Fall in New York carries a certain kind of magic. The statement trench coats emerge from our closets, and the city’s wine scene bursts into a breathless rhythm. Fall is an absolute whirlwind of spectacular tastings, but the true romance of my work as an educator isn’t just found in the glass: it is found in the stories. It is about connecting intimately with the visionaries behind the vines. Recently, the esteemed importer Winebow invited me to “Lini 910 Lambrusco, Reimagined: A Vertical of Lini Metodo Classico.” There, amidst the elegant hum of the city, I had the beautiful opportunity to taste side-by-side with Alicia Lini. She is a woman whose family understands the authentic soul of Lambrusco like no one else.
Alicia Lini is a vibrant force of nature. As a fourth-generation Italian heiress from a long line of distinguished producers in Reggio-Emilia, she carries her heritage with effortless grace. After studying in the United Kingdom, Alicia returned to her roots in 2002 to immerse herself in her family’s century-old wine and balsamic vinegar business. Today, as the international spokesperson for Lini 910, she has spent over a decade passionately educating the public on Lambrusco. Lini 910 uses traditional method for her portfolio of Lambruscos.. Her ultimate mission is to rehabilitate the world’s image of Lambrusco. She is elevating it from the dated reputation of a mass-produced sweet beverage to its rightful place as an artisanal masterpiece.
What struck me most during our tasting was her genuine warmth. Alicia completely embodies the effervescent personality of her wine. She understands its nature profoundly, noting with a knowing smile that you are not drinking a heavy, brooding Barolo. You are drinking a wine that is joyful. Lambrusco is unpretentious, and crafted for life’s simple pleasures, ike a beautiful wedge of Parmigiano or a late-night conversation.
I must confess, Lambrusco was my very first entry wine. Growing up in Mexico, we drank a wildly popular, fruit-infused style. It was nostalgic and fun, but as I advanced in my wine classes and explored deeper structural palates, Lambrusco naturally fell off my radar. This tasting was a breathtaking rediscovery. Experiencing an exclusive vertical of ten vintages alongside Alicia was nothing short of phenomenal.
During the event, we explored an extraordinary lineup. This was a vertical tastin ten-vintage vertical of the In Correggio Metodo Classico Rosso: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2019, and 2020. I arrived a bit late but they had already tasted the Lini 910 Bianco, Rosé, and Riserva, which I know very well.
Tasting through this meticulously curated list revealed the stunning aging potential of the traditional method. We began with the older, profound expressions. The 2003 and 2004 revealed captivating tertiary notes of dried figs, damp earth, and an elegant balsamic glaze. The 2005 and 2006 struck a brilliant balance between savory umami and fading dark cherry, while the 2007 displayed an exquisite mousse laced with worn leather and baking spice. Moving into the mid-range, the structure truly shined: the 2009 burst with tart blackberry, the 2012 offered vibrant acidity, and the 2014 sang with crushed violets. Finally, the youthful 2019 and 2020 exploded with crunchy red fruits and a bone-dry finish. To round out the experience, we delighted in their luminous Bianco boasting crisp orchard fruit, the zesty Rosé bursting with wild strawberries, and the deeply layered Riserva with complex notes of toasty brioche.
My biggest takeaway from exploring these rare vintages is that Lambrusco is stepping up with a remarkably clean slate. This is a highly structural, food-friendly wine that demands a place at the table. Alicia emphasized that true Lambrusco is crafted to perfectly complement Emilia-Romagna’s finest aged cheeses and decadent pasta dishes.
As someone who leans heavily into a pescatarian and plant-forward lifestyle, I instantly envisioned sipping that bright 2019 alongside a savory plate of handmade mushroom tortelli. Alternatively, imagine matching the earthy 2009 with a classic, cheesy New York slice of Margherita pizza. The vibrant acidity and delicate bubbles act as a flawless palate cleanser. Moreover, I love how it cuts through rich textures and leaving you completely refreshed.
So, mis amores, the next time you are curating a chic dinner party or simply looking for the perfect bottle to sip while watching the city lights, do not overlook a traditional dry Lambrusco. It possesses the sophisticated elegance we crave, with the grounded warmth we fundamentally need. After all, a fabulous life in the city is meant to be paired with a fabulous glass. Have you discovered the gastronomic magic of dry Lambrusco yet, or are you ready to pop a bottle and let it surprise you? Slip on your favorite designer heels, pour a generous glass, and tell me all about your own tasting journey in the comments below. ¡Salud!
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