Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé – A Sparkling Taste of Sweet Emilia

Updated → September 2025

**Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé** is a sweet, gently sparkling rosé wine from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. It offers a bright pink pour, low alcohol (around 8%), and refreshing fruity flavors. Beloved for its approachable taste and affordability, this wine is a perfect pick for casual sipping, pairings with savory bites, and summertime celebrations.

• A Brief History of Lambrusco’s Popularity
• Rosé Revolution: The Rise of Pink Wines
• Riunite: The Lambrusco Icon
• Lambrusco Rosé vs. Red Lambrusco
• How Lambrusco Rosé Compares to Other Rosés
• Emilia-Romagna – Home of Lambrusco
• Meet the Grapes: Salamino & Marani
• Crafting a Semi-Sparkling Rosé
• Tasting Notes: Sweet, Soft, and Fruity
• Serving Suggestions for Best Enjoyment
• Food Pairings with Lambrusco Rosé
• Perfect Occasions to Enjoy
• Buying and Storing Tips
• Why You Should Try It
• Where to Buy in Cheektowaga, NY

A Brief History of Lambrusco’s Popularity

Lambrusco wines have a long heritage in Italy, but they truly burst onto the international scene in the late 20th century. In the 1970s and 1980s, sweet sparkling Lambrusco (especially the red variety) became the top-selling imported wine in the United States. Much of this success was driven by the approachable sweetness and light fizz that appealed to American palates of the time. Advertisements for Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé’s classic sibling (red Lambrusco) even featured the famous slogan, “Riunite on ice, that’s nice,” encouraging people to enjoy it well-chilled.

After peaking in popularity around the mid-1980s, Lambrusco’s fame dimmed a bit as wine trends shifted toward dry and more complex styles. However, in recent years there’s been a resurgence of interest in Lambrusco. Wine lovers are rediscovering this frizzante (lightly sparkling) wine for what it is – a fun, refreshing, and unpretentious drink. This renewed appreciation set the stage for modern variants like Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé to shine on today’s shelves.

Rosé Revolution: The Rise of Pink Wines

Over the past decade, rosé wines have experienced a true revolution in popularity. No longer confined to summer, “pink wines” are now enjoyed year-round by all demographics. From hashtags like #RoséAllDay to entire festivals celebrating rosé, it’s clear that this style has moved from trend to staple. Consumers love rosé for its refreshing character, food versatility, and let’s face it – its photogenic pink hue!

Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé fits perfectly into this rosé wave, but with a unique twist. Unlike the dry Provençal rosés or the new wave of rosé proseccos, this Lambrusco rosé offers a gentle sweetness and a light fizz. It taps into the modern desire for wines that are easy-drinking and fun, while also satisfying the craving for something slightly sweet. In essence, it’s riding two big waves at once – the rosé boom and the craze for sweeter sparkling wines (think Moscato and beyond). That makes it a compelling choice for today’s wine drinkers looking for the next delightful pour.

Riunite: The Lambrusco Icon

No discussion of Lambrusco’s popularity is complete without highlighting **Riunite**, the brand that became nearly synonymous with Lambrusco in America. Founded in 1950 as a collective of family wineries in Emilia-Romagna, Riunite (which appropriately means “reunited”) brought Italian Lambrusco to the world stage. By the early ’80s, Riunite’s wines – with their friendly sweetness – were the go-to introduction to wine for countless Americans. The jingle “Riunite on ice” still rings a bell for many, underscoring how Riunite encouraged a laid-back, refreshingly cold way to enjoy wine.

Even as wine trends evolved, Riunite has remained a beloved name by adapting and expanding its lineup. Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé is a testament to that evolution – an offering that caters to contemporary tastes (think pink and slightly sweet) while carrying forward the brand’s legacy of approachable flavor. For many, trying this rosé is not just about tasting a wine; it’s about revisiting a bit of wine history through a modern, pink-tinted lens.

Lambrusco Rosé vs. Red Lambrusco

If you’re familiar with the classic red Lambrusco, you might be wondering how the rosé version stacks up. Both wines share the hallmark traits that make Lambrusco lovable – a light sparkle, fruity character, and easy sweetness – but there are some key differences:

Color & Body: Traditional Lambrusco (like Riunite’s well-known red) pours a ruby-red color, whereas **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé** delights the eyes with a bright pink hue. By making it a rosé, the winemakers allow less contact with grape skins, resulting in that pretty blush tone and a slightly lighter body. The rosé tends to feel a touch more delicate on the palate compared to its red counterpart.

Flavor Profile: Both versions are sweet and fruity, but the nuances can differ. The red Lambrusco often bursts with flavors of ripe berries (think cherries and blackberries) and sometimes a hint of grape-y richness. In contrast, the rosé highlights more playful notes like strawberry, raspberry, and perhaps a whisper of watermelon or citrus. The rosé’s fruitiness is bright and uplifting, aligning with its lighter color.

Tannins & Finish: Red Lambrusco, especially if made from certain Lambrusco grape varieties, can have a slight tannic bite (very gentle, nothing like a big red wine, but a little velvety grip nonetheless). In **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé**, any tannins are extremely low since much of the red grape skins are left out of the equation. This means the rosé’s finish is smooth and soft with no puckering dryness – it’s all about the sweetness and fizz.

In summary, if you love the classic red Lambrusco, the rosé offers a fun twist: you get that same easygoing, sweet sparkle but in a lighter, pink package. It’s a great way to enjoy Lambrusco in warmer weather or as a festive alternative, without straying too far from the style you already enjoy.

How Lambrusco Rosé Compares to Other Rosés

Versus Dry Still Rosé: Most popular rosé wines (like those from Provence, France or California) are dry and still, meaning they have no sweetness and no bubbles. **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé**, on the other hand, is sweet and lightly sparkling. This makes it a completely different experience – more akin to a festive spritzer than a crisp, dry French rosé. For someone who finds dry wines too tart or “serious,” Lambrusco rosé offers a sweeter, more playful alternative.

Versus Prosecco Rosé and Champagne Rosé: In recent years, even Prosecco (Italy’s famous bubbly) has released rosé versions, and of course there are rosé Champagnes. Those wines have the pink color in common with Lambrusco rosé, but they’re typically much drier and higher in alcohol (11–12% ABV or more, versus Lambrusco’s ~8%). They also tend to be fully sparkling (lots of bubbles) whereas Lambrusco is semi-sparkling (a gentler fizz). Importantly, Lambrusco rosé is usually far more affordable – you can enjoy that celebratory feeling of popping a pink bubbly without the Champagne price tag!

Versus Moscato & Other Sweet Sparklings: Fans of sweet bubbly wines like Moscato d’Asti or certain sparkling pink Moscatos will find a kindred spirit in **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé**. Like Moscato, Lambrusco rosé is sweet, low in alcohol, and very aromatic. However, the flavor profile differs (Moscato often tastes of peaches and floral notes, whereas Lambrusco leans into berry flavors). Lambrusco rosé’s bubbles are also a bit more robust than the delicate frizzante of Moscato d’Asti. Think of Lambrusco rosé as slightly bolder in flavor, with that Italian grape sweetness but a touch more sparkle on the tongue.

In essence, Lambrusco rosé occupies a unique niche: it’s a sweet, sparkling rosé that bridges the gap between a wine and a fun party punch. It doesn’t have a lot of direct competitors in mainstream wine – which is all the more reason to give it a try if you’re looking for something delightfully different from the usual rosé lineup!

Emilia-Romagna – Home of Lambrusco

**Emilia-Romagna** is the region in northern Italy that this wine calls home, and it’s a region world-famous for its culinary and wine traditions. The “Emilia” in Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé refers to the Emilia part of this region, which is a flat, fertile plain – perfect for growing grapes. Emilia-Romagna is actually the birthplace of Lambrusco. For centuries, locals in cities like Modena and Reggio Emilia have enjoyed lively Lambrusco wines with their meals (this is the same foodie paradise that gave us Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham, after all!). A chilled glass of Lambrusco is a traditional match to the rich, salty foods of the area.

The designation “Emilia” on the label indicates that the wine is an IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) from Emilia. Essentially, it means the grapes were grown in the broader Emilia area and the wine was made there, rather than a more tightly defined subzone. This gives producers like Riunite the flexibility to blend grapes from different villages in Emilia to achieve the best flavor. The result is a consistently tasty wine that carries the easygoing spirit of its homeland. When you sip this rosé, you’re getting a little taste of Emilia-Romagna’s vibrant culture – it’s convivial, flavorful, and meant to be enjoyed with good food and good company.

Meet the Grapes: Salamino & Marani

Lambrusco Salamino and Lambrusco Marani are the two grape varieties behind **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé**. Both are members of the large Lambrusco family of grapes (there are over 60 Lambrusco varieties!), but these two have been chosen specifically to craft this rosé for their complementary qualities:

• Lambrusco Salamino: This grape gets its name from the shape of its bunches – they resemble small salami! Salamino grapes are known for producing wines with a beautiful ruby color, fragrant berry aromas, and balanced character. They often bring a fresh, fruity profile (think cherries and violets) and moderate acidity. In the rosé, Lambrusco Salamino contributes bright fruit flavors and that inviting aromatic lift.
• Lambrusco Marani: Grown in the same Emilian vineyards, Marani grapes add a little extra depth. They tend to have slightly thicker skins and can lend a touch of tannin and structure (though in a rosé, tannins remain very mild). Marani grapes are noted for flavors like black currant and a hint of floral notes. In this blend, Lambrusco Marani helps give the wine its vivid color and a bit of body, ensuring the sweetness is balanced with a backbone.

Together, these two varieties create a harmonious rosé. The Salamino keeps it light and fruity, while the Marani adds color and a subtle complexity. Both grapes are indigenous to the Emilia area, meaning they’ve been growing there for generations and are perfectly adapted to the climate. That local heritage shines through in the glass – you taste ripe, sun-kissed Italian grapes crafted into a wine that’s joyous and true to its roots.

Crafting a Semi-Sparkling Rosé

One of the defining features of **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé** is its gentle fizz. But how do winemakers get those fine bubbles in a sweet rosé? The answer lies in the production method, which for Lambrusco is typically the Charmat method (also known as the tank method). This is the same method used for Prosecco and many other sparkling wines that emphasize fresh fruit flavors.

Here’s a simplified look at how this rosé is crafted: after the Lambrusco Salamino and Marani grapes are harvested and pressed, the juice is fermented into wine in large stainless-steel tanks that can be sealed. For a sweet wine like this, the fermentation is not taken to complete dryness – the winemakers either stop fermentation early (by chilling the tank) or blend in a bit of sweet grape must. Stopping fermentation leaves some natural grape sugar in the wine, which is what gives Lambrusco Rosé its sweetness and also keeps the alcohol low (around 8% ABV).

During this process, the wine is kept under pressure in the sealed tank, so the carbon dioxide from fermentation dissolves into the wine, creating bubbles. Because it’s done in a tank (instead of individual bottles as in Champagne), the bubbles are a bit softer and the method is efficient, helping keep the wine affordable. The result is a semi-sparkling (frizzante) wine – enough bubble to form a frothy rim and tickle your palate, but not as aggressively carbonated as, say, Champagne or soda.

This careful crafting preserves the grapes’ fresh fruitiness and produces that fun fizz. When you crack open a bottle of Riunite Lambrusco Rosé, you might notice a light spritz and foam at first pour – that’s the Charmat magic at work. It’s a balance of sweetness and sparkle achieved through winemaking techniques that prioritize freshness and drinkability.

Tasting Notes: Sweet, Soft, and Fruity

Pour a glass of **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé** and you’re immediately greeted by a brilliant pink color with a glint of strawberry hues. Tiny bubbles cling to the glass, forming a light frothy crown on top for a moment. Visually, it’s inviting and festive – like liquid rose petals in your glass.

Bring the glass to your nose, and the bouquet is light, fresh, and delicate. You might catch aromas of ripe red berries such as strawberries and raspberries, along with a subtle floral note (imagine a hint of rose or violet). There’s also a general “fresh grape” aroma – reminiscent of a grape juice cocktail – which signals the wine’s youthful, unpretentious nature. Nothing about the aroma is heavy or overbearing; it’s all gentle sweetness and fruit.

Now for the taste: “soft, approachable, and fruity” truly sums it up. The first sip caresses your palate with a gentle sweetness – not syrupy, but definitely sweet like a bite of ripe summer fruit. The light fizz adds a playful tingle, carrying flavors of cherry, strawberry, and maybe a little melon across your tongue. The wine is light-bodied (no thick or oily feeling here), and with its low alcohol, it feels almost like a sparkling fruit punch crafted for adults. There’s a nice balance of acidity underneath the sweetness, which keeps it from being cloying; that acidity, combined with the bubbles, cleanses the palate after each sip, inviting you to take another.

The finish is smooth with just a whisper of lingering candy-like fruitiness (imagine the echo of a watermelon Jolly Rancher, but very faint). No bitter aftertaste, no alcohol burn – it simply slips away leaving a pleasant sweetness in its wake. Overall, this wine’s personality is pure joy: straightforward sweet fruit, a gentle sparkle, and a very easy-going character. It’s the kind of taste that can win over even “non-wine drinkers” with its charm.

Serving Suggestions for Best Enjoyment

Serving **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé** is wonderfully simple – this is a zero-fuss wine meant for casual enjoyment. Still, a few tips can help you get the most out of every pour:

• Serve Well-Chilled: Temperature is key. Chill the bottle thoroughly before serving – aim for about 45°F to 50°F (7–10°C), which is roughly an hour or two in the fridge (or about 20-30 minutes in an ice bucket). When this wine is nicely cold, the sweetness and bubbles feel extra refreshing. In fact, following the old ad slogan, you can even serve it “on ice” – dropping an ice cube into the glass for an ultra-cool sip on a hot day. It may sound unorthodox for wine, but Riunite famously encouraged it, and for this style of wine, it works!
• Glassware: You don’t need fancy flutes or special glassware. A regular white wine glass or even a tumbler will do just fine. Because Lambrusco is only lightly sparkling, it’s traditionally served in simple stemware or even a bowl-shaped glass in Emilia. That said, if you use a flute, you’ll concentrate the aromas a bit and admire the bubbles – so that’s a nice option too. The bottom line: use whatever glasses make your moment feel fun.
• Gentle Pouring: When opening the bottle, do so slowly and over the sink if possible, just in case the cork (or screw cap) pops and some fizz escapes. Pour the wine gently down the side of the glass to preserve bubbles and avoid foaming over. You’ll get a little froth with each pour – that’s normal and part of the charm.
• Once Opened: Since it’s bubbly, the wine will start to lose carbonation after opening. If you’re not finishing the bottle in one go (though with 1.5 liters of tasty rosé, sharing is likely!), use a stopper made for sparkling wines to cap the bottle and keep it in the fridge. It should hold its effervescence for a day or two. But remember, the sooner you enjoy it, the more sparkle you’ll have.

Overall, serve this rosé cold and in good company. Its easygoing nature means it doesn’t require any elaborate decanting or breathing time. Just pop it open, pour, and enjoy the smiles that follow.

Food Pairings with Lambrusco Rosé

One of the delights of **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé** is how food-friendly it is, especially with dishes where a little sweetness in the wine can complement salty or spicy flavors. Here are some pairing ideas to elevate your sipping experience:

• Cured Meats & Salty Snacks: In true Italian fashion, try this rosé with a charcuterie board. Salami, prosciutto, pepperoni – the saltiness of cured meats is beautiful against the wine’s sweetness. The slight sparkle also helps cleanse the palate of fat. Even simple snacks like prosciutto-wrapped melon, olives, or salted nuts will pair nicely, each sip refreshing your taste buds for the next bite.
• Cheeses: Lambrusco (both red and rosé) is a classic partner for cheese. Hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano are fantastic – the wine’s sweetness highlights the cheese’s nutty flavor, and the cheese’s salt makes the wine taste even more vibrant. On the softer side, creamy mild cheeses (think brie or fresh mozzarella) also work well, as the wine provides a sweet contrast and cuts through the richness. Try a spread of cheeses from tangy aged cheddar to a herbed goat cheese and see which combo you love best with the rosé.
• Spicy Dishes: A little sweetness can be a lifesaver with spicy cuisine. This Lambrusco rosé can tame the heat of spicy buffalo wings, barbecue ribs with a kick, or even spicy Asian dishes (like Szechuan Chinese or a Thai chili basil stir-fry). Instead of reaching for beer, try a chilled glass of this wine – it cools and soothes the palate while its fruitiness mingles nicely with the spices.
• Seafood & Shellfish: Believe it or not, the Vivino wine community often pairs Lambrusco rosé with seafood. Think shrimp cocktail, fried calamari with a squeeze of lemon, or even sushi rolls. The wine’s slight sweetness and fizz can enhance the sweetness of the seafood and provide a refreshing contrast to anything fried or briny. It’s an unexpected but delightful pairing, especially for those who prefer a sweeter drink with dinner.
• Light Desserts & Fruits: While not a full-on dessert wine, this rosé can pair with certain sweets. Fresh strawberries and whipped cream, a fruit tart, or shortbread cookies can be lovely with a small glass after dinner. The key is to stick to lighter, less sugary desserts (a rich chocolate cake might overpower it, for example). Also, consider serving the wine as dessert on its own – its candy-like fruit notes can satisfy a sweet tooth just fine!

The overarching theme is versatility. **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé** is a great “party wine” because it can sit alongside a buffet of different foods and play nicely with most of them. From antipasti to zesty wings to picnic fare, there’s a good chance this wine will complement it, or at least refresh your palate between bites.

Perfect Occasions to Enjoy

When is the best time to open a bottle of **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé**? Honestly, just about any casual or celebratory moment could be improved by this fun wine. Here are a few occasions where it truly shines:

• Summer Gatherings: This rosé is a natural choice for summer – think backyard barbecues, pool parties, beach trips, or picnic outings. Its sweet, sparkling nature is incredibly refreshing on a warm day. At a cookout, while the grill is going, serving chilled Lambrusco rosé can be a hit (and a great conversation piece if your friends haven’t tried a sparkling rosé like this before).
• Brunch & Daytime Parties: Mimosas and Bellinis are great, but pouring Riunite Lambrusco Rosé at brunch offers something different and delightful. With its low alcohol, guests can enjoy a couple of glasses over a long, lazy brunch without feeling too tipsy. It pairs with brunch foods (fruit, waffles, even bacon) surprisingly well and adds a celebratory fizz to the morning. Bridal showers, baby showers, or any daytime celebration also make a perfect setting for this wine – it’s pretty in the glass and festive.
• Girls’ Night In (or Game Night): Having a casual get-together? This is an ideal “pop and pour” bottle for a movie night, game night, or catching up with friends. It’s unpretentious and fun, just like a night with your besties. Plus, the 1.5L size means there’s plenty to go around for a small group without needing to open multiple bottles.
• Holidays & Festivities: During the holidays, there are lots of heavy flavors and rich dishes – having a chilled sweet sparkler on hand can be a refreshing change of pace. Consider serving this Lambrusco rosé as an aperitif on Thanksgiving or at your New Year’s Eve party for guests who might prefer something sweeter and lower in alcohol than the typical wines or cocktails. Its bright color even adds to the festive decor!
• First-Time Wine Drinkers: Have a friend or family member who “doesn’t like wine” because it’s too dry or bitter? This is a great gateway wine to pour for them. Many people who find typical wines intimidating or unpalatable are pleasantly surprised by Lambrusco rosé. It’s a wonderful ice-breaker at wine tastings or parties, easing newcomers into the world of wine with a smile.

In short, **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé** is the ultimate anytime celebratory drink for when you want a bit of sweetness, a bit of sparkle, and a lot of enjoyment. Whether it’s a planned event or just “wine o’clock” on a random evening, this bottle is ready to elevate the moment.

Buying and Storing Tips

Before you head out to grab a bottle (or three) of **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé**, here are some handy tips for buying and storing to ensure you get the best experience:

• Find a Fresh Bottle: Lambrusco is best enjoyed young and fresh. When shopping, look for the most recent bottling or any indication of a lot number/date if available. While many wines can improve with age, a sweet, low-alcohol sparkler like this is not one of them – it’s at its peak shortly after bottling. Fortunately, most stores, including Union Wine and Liquor, keep their stock updated. If by chance you see a bottle that looks like it’s been sitting for a couple of years, opt for a newer one. Freshness means more vibrant fruit flavors and livelier bubbles.
• Sizes and Value: You’ll often find Riunite Lambrusco Rosé in the 1.5-liter magnum size (that’s twice the volume of a standard wine bottle). At our store it’s priced around $9.99 for that large bottle – a fantastic value for the volume! The big bottle is perfect for parties or gatherings. If you prefer a smaller size, check if 750 mL bottles are available; they can be handy for a dinner for two. Either way, you’re getting a budget-friendly wine that delivers a lot of fun per dollar.
• Storage Before Opening: Store your bottles in a cool, dark place upright. Unlike some expensive wines, you don’t need a wine cellar – a simple pantry or a cool closet will do. Just avoid extreme heat (don’t leave it in a hot car or near a radiator) because heat can damage the wine and flatten the bubbles. Since you’ll likely be opening it soon (why wait?), long-term storage isn’t a concern – just keep it comfortable until you’re ready to chill and serve.
• After Opening: As mentioned in serving tips, if you don’t finish the bottle in one sitting, cap it tightly with a sparkling wine stopper and refrigerate it. Enjoy the remainder within a day or two. The wine will stay safe to drink for a few days, but remember that each day the fizz and the bright fruit flavors will gently fade. It’s best when it’s freshly opened and bubbly.

Buying **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé** is straightforward – it’s widely available, and because it’s so affordable, you can stock up for your next gathering without breaking the bank. Treat it like the everyday luxury it is: easy to get, easy to enjoy, and easy to share!

Why You Should Try It

Still on the fence about Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé? Here’s the bottom line: this wine is all about enjoyment. It doesn’t ask you to contemplate complex layers or decipher subtle notes (though it is fun to notice the strawberries and cherries in it). Instead, it invites you to relax, smile, and savor a simple pleasure.

Approachable & Unpretentious: Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned connoisseur, this rosé welcomes you. For newcomers, it’s not dry or tannic – it’s friendly and delicious from the first sip. For experienced wine drinkers, it’s a reminder that not every bottle has to be serious; sometimes you just want something tasty and easy-drinking.

Low-Alcohol & Guilt-Free Fun: At around 8% ABV, it has roughly half the alcohol of a typical red wine and even less than many beers or hard seltzers. That means you can enjoy a glass (or two) with less concern about the effects. It’s great for long social occasions when you want to sip over time. Of course, it’s still alcohol, so moderation is key – but the lighter touch is appreciated by many.

Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: This is the kind of wine that brings people together. Have friends who say they “don’t like wine”? Pour this – it might just change their mind. Planning a party and need a one-size-fits-most drink? This rosé has you covered, as it appeals to sweet-tooth folks and still intrigues those who usually drink dry wines (it’s a conversation starter, if nothing else!). It’s also versatile in use – serve it straight, mix it into a punch or sangria with fresh fruit, or even use it to top off a cocktail for a fizzy twist.

Affordable Indulgence: At a price that’s often under $10 for a magnum, trying this wine is a low-risk venture. You’re getting a genuine Italian import, made by a renowned winery, at a price that competes with everyday beverages. That’s a lot of bang for your buck. If you end up loving it (which we suspect you will), it’s easy to make it a regular guest at your gatherings.

In a world of ever-expanding wine options, **Riunite Lambrusco Emilia Rosé** stands out by staying true to a simple goal: delight the drinker. It’s not trying to be the most sophisticated wine on the shelf – it just might be the most fun. So why not give it a try? You could be opening the door to a new favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions