Velenosi Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC Superiore 2020

Lacrima is a very distinctive grape variety found in Le Marche wine region of Italy. It’s almost exclusively grown only within the appellation Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC. Its fruits have relatively thin skin but quite deep skin pigment, the berries easily burst during ripening, which was probably the reason how it was name, “Lacrima” means “tear drop”, refers to the juice sometimes seen on the berries after skin breaks.  The wine produced by Lacrima usually has medium purple to medium ruby colour, intensely aromatic. Most commonly displayed aroma resembling boysenberries, mulberries, and darker florals like rose petals, violet, also sweet spices like cinnamons and cloves.

The grape variety was on the brink of exctinction until the appellation of Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC was create in 1985. The DOC encompasses the gentle, coastal hills surrounding the village of Morro d’Alba, about 25km away from the coast. Thus it has a strong, but not immediate influence from Adriatic sea. The soil of the appellation is relatively homogenous, composed of thick clay deposited since Pliocene. Under the DOC’s regulation, up to 15% of other red grapes, namely Montepulciano, can be added to Lacrima, but this practice is now rarely seen.

The wine that made by Velenosi, came from the vineyards located in the municipality of San Marcello, 150 meters above sea level. The vines in these vineyards are cordon-trained, with a density around 5000 vines per hectare. All fruits that go into the vats and made into wines are guaranteed to be 100% Lacrima. Plus that the bottle has “Superiore” endorsed on the label, the wines are made from high quality berries. With sufficient sugar from ripe berries, the wine’s alcohol level is maintained at 13% from natural fermentation.

2020 was a relatively warm vintage, the wine has fuller body than average. To open it now, the wine offers intense ruby red with violet nuances. If swirl in the glass, there on the nose are elegant aromas of cherry, violet, geranium, rose and cut grass. In the mouth the structure is full-bodied, with a dry taste, and a harmonious tannic structure. The hind palate can keep sensing full and persistent flavour. Afterward, full return to aromatic perceptions that make it pleasant and enjoyable.