baldini Marchese Manodori Reggiano Lambrusco NV (18.99) - This is a blend of the Lambrusco varieties Marani, Maestri, Salamino, and Grasparossa. It is fruity and spicy, with hints of wild violet and mellow cherry aroma along with a delicately spicy fragrance of clove and pepper.  It medium-bodied and refreshing with light tannin. (12% ABV)

Venturini Baldini Ca’ del Vento Spumante Rosato Brut DOP ($18.99) - This sparkling rose is made from the Lambrusco varieties of Sorbara and Grasparossa.  It’s exactly what you want in a sparkling rosé. It’s lightly fragrant, dry and refreshing. (12% ABV)

These are wonderful examples of truly refined Lambrusco sparkling wines at an affordable price and therefore a great fit for being featured as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided ZEDCOMM Italy