A Bargain Lambrusco Rings The Bell

I have never had a Lambrusco that I absolutely hated, so it's easy for me to spot a potential bargain. The Le Grotte Lambrusco Rosso Dolce is only about $5 at Trader Joe's, so the price is right for a bargain wine, now it just has to be good. 

The wine is subtitled as a "soft red wine," which I suppose is accurate, but the reference to "sweet" is a little off base. It’s a bit darker and more earthy than those words imply. The grapes come from Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, and alcohol checks in low at only 8.5% abv.

This wine is slightly frizzante upon pouring, the purple bubbles dissipating quickly. A whiff reveals fragrant, ripe cherries and concord grapes. The palate is soft and round, full of fresh fruit, a touch of earth and some tingly acidity. Complexity is not the issue here, as it might be with other Lambruscos. This is an extremely drinkable and food-friendly wine. A true bargain. 

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