Cantina Settecani Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Loviu Amabile (DNR)

Pairs with: Authentic Prosciutto di Parma, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano drizzled with traditional balsamic vinegar, a savory fig and prosciutto flatbread, spicy Szechuan or Thai chili dishes, or fruit-based desserts like a rustic blackberry tart.

Good for: Turning a casual pizza night into a highly festive, authentic Italian street-food experience; introducing open-minded wine lovers to a critically acclaimed, semi-sweet sparkling red; or serving as a deliciously fun, low-alcohol patio sipper.

Grape: 100% Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro.

I am from: Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOP, Emilia-Romagna, Italy (Nestled in the rolling, picturesque hills south of Modena).

The Story: Cantina Settecani is the ultimate testament to the power of community. Founded back in 1923 by a tight-knit cooperative of just 48 local farmers, this historic estate has spent over a century evolving into a thriving, big-hearted family of families encompassing roughly 200 passionate grower clans today. The cellar itself sits right in the heart of the action, positioned at the geographical crossroads of three legendary gastronomic communes—Castelvetro, Castelnuovo Rangone, and Spilamberto.

With the "Loviù" Amabile cuvée, the cooperative showcases the boldest, most structurally muscular member of the Lambrusco family: Grasparossa. Unlike its pale, hyper-acidic cousin Sorbara, the Grasparossa vine produces thick, ink-dark skins that give the wine an intense color and a light, structural backbone. To craft this joyful bottle, the hand-harvested grapes undergo a gentle maceration to extract that rich hue before being fermented in temperature-controlled, pressurized stainless steel tanks (the Charmat method). The winemaking team intentionally chills the tank to stop the fermentation while the alcohol sits at a light, easy-drinking 8% ABV. This masterfully traps a portion of the grape's natural, unfermented sugars (amabile) alongside a refreshing, tongue-tingling fizz, delivering an authentic bottle that earns high praise from international critics.

Why You'll Love Me: It is lush, brilliantly vibrant, and delightfully playful—an award-winning sparkling red that effortlessly balances a rich, juicy sweetness with a structured, mouth-cleansing freshness. In the glass, it puts on an absolute show, pouring a deep, brooding garnet-red topped with a lively, foaming violet mousse. The nose is spectacularly aromatic, instantly filling the room with a rich basket of blackberry jam, wild blueberries, and ripe raspberries, beautifully underscored by a high-toned floral perfume of fresh violets and lavender. On the palate, it strikes with a plump, velvety, and mouth-coating roundness that satisfies your sweet tooth. Yet, it never feels heavy or cloying; Grasparossa’s naturally tangy, mouthwatering acidity and a subtle, soft whisper of powdery tannin frame the dark fruit perfectly, leaving the palate feeling remarkably clean, refreshed, and ready for another sip.