Lambrusco is sparkling red wine that plays by its own rules. It’s vibrant, chillable, and endlessly food-friendly—but serving it well takes more than just popping the cork. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just pouring a midweek glass, here’s how to serve Lambrusco like a pro.
First Things First: Should Lambrusco Be Chilled?
Yes—always serve Lambrusco chilled. While it’s a red wine, it’s sparkling and meant to be refreshing. Aim for 10–13°C (50–55°F). This brings out its bright acidity, subtle fizz, and layered fruit character without muting its complexity.
🧊 Pro Tip: Pop it in the fridge 90 minutes before serving or chill in an ice bucket for 20 minutes.
Choose the Right Glass
Forget bulky red wine glasses. For Lambrusco, use:
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White wine glasses to highlight the aromatics
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Tulip-shaped flutes for fizz lovers
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Or even a stemless glass for a casual, table-ready feel
At Tomato Wheels, we love keeping it simple. Clean lines, room to swirl, and a glass that suits the moment.
Open It With Care (It’s Sparkling)
Lambrusco is lightly sparkling—usually frizzante rather than full-on bubbly—so open it like you would a bottle of Prosecco:
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Hold the cork at a slight angle
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Twist the bottle (not the cork)
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Listen for a gentle hiss, not a pop
Want more on how Lambrusco compares to other sparkling wines? Check out our Lambrusco vs Prosecco guide (coming soon).
Pour, Pause, Enjoy
Pour about ⅓ of a glass, pause for the bubbles to settle, then top it up. Lambrusco has a frothy mousse that calms quickly. Don’t rush it—it’s part of the show.
What to Pair Lambrusco With
The beauty of Lambrusco is its versatility. It loves food. Especially:
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Pizza and pasta (acid + bubbles = balance)
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Charcuterie and cheese (it cuts right through fat and salt)
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Grilled veggies and olives (bright acidity meets umami)
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Spicy dishes like pepperoni, nduja, or even Korean fried chicken
For more inspiration, see What to Pair with Lambrusco.
FAQ: How Do Italians Serve Lambrusco?
In Emilia-Romagna, it’s often served in casual settings with simple food—salumi, bread, Parmigiano Reggiano. It’s poured into short tumblers or wine glasses, always chilled, always generous.
It’s less about “fancy” and more about easy enjoyment.
Where to Buy Lambrusco in Canada
You can find Tomato Wheels Lambrusco at some of the country’s best boutique retailers and restaurants:
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Market Wines and Kensington Wine Market (Calgary)
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Yaletown Liquor Store (Vancouver)
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Barbarella Restaurant (on the menu)
Or order here and get it shipped to your door.
Final Thought: Lambrusco Is Meant to Be Shared
Lambrusco isn’t fussy. It doesn’t need crystal stemware or white tablecloths. But when served right—with intention and just enough chill—it becomes something bigger than a glass of wine. It becomes a moment. One you can create again and again.