FEATURED PRODUCER 

"Lambrusco is a sparkling red Italian wine, made in Emiglia-Romagna, primarily from the grape of the same name.  Thanks largely to Riunite's success in the '70's (Does "Riunite on ice...that's nice!" ring a bell?), most people think of lambrusco as fizzy, berry-flavored mouthwash, a few steps above Thunderbird.  That accurately describes much, if not most, of the lambrusco available in the U.S., but don't make the mistake of assuming it's all bad.

Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, a DOC within Emiglia-Romagna, is lambrusco at its finest and Barbolini's is the best I've had.  It's pretty dry, even a little "musty" (hey, I'm no Robert Parker, that's the best I can do), and goes great with food (from steak to pizza), but it's still light enough to stand on its own before dinner.  One of my favorite wines ever, and it's only $12."

- Ed Batista

Executive coach, change management consultant, leadership coach

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