Named for Virginia Oldoini (nicknamed Nicchia), the Countess of Castiglione, Nicchia is a sparkling Lambrusco from Cantina di Carafoli in the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. An Italian courtesan of great beauty turned secret agent, Nicchia is credited for her contributions to early photography and with the unificatioin of Italy. A year after her marriage to Francesco Verasis, conte di Castiglione, she was sent to Paris at the age of 18 to plead the cause of unification to Napoleon III. Four years following her 2 year affair the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed, freeing Nicchia for her collaborations with the photographer Pierre-Louis Pierson. And in addition to the 700+ image portfolio that celebrates her beauty and love of couture, Nicchia is also credited with persuading Otto von Bismarck to avoid the post-Franco-Prussian War occupation of Paris.
Made to celebrate women who found power and intrigue at a time when their options were few to none, Nicchia Lambrusco di Modena consists of Lambrusco Salamino, Marani, and Grasparossa.
Cantina Fratelli Carafoli was founded in Ravarino, a small village in Modena by Mauro Carafoli in 1919. Just kilometers away from the town of Sorbara, Carafoli has excelled in the production of Lambrusco and Lambrusco di Sorbara. This third generation cantina constantly elevates the quality of their wine by both vineyard expansions (the purchase of 20 ha of Sorbara) as well as advancements in technology.
Best served with a slight chill, this Lambrusco is food friendly wine with dark black currant and ripe berries on the palate. For all the fruit on the palate, the wine finishes dry and clean. Drink alone or use to pair with food in the “agrodolce” style of cooking, that is combining sweet and sour flavors.