This is the last of the Lambrusco varieties I am going to write about in this indigenous varieties series, Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce. There are over 60 varieties of Lambrusco that are known, perhaps even more, but only six or seven of them are considered the more prestigious ones. Salamino, is named for its shape which resembles a small salami. This variety grows around the wonderful city of Modena and specifically the area around the town of Carpi. It is has a lot of color and brings fruity, floral aromas and flavors to the blend. It is also brings moderate alcohol and tannins. There is a consortium for the producers who make Lambrusco around the city of Modena, and also a cooperative, with 250-300 members, that specializes in wines made from Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce.

It has been a fun journey to travel through Emilia and its Lambrusco varieties these past months. I loved going to graduate school in Bologna and I love remembering the time when I lived in that glorious city and was able to drink Lambrusco as often as I wanted to. Luckily, Lambrusco is becoming ever more popular. I am hoping to have a glass today to celebrate the holidays. For natural wine lovers out there, here’s a Lambrusco made from 100% Salamino di Santa Croce from Luciano Saetti which available in the US from Louis Dressner. Next week I will move on to the letter “M”.

I have written about 150 posts in this series. There are almost 50 grape varieties that start with the letter “M” so I think that may take all of 2017. No matter. Every excursion brings me to think about how wonderful and varied Italian varieties are and how each small town has its own traditions and delicacies, not to mention art and all of the other marvels of il Bel Paese.