PIERLUIGI GIUSTI , LACRIMA DI MORRO D'ALBA

 

The Lacrima grape is an ancient varietal indigenous to this area of Marche. Its curious name (Italian for tear ) is believed to have come from the fact that the berries frequently burst and thus appear to “shed tears”. Morro d’Alba is the name of the central town to the wine zone. Lacrima di Morro d’Alba was a wine near extinction when the DOC was created in 1985. This was the saving grace that resurrected the wine and encouraged producers to continue working with the grape. Most recently, with the new concepts of viticulture that are being embraced in Italy, such as high vineyard density and low yield per vine, Lacrima, as well as several other grapes formerly regarded as ‘secondary’, are beginning to make some very exciting wines. While Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is traditionally a light, fruity and sweet red, the Giusti wines are made in a rich and concentrated style, typical of winemaker Giancarlo Soverchia, yet very perfumed and soft.

Region: Marche
Production Area: Montignano (Ancona)
Appellation: Lacrima di Morro d’Alba (DOC)
Varietal Blend: 100% Lacrima di Morro d’Alba
Vineyard: 13 hectares (30 acres) planted in 1965 and partial replanting in 1978 through 1998. Southeastern exposure , 450 feet a.s.l. planted in 1930.
Training system: Guyot (original planting). New plantings changing to spurred cordon
Vineyard Density: Old 5,500 per acre; new 1.800/2.000 per acre.
Soil: Clay-based, with medium density.
Yield: 1.5 Kilos per vine.
Harvest: Late September/Early October 2006
Vinification: Fermentation in  stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature with pre-fermentative and post-fermentative stages of 20-22 days.
Aging: 4-5 months in large oak barrels plus 3 months in the bottle.
Production: 30.000 bottles.
Alcohol: 13% vol.

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