Lambrusco Salamino is a black grape variety of ancient Emilian origin, documented as far back as the mid-18th century in the countryside around Modena and Reggio Emilia. The name refers to the shape of the bunch, which is cylindrical, compact and elongated, resembling a small salami. The mature leaf is medium-sized, generally pentagonal and five-lobed, with a V-shaped outline, an intensely blistered upper surface and an open petiole sinus. The bunch, often featuring one or two wings, has a very short stalk and is remarkably compact; the berry is small, short, globular or obovoid in shape, with a blue-black skin and pale-coloured, soft flesh with a simple flavour.
Its cultivation is particularly associated with the plains of the province of Modena, though it has a long history in the Reggio Emilia area and neighbouring parts of Emilia. It is the star variety of the Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce appellation, where it produces red and rosé wines—both semi-sparkling and sparkling—obtained through natural refermentation in the bottle or in an autoclave. In the glass, it displays ruby hues, sometimes deep, with fragrant aromas of cherry, raspberry, blackberry and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it is fresh, savoury, harmonious and well-structured, with generally soft tannins and a pleasant liveliness. Its winemaking character favours fragrance and drinkability, whilst also allowing for more structured interpretations capable of developing interesting evolution over time.
