Kelowna is the centre of the BC wine universe, but I brought something just a little different to Allan’s this weekend.

Lambrusco is both the name of the grape and the wine – and it comes from Italy’s north central Emilia-Romagna region. There are 4 types of Lambrusco, mainly produced in 3 provinces – Lambrusco di Sorbara (generally agreed to be the best version and made dry in the traditional method), Grasparosssa del Castelvetro, Salamino di Santa Croce and the Lambrusco Reggiano which is usually served amabile or sweet.

Most Lambruscos available outside of Italy are red, white or rosé , medium sweet and not of very high quality. The better quality ones are extremely food friendly – not surprising, considering they are produced in the bread basket of the country – and go extremely well with pasta and charcuterie. This one was purchased at a BC Liquor Store and was very reasonably priced at only C$15.00.

Clear and bright with bubbles, this is a pale tone of ruby with a garnet tinge.  The nose has aromas of juicy red strawberries and cherries with violets and the slightest hint of dry leaves.

The palate is dry and there’s a juicy with the delicate mousse.  Tannin is almost imperceptible and the alcohol is low making it easy to over indulge!  This wine screams ‘summer’ with its field berry, rhubarb, strawberry, cherry fruity flavours.  There is some backbone of wet leaves and smoke.

WSET Good plus and made in the traditional method.  The acidity is strong and the wine exceedingly food friendly.

Fun and decidedly cheery on this Friday in February Kelowna evening. Enjoyed with crab cakes and chipotle, charcuterie, cheeses and humous with market veggies and olives.