Wine of the Month - March 2017

One of the pleasures of attending the Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wines Roadshow this month was the opportunity to taste some unusual grape varieties. Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is a richly scented red wine that bears a striking resemblance to Gewürztraminer. Most recognisable is the note of rose petal, which anyone who has tried bandung would immediately find familiar. It is found in the central-eastern region of Marche which shares a border with Tuscany. The Lacrima grape, which means teardrop in Italian, should not be confused with the Lacryma Christi of Campania, and the town of Morro d'Alba is not the same as the Alba of Piedmont. The winery representative suggests a match of Thai curries for this wine.

Wine: Velenosi Querciantica Lacrima DOC 2015

Tasting note: Macerated on skins for 20 days with daily pump-overs in closed vats to preserve aromas. A heady scent of rose petal issues from the wine, the signature of this unique variety. The palate is medium bodied with ripe tannins and a delicate fruitiness accompanied by juicy freshness. It is a wine likely to find as many detractors as followers due to the strength of its character.