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
APRIL 2022
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
APRIL 2019
Cleto Chiarli “Vigneto Cialdini” Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC Brut Vecchia Modena Nero 2018
![]() Dry and fruity with a pretty combination of grapey fruit and graphite. Medium body. Light fizz. Drink now 89
APRIL 2022
Cleto Chiarli Organic Lambrusco di Modena DOC NV
![]() Aromas of grape must, blue flower and dark-skinned berry follow over the dry, vibrant palate along with savory notes of star anise and bitter almond. A fizzy mouse and crisp acidity make it incredibly drinkable and food friendly. 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
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. 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. ![]() SEPTEMBER 2021
Cleto Chiarli “Vecchia Modena Premium” Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC Brut Frizzante 2020
![]() 93
MAY 2024
Cleto Chiarli “Lambrusco del Fondatore” Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC 2022
![]() This zippy sparkler opens with aromas of freshly squeezed cherries that envelop the senses as floral and herbal aromas slowly come into frame providing contrast to the bright fruit notes. Plump mixed berries jump on the palate as the creamy texture and soft bubbles transport the palate to the next level. |