Morello cherry and violet aromas take center stage on this savory sparkler. The dry, refined palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, blood orange, fennel seed and white pepper alongside a refined perlage and bright acidity.
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The story of Lambrusco is closely intertwined with the Chiarli family of Modena, arguably the most important producers of red sparkling wine in the world. The tale begins with Cleto Chiarli, the proprietor of the Modena restaurant Osteria dell’Artigliere in the mid-1800s. As was common for restaurateurs and innkeepers in those days, Chiarli made his own wine to sell at the osteria. Naturally, the wine was made from Lambrusco, the area’s primary grape variety, and it was well received by customers—so much so that in 1860 Chiarli was emboldened to found Emilia Romagna’s first wine-producing company, the Cantina Cleto Chiarli. The company thrived, and eventually, under the Chiarli 1860 name, it became the largest privately-owned producer of Lambrusco.
The Chiarli family was also instrumental in taking Lambrusco from being just one among innumerable Italian local wines to its status as a popular international phenomenon and one of the country’s primary exports. A century after the winery’s founding, the Chiarli family pioneered the use of the Charmat or tank method of sparkling wine production for Lambrusco. Whereas the customary “ancestral” method always resulted in dry, fizzy, cloudy wines because it continued to ferment inside the bottle after it was sealed, Charmat-method Lambrusco introduced several advantages. It allowed filtration to make the wine clear, offered the opportunity to increase the bottle pressure to the fully sparkling level, and made it possible to bottle a wine that would retain residual sugar. The new Lambrusco—sweet, red, clear, and effervescent—became a sensation, and for a couple of decades, it was the most-imported wine category in the United States.
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LOCATIONWINERY: Tenuta Cialdini, Castelvetro (Modena province), Emilia Romagna VINEYARD: Modena province, Emilia Romagna VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS REGION DETAILS |
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93
JANUARY 2021
Cleto Chiarli “Lambrusco del Fondatore” Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC 2020
Morello cherry and violet aromas take center stage on this savory sparkler. The dry, refined palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, blood orange, fennel seed and white pepper alongside a refined perlage and bright acidity. 91
AUGUST 2023
Cleto Chiarli “Lambrusco del Fondatore” Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC 2021
Best buy. Candied cherries, strawberries, wild herbs and dried violets weave in and out of the glass with subtle hints of smoked game. The palate balances the savory quality of the wine with cherries jubilee, cranberry and dried rose finishing with a creamy texture and an elegant sparkle. 92
AUGUST 2022
Cleto Chiarli “Vigneto Cialdini” Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC Brut Vecchia Modena Nero 2020
EDITOR'S CHOICE This delicious, deeply colored sparkler has alluring aromas of violet and blackberry. On the dry, foaming palate, crisp acidity and refined tannins accompany ripe Marasca cherry, spiced blueberry and orange zest before a fennel finish. 91
APRIL 2022
Cleto Chiarli “Vecchia Modena Premium” Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC Brut Frizzante 2020
Intense, enticing aromas of wild red berries, crushed herbs, citrus and white rose come to the forefront on this lovely sparkler. Thoroughly enjoyable, the lithe, savory palate features juicy strawberry, red cherry and orange zest before closing on a hint of fennel seed. Bright acidity and a polished mousse provide freshness and a smooth texture. 91
DECEMBER 2023
Cleto Chiarli “Vecchia Modena Premium” Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC Brut Frizzante 2022
Best Buy. Wild strawberry, sour cherry, orange zest and fresh thyme aromas open the nose of this fresh and vibrant sparkler. The zingy palate pops with crushed raspberries, roses and a hint of game finishing with electric acidity that keeps the palate fresh and vitalized. Dalla Terra Winery Direct. 91
NOVEMBER 2023
Cleto Chiarli “Vecchia Modena Premium” Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC Brut Frizzante 2022
Best Buy. Wild strawberry, sour cherry, orange zest and fresh thyme aromas open the nose of this fresh and vibrant sparkler. The zingy palate pops with crushed raspberries, roses and a hint of game finishing with electric acidity that keeps the palate fresh and vitalized. 94
DECEMBER 2023
Cleto Chiarli “Vigneto Cialdini” Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC Brut Vecchia Modena Nero 2022
Best Buy. Concentrated aromas of black plum, fig, blackberry, white pepper, allspice and tea leaf roll out of the glass. Gamy on the palate with a lush and generous offering of black cherry jam that is balanced by floral and savory elements bringing the wine to its earthy finish. SEPTEMBER 2020
Cleto Chiarli “Lambrusco del Fondatore” Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC 2019
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