Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC is a distinctive red-wine denomination from the rolling Marche countryside around Morro d’Alba and neighbouring municipalities in the province of Ancona. The area lies between the Adriatic influence and the gentle inland hills. Maritime breezes temper summer warmth, while elevation and currents from the Apennines encourage cooler nights. Soils commonly combine clay, limestone and sand, creating variations in body, freshness and spicy depth according to site.
Lacrima is the central grape variety and gives the denomination its unmistakable identity. The name is often associated both with the elongated, teardrop-like shape of the berries and with the tendency of ripe skins to split slightly and release drops of juice. Lacrima is notable for its intensely aromatic profile: rose, violet, geranium and dried floral notes mingle with cherry, wild berries, plum and spice. It can also retain lively acidity and a firm yet generally supple tannic structure.
In the vineyard, Lacrima calls for attentive canopy management, ensuring ventilation around the bunches while preserving protection from excessive sunlight. Picking decisions are crucial, since the grape’s aromatic precision must be maintained without sacrificing natural freshness. Vinification is principally carried out as a traditional red-wine fermentation with skin contact. The length and force of extraction are carefully controlled, because overly forceful handling can obscure the variety’s floral character. Maturation may range from fruit-led, immediately expressive wines to more structured Superiore expressions, which can gain depth through a longer period of ageing.
The grape remained rooted in local cultivation for generations and at times risked being eclipsed by more widely planted varieties. Its continuity reflects the commitment of growers who preserved its singular aromatic voice. DOC recognition gave Lacrima di Morro d’Alba a defined legal and cultural identity, safeguarding the close relationship between this native grape, the Ancona hills and the region’s viticultural history.
