Still. Bold. Unexpected. Meet the Lambrusco You Didn’t See Coming.
At a glance
Lambrusco, meaning "wild grape", is native to Northern Italy and boasts a winemaking history that stretches back to the Etruscans. Once prized for its vitality, productivity, and versatility, Lambrusco developed a reputation for being sweet and fizzy—particularly due to mass-market exports in the 1970s and '80s. But real Lambrusco, especially in its dry and still forms, tells a very different story: one of elegance, structure, and regional pride. Traditionally produced as a sparkling wine, Lambrusco is now undergoing a global renaissance, thanks to modern winemakers reimagining its potential.
Tasting Notes
Lavish, Boisterous, & Textural, this is Lambrusco - redefined.
Immediately, you’ll be struck by Lambrusco’s inky purple hue — a vivid signal of the intensity to come. This full-bodied, viscous wine opens with an enchanting bouquet of warm spices and mulled citrus peel, drawing you into a plush, fruit-laden palate layered with black cherry, dark berries, and savoury undertones. Medium acidity, generous oak, and a confident tannin structure create a lavish, well-structured mouthfeel. Bold, refined, and utterly captivating, it’s the perfect companion for long nights living la dolce vita.
Origins, Viticulture, Terroir
Lambrusco’s legacy runs deep. One of Italy’s oldest grape varieties, Vitis Labrusca was cultivated by the Etruscans and praised by Roman authors like Pliny the Elder for its vigour and abundant yields. Traditionally grown in the rich agricultural heartland of Emilia-Romagna, Lambrusco has been cherished for its ability to produce a wide range of wines—from dry and still to sweet and sparkling.
Despite its historic prestige, Lambrusco was misunderstood in the global market, particularly during the late 20th century when commercial, syrupy versions flooded the export scene. But a quiet revolution has been underway—one that celebrates Lambrusco’s heritage while reimagining its expression for today’s wine lovers.
From the Riverland with Love
Our 2022 Wild Ferment Lambrusco begins its journey in South Australia’s Riverland—a region known for its sun-drenched days, low rainfall, and ancient soils of clay, sand, and limestone. These conditions are perfectly suited to Mediterranean varietals, and Italian grapes thrive here.
We source our fruit in partnership with Ricca Terra Farms, pioneers in sustainable viticulture and champions of alternative grape varieties. By controlling yields and focusing on fruit quality, we produce a Lambrusco that’s deep, structured, and worlds apart from its bulk-produced predecessors.
The Art of Wild Fermentation
Crafted at our winery on Tamborine Mountain, this Lambrusco undergoes wild fermentation, using only indigenous yeasts found on the grape skins and in the winery environment. This approach allows the wine to express the nuances of the vineyard and vintage, resulting in layered complexity and an authentic sense of place.
Aged for 13 months in a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak barriques, the wine develops harmony between its robust fruit profile and finely integrated oak.
Perfect Pairings
The structured nature of our 2022 Wild Ferment Lambrusco makes it a bold and versatile food wine. Pair it with:
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Pulled pork glazed with orange and star anise
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Chargrilled chicken or octopus with smoky spices
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Salads with prosciutto, berries, or pomegranate
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Rich pasta dishes or hard cheeses with nutty depth
A Moment in Time: Lambrusco & the Winter Solstice
June 21st marks World Lambrusco Day—a celebration of this historic grape that fittingly coincides with the Winter Solstice here in the Southern Hemisphere. As the longest night of the year descends, there's no better companion than a glass of bold, warming Lambrusco to toast to tradition, transformation, and the wild grape that’s anything but tame.