Wine Denomination from Marche
Lacrima di Morro d'Alba DOC is a red wine denomination from the Marche region of central Italy, officially recognized in 1985. It takes its name from the town of Morro d'Alba and from the Lacrima grape variety, which produces small berries that weep juice through the skin before harvest — a trait reflected in the name "lacrima," meaning "tear" in Italian. Despite its limited production area, the denomination has attracted growing attention for the distinct aromatic profile of its primary grape.
The production zone is located in the province of Ancona, in the hilly inland area of the Marche region. Vineyards are concentrated around the municipality of Morro d'Alba and extend into portions of six neighboring communes: Monte San Vito, San Marcello, Belvedere Ostrense, Ostra, and Senigallia. The terrain consists primarily of clay and limestone hills at elevations between 100 and 300 meters above sea level, with slopes that encourage natural drainage.
The denomination is built almost entirely around the Lacrima grape, a native variety of the Marche, which must constitute at least 85 percent of the blend. The regulations permit the inclusion of up to 15 percent of other non-aromatic red grape varieties authorized for cultivation in the Marche region, though many producers choose to bottle Lacrima as a single-varietal wine.
Vineyards must achieve a minimum density of 3,000 vines per hectare, with a maximum yield of 10 tonnes per hectare permitted under the regulations. Fermentation is typically conducted at controlled temperatures to preserve the aromatic compounds that define the grape. Because Lacrima di Morro d'Alba is intended for relatively early consumption, extended maceration is generally avoided, though some producers apply longer skin contact to add structure to the wine.
Lacrima di Morro d'Alba presents a deep ruby-violet color, often with purple hues, and a notably intense aromatic profile dominated by fresh red fruit, particularly violets, rose petals, and black cherry. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with soft tannins, moderate acidity, and a slightly velvety texture. It is generally meant to be consumed young, within two to four years of vintage, as its primary aromatic freshness tends to fade rather than develop complexity with extended aging.
The hills around Morro d'Alba benefit from a temperate Adriatic climate, characterized by warm summers, mild springs, and autumns with sufficient temperature variation between day and night to preserve acidity and aromatic intensity in the grapes. Soils are predominantly calcareous clay, which provides the vine with mineral nutrients while limiting excessive vigor. The Lacrima variety has adapted over centuries to this specific combination of soil and microclimate, which contributes to the concentration of aromatic precursors found in the berries.
Lacrima di Morro d'Alba DOC requires a minimum alcohol content of 11 percent by volume for the standard typology. The denomination also includes a Superiore designation, which requires a minimum of 13 percent alcohol, a lower maximum yield of 9 tonnes per hectare, and a minimum aging period of one year before release. Both typologies must undergo an official organoleptic examination before being approved for sale under the DOC label.