Fondly remembered for its role in an early-'80s TV commercial that went Reagan-era viral, Riunite's Lambrusco left an indelible mark on America's taste for wine. Captured in quintessential Italian scenes, an all-American couple imbibes the bubbly, inciting insatiable excitement for the brand. Riunite's Lambrusco became synonymous with the entire Lambrusco region, engraving its sweet, fruity, simplistic wine firmly in American minds.

However, the Riunite style is only a fraction of Lambrusco's wine landscape, which hosts a plethora of complex and varied wine variations. Today, the prestigious sparkling wine from Emilia-Romagna is beginning to gather acclaim from wine professionals, a precursor to broader recognition.

Coming from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, northeast of Tuscany, Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine with deep roots in Italy's rich gastronomic history. Renowned for its 'taste-of-place' products-Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, Modena's balsamic vinegar, and mortadella-the region is also recognized for its exceptional Lambrusco. This wine pairs well with a wealth of cuisines, including rich foods and aromatic dishes.

The Lambrusco you encounter in stores can depend on where the grapes have been grown in the region and what type of grape was used. Some notable varieties to explore are Lambrusco Reggiano DOC, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOC, Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce DOC, and Lambrusco Mantovano DOC from the Lombardy region.

But Lambrusco is still somewhat of an enigma to many U.S. consumers, creating a prime opportunity for discovery in America's ever-evolving wine market. Lambrusco not only stands up to robust and light dishes but it also comes in dry to sweet styles, pleasing a spectrum of wine enthusiasts.

The palatable complexity of Lambrusco depends on the fermentation process used to create the wine. The Charmat method, which produces larger bubbles, focuses on the fruity notes and the Ancestral method leans towards earthy and savory notes.

In America today, Lambrusco selections are more diverse than ever, urging for more exploration. Here are four great producers to try if you're just starting on your Lambrusco journey: Cleto Chiarli is touted for superior quality Lambruscos across a variety of styles. Medici Ermete, best known for their Concerto bottling, commands respect with their highly acclaimed organic Lambrusco. Terrevive, located near Modena, the balsamic capital, is noteworthy for their biodynamic approach. Lastly, Venturini Baldini, a seasoned producer dating back to the 1600s, enjoys popular demand in the American market.