Wines : Lacrima di Morro d'Alba DOC

The fascinating name of the wine is derived from the variety of the same name, the Lacrima. It is of extremely ancient origin and is still cultivated only in the commune of Morro d’Alba in the province of Ancona and the territories of neighboring communities.

The Lacrima denomination may be derived from some legend or simply from the nearly oval shape of the grape or the pyramidal form of the cluster, both resembling tear drops. The wine is almost a varietal, for all "correction" is limited to the addition of 15 per cent of Montepulciano and/or Verdicchio grapes.

The use of the "governo Toscano" is recommended in making the wine. The method involves the inducement of a second fermentation of the wine, following racking, through the addition of a certain quantity of must pressed from selected and partly dried grapes. Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is still produced in sweetish and sweet versions, a practice that is sanctioned by the DOC discipline.

Despite its extremely ancient origin, Lacrima di Morro d’Alba only received the DOC recognition in July 1985. That step appears to have given the wine a new lease on life.