One of the great things about living in Atlanta is that even as summer fades into fall, outdoor entertaining remains a staple. As we move from pool parties to fire pits and tailgates one of our favorite drinks of the summer also transitions beautifully into fall. Lambrusco is a notoriously delicious and versatile wine, and Italian grown Riunite Lambrusco is the top selling brand worldwide.
Established in 1950, Riunite is rooted in collaboration and excellence. With over 1,450 families of Italian winegrowers, 8 cooperative winemaking centers, and 4,600 hectares of vineyards, they process 89,000 tons of grapes annually. The historic roots of the company are seen in the families at the heart of the winery and their continued commitment to sustainability and quality. Because it’s produced without added sugars, these wines offer an approachable character and natural sweetness. This makes them naturally low in alcohol, at only 8 percent.
Since 1967, Riunite has sold over 160 million cases of Lambrusco in the U.S. It’s easy effervescence and versatility have made it a staple at everything from backyard barbeques to pizza parties. The original chilled red, Riunite has been poured over ice for decades. Nearly everyone remembers their infamous “Riunite On Ice…That’s Nice!” slogan that was established in the 1980’s. Nearly 2 billion bottles of Riunite Lambrusco have been enjoyed for more than forty years at almost every type of gathering.
Ashley Chukwu, Atlanta food and wine content creator @chewingwithchu, believes she knows why this wine lends itself to so many occasions, “I’m a wine enthusiast, but not everyone is. Riunite Lambrusco is super easy to drink for all wine lovers at any stage.” That wide appeal makes it a great wine to serve to a group or perfect to take to a gathering, “I like to bring a bottle as a gift. It’s easy to drink you don’t have to be super wine knowledgeable to enjoy it. Lambrusco is really easy across different palates,” she says.
Because Atlanta’s climate is so temperate and outdoor entertaining spans all seasons Chukwu loves a good go-to wine for these occasions. “I am a hostess. I love to host. Atlanta never gets cold, so outdoor gatherings are really popular. And, when you’re outdoors you want something that you can drink all day, but you also want something that’s chilled.” She suggests pairing it with her homemade focaccia pizza recipe or even a simple appetizer, “It’s great for a snack board. It’s light enough to go with a lot of things.” She also loves the Riunite Lambrusco Spritz for a little twist that can be used as a signature cocktail. “I do one-part Lambrusco, one part prosecco and a splash of lemonade, it’s delicious!”
Ashley says one of her favorite things about this refreshing wine is its portability. Atlantans love to get outside, and she and her friends are no different, “We love to go to Piedmont and picnic with our dogs. I can take it out of fridge and it’s still chilled when I get there. It’s one of those anytime, anywhere wines. It’s super light and because the alcohol content isn’t too high, it’s a nice sipper.” The fall also brings some of Atlanta’s favorite sports, “We’re a big sports city. It’s great for a tailgate, because it’s fizzy and light and a little bit different.”
Whether it’s a patio brunch, a football game or a simple backyard barbeque, year-round outdoor entertaining is one of the greatest benefits of living in Atlanta. Having an easy, refreshing, go-to wine for these occasions is a must. Luckily, Riunite has mastered the art of Lambrusco, the perfect complement to whatever this fall has in store. And it’s never been easier to find purchase Riunite locally at Tower Wine & Spirits, Green’s Package and Dekalb Farmers Market.
