Lambrusco di Sorbara was awarded its DOC classification in 1970. It is situated north of Modena near the village of Sorbara in northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. The production zone lies between the Secchia and Panaro rivers, extending over the areas of Bastiglia, Bomporto, Nonantola, Ravarino, San Prospero and parts of the communes of Campogalliano, Camposanto, Carpi, Castelfranco Emilia, Modena, Soliera and San Cesario sul Panaro, all in the province of Modena.
The Sorbara is regarded as the highest-quality Lambrusco clone, making notable wines that are particularly fragrant. This grape’s most distinctive feature is its flowering anomaly, where the vine drops its flowers, reducing yields (in some years more than 30%). This results in the grapes having more concentrated flavors, so what it lacks in quantity is easily made up in quality. The vine is often planted with the Salamino grape to aid fertilization on sandy alluvial soils.
It is the lightest in color of the five DOC wines (the others are Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetra, Reggiano and Lambrusco di Modena), offering an evanescent sparkle and distinctive bouquet reminiscent of violets. Well-balanced, delicate fruit flavors are supported by a backbone of bright acidity, with a strong underlying minerality thanks to its terroir. Its refreshing and vibrant character means it is best consumed young. While Grasparossa is the most tannic of the varietals, Sorbara is the most acidic, making it exceptionally good with fatty or grilled foods, such as pork rinds with beans, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and lasagna. The DOC laws only permit the Sorbara and Salamino clone to be used in this wine, of which 60% must be Sorbara.
For more detailed information on Lambrusco's history and its grapes, please see the Lambrusco di Grasparossa di Castelvetro region page.
