You might be thinking: “Lambrusco?! That overly sweet, syrupy, sparkling red wine that everyone was drinking in 1975?”
The answer is, yes and no. It’s come a long way baby, and we think the wines we are serving are ones you’ll want to try!
Lambrusco is a grape that comes from two regions of Italy: Emilia-Romagna or Lombardi (aka, Milan... so you know it’s chic,) and made in the Frizzante style — it’s not a pop-the-cork type of sparkling wine known as a spumante.
It’s slightly effervescent, or a semi-sparkling wine. While some of the bad Lambruscos that you might know (and dislike) are super sweet, the lambruscos we are serving at Corner Kitchen are light, dry, crisp and absolutely delicious.
Corner Kitchen is featuring three different kinds of Lambrusco on the menu. The First in Flight ($14 for three 3-ounce pours.)
So let’s take flight:
Cleto Chiarli — The first lambrusco in the flight is light in color, tart and crisp. You'll get notes of cranberry and orange. This wine is highly acidic and would go perfectly with your Thanksgiving feast. The tart flavors will keep you coming back for another sip.
Pairing: Try Cleto Chiarli with the Fish Tacos at Corner Kitchen. The spicy aioli on the tacos will pair nicely with the slightly sweet wine, but won’t overpower the rich taste of salmon.
Carafoli — This Lambrusco is extremely dry: balsamic and leather on the nose, deep cherry flavors, a round mouthfeel and a raspberry finish. This wine can stand up to assertive flavors in food but is also great on its own. This is perfect flight progression, it's slightly richer than the first while finishing on a bright, tart berry note.
Pairing: Try this light-to-medium-bodied lambrusco with the new Grilled Swordfish served with mashed sweet potatoes and an apple cider glaze. The glaze complements the richness of the wine and the meaty fish is the perfect compliment to the assertive wine.
Fiorini — This is Corner Kitchen's OG Lambrusco from the very first menu. This is the most tannic of the flight, and fullest bodied of the lambruscos: Ripe cherry and plum notes, it's dry and balanced. This wine finishes with a hint of violet. By far the biggest wine, which pairs perfectly with something rich and creamy.
Pairing: This lambrusco is just begging to be enjoyed with our decadent Meatloaf or Lamb Pappardelle pasta.
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