2023 Cleto Chiarli e Figli – Vecchia Modena, Lambrusco Grasprarossa DOC “Nero” Methode Ansestral Sparkling Red Wine, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
This dry and tasty Vecchia Modena Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro black label from Cleto Chiarli is a delightful red sparkling wine with a deep magenta and ruby color and a bright juicy medium bodied example with a vibrant beading mousse. The vivid earthy blackberry, cherry, blood orange and brambleberry fruits are lifted by natural acidity and the Pet-Nat style creamy bubbles make this tasty Lambrusco shine, along with hints of leather, lilacs and tangy herbs that add to the complexity here in a sparkling red that goes great with simple country rustic cuisine. The Cleto Chiarli Lambruscos are some of my favorites from the Emilia-Romagna region and always bring a smile and some fun to a meal and this one really is a delicious example and great with meaty dishes. We’ve seen a dramatic rise in quality in Lambrusco in the last ten years and this one definitely has loads of character and balance, it’s a great way to discover these unique and traditional wines, which go great with burgers, pasta lunches and or as a fun aperitif or starter wine.
The Vigneto Cialdini is Cleto Chiarli’s top-of-the-line Lambrusco Grasparossa DOC that with the 2023 vintage has moved into the Cleto Chiarli’s Vecchia Modena line, and now know as (the) Vecchia Modena Nero. Cleto Chiarli’s importer, Chambers and Chambers, says the wine is made through a single fermentation under pressure, rather than the normal two-fermentation process of almost all other classic sparkling wines. This dry Lambrusco is in the Brut range, with only a slight sweetness detectable. The vines where this wine comes from, Vigneto Cialdini, the name of the vineyard, is dedicated to Enrico Cialdini, who was a famous general during the unification of Italy. Made from vines that have served up fine and hearty Lambrusco efforts since ancient times, this single vineyard is located in the heart of the Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro denomination and makes for a high quality sparkling red wine, as seen in this fabulous 2023 vintage and I highly recommend this distinction fruit driven, spicy and savory Cleto Chiarli e Figli – Vecchia Modena treat.
($18 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive