Lambrusco Graparossa di Castelvetro DOP

A little history

“Lambrusco Grasparossa” has existed since 1800, as attested by many historical documents. These include, for example, the “alphabetical catalogue of almost every grape” compiled by Luigi Maini in 1854 and the “descriptive catalogue of the main varieties of grapes grown in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia” by Francesco Aggazzotti, published in 1867. The controlled denomination of origin was created in 1970.

The area

The production area includes the entire administrative area of the municipalities of Castelfranco Emilia, Castelnuovo Rangone, Castelvetro, Fiorano, Formigine, Maranello, Marano sul Panaro, Prignano sul Secchia, Savignano sul Panaro, Spilamberto, Sassuolo, Vignola and S. Cesario sul Panaro, all in the province of Modena, and part of the administrative area of the municipality of Modena. The vineyards are located in the high plains and hills of Modena. In the first case, the soil is not very permeable and is very “lean”, full of sandy or marly clay. In the second case, the soil is made up of silty sand on a gravel bed and is therefore more permeable.

Wines and grape varieties

Four types are permitted by the specification, both red and rosé, in both sparkling and spumante versions. The main grape variety is Lambrusco Grasparossa, which must constitute at least 85% of the wine and to which other Lambrusco and/or Malbo Gentile varieties may be added, up to a maximum of 15%. One of Grasparossa’s main characteristics is that it ripens late. Indeed, in the past it was harvested as late as St. Martin’s Day (11th November) or even later.