Living La Dolce Vita with Bell’agio Rosso Dolce

It may not be easy to live la dolce vita, or the sweet life, but it is doable. Bell’agio helps in that regard.  But wait-we are not in the renown Las Vegas hotel.  We are not referring to Fellini’s classic film. We are not even in Lake Como, Italy either. Well…not right now anyway. Yet, Bell’agio is right here to help us live the life.  We’re talking about Bell’agio Rosso Dolce.

Bell’agio Rosso Dolce is a semi-sparkling or frizzante red wine.  This vino rosso is made from Salamino and Grasparossa, which are two Lambrusco grape varietals.  Lambrusco is the bubbly, effervescent wine that comes from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.  

Lambrusco grapes are grown in the Modena, Parma, Reggio nell’Emilia zones of Emilia-Romagna and in the Mantua zone of Lombardy.  There are eight Lambrusco (DOC) regions: Colli di Parma Lambrusco, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, Lambrusco di Sorbara, Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce, Reggiano Lambrusco, Colli di Scandiano e Canossa Lambrusco, Modena Lambrusco, and Lambrusco Mantovano. Additionally, there are six Lambrusco grape varieties indigenous to Emilia-Romagna: Lambrusco Grasparossa, Lambrusco Maestri, Lambrusco Marani, Lambrusco Montericco, Lambrusco Salamino, and Lambrusco Sorbara. Lambrusco is usually made by blending two or more grapes for added body and structure, and it can be dry (secco), semi-sweet (amabile) or very sweet (dolce).  

This region is known mostly for its prosciutto, parmesan-reggiano and balsamic vinegar.  However, one should not miss this rich, bubbly wine from Emilia-Romagna.  

So, we may have missed Lambrusco Day, but we did not miss out on a good one.  Courtesy of Drink Bell’agio, we tasted their Rosso Dolce, and were pleasantly surprised.  

Bell’agio Rosso Dolce is deep ruby red in appearance with mild effervescence.  On the nose was an abundance of dark red fruits, like extra ripe plum, raspberries and blackberries. Dark, sweet, stewed cherries and raspberries were on the palate.  Rosso Dolce was just that, a sweet red that smoothly slid down the palate, bursting with fruit flavors.  It was rich and full-bodied.    

Typically, I am not a fan of any fermented, sweet wines, and I think that this wine was certainly on the sweeter side. Perhaps, this one was paired properly. We paired Bell’agio Rosso Dolce with an easy staple: and antipasto plate consisting of salumi, formaggi e olive.  Then we went on to taste it with a grilled steak. The antipasto and steak proved to be good choices. We have learned that pairing can make all the difference, or maybe Bell’agio did it right. Rosso Dolce could also be paired with pizza and spicy pork dishes. Containing just 8% ABV, this wine could be paired with certain desserts as well, like cheese cake.  Additionally, this Lambrusco wine would make a solid base for a delicious sangria. Just add peaches and/or nectarines. Either way, Bell’agio Rosso Dolce is delightful and should be served chilled.

Have you tried Lambrusco?  Visit Drink Bell’agio to learn more about this sensory sweet treat and to live la dolce vita wherever you are!