Drink of the Week: Venturini Baldini Marchese Manodori Lambrusco

December 11, 2020

Lingering in the wake of Thanksgiving overindulgence but not yet completely ready to dive headfirst into traditional holiday treats like Tom & Jerries and booze-fueled punches, I find that mid-December is always a somewhat odd time for figuring out what to drink. This week I’ve decided to not overthink the dilemma, instead reaching for some solid standbys in the wine department. Lately, I’ve been enjoying an easygoing Lambrusco from Emilia-Romagna. The Venturini Baldini company has been making organic sparkling wines since 1976, and that skilled craftsmanship shows in the Marchese Manodori, which features a blend of four grape varieties. With a fruity personality (think cherries and raspberries), subtle hints of clove and nutmeg, and a touch of dryness on the finish, it’s an affordable and delightful any-occasion option, but considering how well the style fits into celebratory settings thanks to its frizzante qualities, it’s also a great way to bring a pop of holiday cheer to the dinner table. $16.24, saratogawine.com

Emma Janzen

Emma Janzen is an award-winning book author and journalist who reports on global drinking cultures for outlets including The New York Times, PUNCH, The World’s 50 Best Bars, and more. The recipient of two James Beard Foundation awards and two Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, she co-authored The Way of the Cocktail with Julia Momosé, The Bartender’s Manifesto with Toby Maloney, and The Bartender’s Pantry with Jim Meehan; authored Mezcal: The History, Craft & Cocktails of the World’s Ultimate Artisanal Spirit; and has contributed and consulted on other texts including The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails by David Wondrich and Signature Cocktails by Amanda Schuster. She currently serves as the Midwest Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Bars and has been included in the Drinks International Bar World 100, an annual list of the industry’s most influential people, since 2023.