Lambrusco Montericco

Grape variety	Lambrusco Montericco
Synonyms	Lambrusco di Montericco
Grape colour	Red grape
History	Lambrusco Montericco, akin to other grape varieties, is believed to have evolved from wild vineyards which flourished in abundance along the Apennine hills and were referred to as 'Lambrusca vitis' by the Latins. It was also known as 'uzeline' or 'oseline', named so for growing on the fringes of forested areas, often becoming the target of foraging birds. The nomenclature 'Montericco' is derived from a region in the municipality of Albinea. This particular variety of Lambrusco is not very common and is primarily utilized in the production of Lambrusco Reggiano.
Ampelographic features	Leaf: Medium-sized or slightly smaller, pentagonal, five-lobed, U-shaped pectoral sinus. Upper side is smooth, green, and matte. Underneath the leaf, the sinus and short bristles on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order veins are of a light green hue. The leaf blade is undulating or curved, with slightly revolute edges. The lobes are well-defined, the tip of the terminal lobe is blunt. The surface of the leaf edge is smooth. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order veins are protruding, green and pinkish at the base on both sides. The teeth are pronounced, irregular, straight-edged, and pointed. Bunch: Larger than average in size (roughly 25 cm in length), pyramidal, often with a wing. Its shape can vary depending on the grapevine. The peduncle is long, visible, slender, and herbaceous. Berry: Medium in size, either spheroidal or slightly elliptical, regular. The navel is persistent, pruinose, of a blue-violet color, and not very thick but firm. The pulp is juicy, of a neutral taste, slightly acidic. Pedicels are long, slim, of a greenish-pink color, and warty. The brush is of a medium length and rosy in color.
Characteristics of the wine	The Lambrusco Montericco grape variety is known for producing both rosè and red wines that are light-bodied and refreshing. The wines are versatile and can be either still or sparkling, dry or sweet, making them adaptable to a wide range of taste preferences.