Table of Contents
- What is Lambrusco Mantovano DOC?
- History & Origins
- Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir
- Grape Blend & DOC Rules
- Winemaking & Regulations
- Key Facts at a Glance
- Tasting Notes: Italian Sparkling Wine Style
- Serving & Pairing (Mantua Wine Region Specialty)
- Comparison: Mantovano vs Other Lambruscos
- Best Vintages to Try
- How to Store Lambrusco Mantovano
- Top Producers & Local Legends
- Lambrusco Tours & Local Experiences (Po Valley)
- FAQs
- Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- Where to Buy & Pricing
- You Might Also Like: Related Wines (Internal Links)
1. What is Lambrusco Mantovano DOC?
Lambrusco Mantovano DOC is a lightly sparkling Italian red wine from Lombardy’s Mantua province. Crafted with a minimum of 85% local Lambrusco varieties such as Viadanese and Maestri, it offers a dry, mineral-driven profile, deep ruby hue, vibrant acidity, and a vivid expression of Po Valley terroir. Serve chilled at 10–12 °C alongside hearty Mantuan fare. avvinare.comItalian Wine CentralWine Tourism
2. History & Origins
Recognized as a DOC in 1987, Lambrusco Mantovano’s heritage traces back to Ancient Rome—Virgil himself remarked on local vines—and was nurtured through centuries by the Benedictine monks of San Benedetto Po’s Abbey of Polirone. Italian Wine CentralWikipediaWine Tourism
3. Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir
Located in Lombardy’s fertile Po Valley, the DOC spans two subregions—Viadanese-Sabbionetano and Oltrepò Mantovano—shaped by alluvial soils and cooling river winds. Its terroir imparts minerality and clarity to this Lombardy wine. Wine Tourismvinerra.com
4. Grape Blend & DOC Rules
Wines must include ≥85% Lambrusco Viadanese (Grappello Ruberti), Maestri, Marani, or Salamino. Up to 15% may include Sorbara, Grasparossa, Ancellotta, or Fortana. avvinare.comice.itwineguide.wein.plus
5. Winemaking & Regulations
Produced in Rosso (red) and Rosato styles, always with effervescence (frizzante or spumante). Subzones must meet a minimum alcohol level of 11%. Wine TourismItalian Wine Centralwineguide.wein.plus
6. Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| DOC Since | 1987 Italian Wine Central |
| Region | Lombardy – Mantua province WikipediaWine Tourism |
| Vineyard Area | ~262 ha (2021) Italian Wine Central |
| Production | ~10,850 hl (~120,400 cases) Italian Wine Central |
| Grape Blend | ≥85% local Lambrusco varieties |
| Styles | Rosso / Rosato; Frizzante / Spumante |
| Terroir | Po Valley alluvial soils |
7. Tasting Notes: Italian Sparkling Wine Style
Deep ruby or garnet in color, with aromas of violet, cherry, and geranium. On the palate, expect dry, sapid, harmoniously textured notes with bright Italian sparkling wine acidity and elegant minerality. WikipediaFood & WineLa Cucina Italiana
8. Serving & Pairing (Mantua Wine Region Specialty)
Best served at 10–12 °C. Pairs beautifully with Mantuan specialties like tortelli di zucca, risotto alla pilota, cotechino, and local salumi. WikipediaLa Cucina ItalianaWikipedia
9. Comparison: Mantovano vs Other Lambruscos
| Lambrusco Aspect | Mantovano (Lombardy wine) | Lambrusco di Sorbara (Emilia-Romagna wine) | Lambrusco Grasparossa (Emilia-Romagna wine) |
| Region | Lombardy (Mantua) | Emilia-Romagna | Emilia-Romagna |
| Color | Deep ruby | Pale ruby | Deep ruby-purple |
| Body | Medium, mineral | Light, floral | Full, tannic |
WikipediaWine TourismLa Cucina Italianaavvinare.com
10. Best Vintages to Try
As a lively wine, it’s best enjoyed young—within 2–3 years—though some examples may age gracefully up to 5 years.
11. How to Store Lambrusco Mantovano
Store at 12–14 °C, away from light and vibrations. Once opened, reseal with a sparkling wine stopper and enjoy within 2–3 days.
12. Top Producers & Local Legends
- Villa Picta / Paolo: Small-scale producer emphasizing minimal intervention in the river valley. Grape Witches
- Decanter-recognized Virgili (“Inciostar” 2016): Award-winning vintage from the Mantova subregion. results.decanter.com
- Lebovitz Torre Vino Frizzante Rosso Secco: An accessible tribute to the Mantuan sparkling style. lebovitz.it
Include official Consorzio documentation and awards where possible (e.g., DWWA).
13. Lambrusco Tours & Local Experiences (Po Valley)
Enjoy immersive wine experiences in Mantua—including vineyard visits in Viadanese-Sabbionetano or Oltrepò Mantovano, and tastings paired with risottos and regional specialties. For city escapes, Mantua is a 1.5-hour train ride from Milan—perfect for field trips. Wine Tourismaustrianrails.com
14. FAQ
Q: Is Lambrusco Mantovano the same as other Lambruscos?
No—it’s unique to Lombardy and made with local grapes.
Q: How long does it last after opening?
Keep chilled, use a stopper, and drink within 2–3 days.
Q: What’s the difference between frizzante and spumante?
Frizzante is lightly fizzy; spumante is fully sparkling under pressure.Q: Can you age it?
Yes—best within 2–5 years.
15. Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- Virgil celebrated Mantua’s wild vines nearly 2,000 years ago. Wine Tourismcrushedgrapechronicles.com
The wine is traditionally enjoyed mixed with marobini during colder seasons in local dialect traditions. Wikipedia
16. Where to Buy & Pricing
- Villa Picta (Paolo): artisanal small-production bottle – likely €15–20
- Lebovitz Torre Vino: approachable DOC frizzante – around €10
Decanter Virgili Inciostar: premium–priced collector’s wine (award-winning)
17. You Might Also Like: Related Wines (Internal Links)
- Italian DOC Comparisons
- Food Pairing Guides: Pasta & Wine
- Wine Tours in Emilia-Romagna & Lombardy
Internal Linking
- Lombardy wine → regional wine guide
- DOC → Italian wine classification explainer
- Italian sparkling wine → Lambrusco overview
Food pairing → Italian pairing guides
External Linking
- Consorzio Lambrusco Mantovano (DOC rules)
- Decanter (award reference)
- Mantua Tourism (wine region insights)
