Origins and Global Presence of Lambrusco and Brachetto d’Acqui
Lambrusco: A Heritage Rooted in Emilia-Romagna and LombardyLambrusco comes from the fertile plains of north-central Italy, especially the provinces of Modena, Reggio Emilia, and Parma in Emilia-Romagna, as well as the area around Mantua in Lombardy. Lambrusco is not just one grape, but a family of grape varieties that have grown in this region since ancient times—first cultivated by the Etruscans and later praised by Roman writers for their generous yields. Today, most Lambrusco is still grown in its Italian heartland, including the officially recognized Lambrusco Mantovano DOC in Lombardy. A few adventurous winemakers have also planted Lambrusco Maestri in Australia’s Adelaide Hills and Argentina’s Mendoza region, showing the grape’s adaptability. Still, Italy remains the true home of Lambrusco, where its lively, sparkling style continues to shine.Brachetto d’Acqui: A Jewel of PiedmontBrachetto d’Acqui is deeply tied to its birthplace in the rolling hills of Piedmont, within the Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG. The vineyards cluster around the towns of Acqui Terme and Strevi, where the grape has been cherished since Roman times. Its production remains almost entirely within this small area, with no significant plantings reported outside Italy. This close connection to its native terroir helps Brachetto d’Acqui maintain its unique character and ensures that each bottle reflects the romance and tradition of its storied homeland.