The Guardians of Lambrusco

On March 31, 2025, Chiarli along with 25 artisan Lambrusco producers unveiled the official Manifesto of The Guardians of Lambrusco – a new association of Emilian wineries. But how did the association come into being?

In the summer of 2024, when the Chiarlis joined a small group of wine producers from the Lambrusco region to launch I Custodi del Lambrusco “The Guardians of Lambrusco” — a shared starting point for creating real, structural change in Emilia’s wine world.

We all asked the same vital question:
“What can we do to protect the essence of Lambrusco?”
This association is our collective answer.

Who?

The Association: The Guardians of Lambrusco
Formed by a group of producers from the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia, our association was created to unify and strengthen the work of those committed to defending and promoting Lambrusco at its best.

Today, there are 26 members.

Why?

Our Mission
With a clear and shared vision, the Guardians want to tell the true story of Lambrusco’s greatness.
Our goal is to build an association that embodies the finest expression of Emilia’s winemaking — modern, professional, and international — and one that repositions Lambrusco’s image with authenticity and pride.

What?

Lambrusco’s grape varieties

You may best know the grape varieties like Sorbara and Grasparossa, yet the association defends and promotes the twelve main varieties – bringing to light the rich diversity of Lambrusco.

Lambrusco’s Identity

Represented by six denominations, four production methods and three vine training systems.

Where?

Between Modena and Reggio Emilia: Lambrusco Country

• Modena: A region of vineyards, culture, and culinary fame.
  Sorbara and Salamino grow in sandy flatlands between the Secchia and Panaro rivers.
  Castelvetro, with its clay-limestone soils, produces a structured, complex Grasparossa.
  Plains produce lighter wines with mineral character and clean aromatics.
• Reggio Emilia:
  Flatlands grow Reggiano DOC from Salamino, Maestri, Marani, etc.
  Hills focus on Scandiano and Canossa DOC with Grasparossa and Montericco.
  Also found in neighboring provinces like Parma, Mantua, and Bologna.

When?

February 2025: The Manifesto is Signed It outlines eight core values and goals, aiming to redefine and share the full spectrum of Lambrusco’s complexity.
Officially unveiled March 31, 2025, at a press and trade event, Tommaso and Anselmo Chiarli were present to sign the Manifesto with fellow producers.

MANIFESTO OF THE GUARDIANS OF LAMBRUSCO

• We are guardians of Lambrusco’s purest essence.
  We’re winemakers, farmers, oenologists, agronomists — but above all, we’re people in love with our land and our wine. A bold wine. A wine rich in identity.
• We are guardians of a land — or two.
  Our sparkling reds thrive between Modena and Reggio Emilia. Each grape tells a story rooted in a place. We honor every one: from Grasparossa to Sorbara, Salamino to Foglia Frastagliata, Barghi to Maestri, Marani to Montericco, Oliva to Viadanese, Benetti to Pellegrino.
• We are guardians of the whole process.
  From soil to bottle, everything is in our hands. Every step is done with care, skill, and heart — no matter the size of the winery. Because every bottle should be a true reflection of this land.
• We are guardians of a cultural shift.
  This is our gentle revolution. We’re here to say — clearly — Lambrusco is not a trivial wine. It’s joyful, yes. But never shallow. It’s generous, sincere, and complex. Full of stories worth telling. All of them.
• We are guardians of every name.
  Our strength comes from differences. From solo producers to united forces, we grow stronger together. We don’t follow the loudest voice — we elevate the best ideas.
• We are guardians of curiosity.
  Lambrusco is a playground of styles. From hill-grown to plains-grown. From Modena to Reggio. From family traditions to bold young experiments. From classic pairings to Asian cuisine. No limits.
• We are guardians of the past — because we believe in the future.
  Lambrusco brings past and future into every glass. We believe in tradition, research, culture, vision — all together. For those who came before us. And those yet to come.
• We are guardians of a wine.
  Born from a dream: to share the finest expression of Lambrusco. We strive to be both cutting-edge and authentic, refined and deeply artisanal.
  Because we believe in greatness.

Click the button to download the Custodi del Lambrusco Manifesto.

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