2021 Paltrinieri Radice Lambrusco di Sorbara 750 ml

We spend a lot of time with our phones abuzz, constantly looking for new trends and under-the-radar producers.

But sometimes it doesn’t take a lot of expertise to find the next must-buy-every-year wine.

Paltrinieri’s Radice Lambrusco di Sorbara has been a rocketship, earning three straight 95-point scores from Wine Enthusiast—all with Editor’s Choice distinctions. But each year, the wine has been nearly sold out by the time the review gets published.

So last year we locked in as much of the standout 2021 we could, as early as we could. Now our members can stock up on one of our favorite pink bubblies—well ahead of the throngs that will undoubtedly follow when the new 96-point Wine Enthusiast score comes out!

If the word “Lambrusco” conjures visions of the sweet wines of yesteryear for you, think again. This lovely frizzante is enticingly dry and vibrant, from the aromas of grapefruit and peach dressed with ocean breezes, ginger, spice, and rhubarb through the exhilarating palate to the long finish. It’s why Vinous has described modern iterations of this variety—especially ones from Sorbara—as “delicate, elegant expressions.”

Lambrusco is crafted throughout Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, and few appellations there are as respected as Sorbara. Decanter  praised wines from the Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC as “ethereal” and almost Champagne-like. Over the past decade or so, these dry sparklings have become some of the best values in Europe—and Decanter singled out Paltrinieri as one of the most important producers.

The 2021 left us positively energized. It’s a stunning Lambrusco that we can’t get enough of.