Lacrima

Lacrima [la-cree-mah]

The Lacrima grape is so ancient in the Marche that its origins remain a mystery. The name, Italian for tear (as in what one cries over spilt Lacrima di Morro d’Alba) is believed by some to come from the tear-like shape of either the cluster or the berry itself, while others claim its name comes from the fact that the berry bursts easily, and thus seems to be crying. Lacrima wines traditionally were light, sweet wines, but recently some tremendously perfumed, dense and complex wines are being made. Lacrima di Morro d’Alba was nearing extinction in the early eighties, as demand for the wine was rapidly losing ground to the more popular Montepulciano-based wines of the Marches, but all this changed with the arrival of DOC recognition. Growers suddenly felt inspired to justify their status, especially since the recognition also brought new demand for the wine.