Now That’s Italian?
When thinking of Italian red wines, names like Amarone, Chianti, Montepulciano and Sangiovese certainly come to mind for many wine drinkers. However, there is one lesser known (at least to me!) Italian red wine, called Lacrima, that you just might want to consider looking for the next time you’re out shopping for wine.
Lacrima dates back to ancient times and is not considered a true grape varietal because it generally includes the addition of either Montepulciano and/or Verdicchio grapes in its production. This wine is mainly produced in the village of Morro d’Alba in Ancona Province, Marche. The profile on this Italian wine is that it is a medium body wine with moderate acidity and mild tannins, and it possesses big floral and red-fruit aromas, while displaying earthy and herbal characteristics. The flavors can also be somewhat sweet for a red wine.
About a week ago, I was looking for a red wine under $20 to go with our traditional Friday dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. While I was talking it up with a buddy of mine, he suggested that I give the 2008 Velenosi Lacrima di Morro d’Alba a try.
Not being familiar with this particular style of Italian wine, I was expecting it to display a dried cherry/fruit characteristic, accompanied by a mild astringent finish that would tell my taste buds, “Hey buddy, you’re drinking an Italian red!” What I didn’t expect to happen was to taste an Italian red wine that would break all of the “rules” of how I thought an Italian red wine was supposed to taste.
The 2008 Velenosi Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is a complete detour from your typical Italian red wine. To start, when I smelled it, flowers was the first thing that came to mind – lavender, maybe? As far as taste goes – it totally bails on the commonly used dried cherry/fruit component, and there is absolutely no hint of the familiar astringent aftertaste. Instead, the folks at Velenosi opt for a massive blast of vibrant sweet berry flavors (an explosion of blueberries and boysenberries), then they lay the smack down on you with a velvety smooth, long finish that seems well… downright “Un-Italian”.
I must say that it doesn’t quite jive with spaghetti and meatballs the way a traditional Italian red would, but don’t let this discourage you in the least from trying this fabulous, well-crafted wine. It totally rocks on its own and seems to be an ideal match for rack of lamb, roasted chicken, duck, or any other gamey stuff. A big high five to Frank for sharing this magnificent discovery with me!
4 Stars out of 4. The 2008 Velenosi Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is a big, juicy, and unique Italian red wine!
($19.99)
Posted in 4-Star, Reds, Reviews-Wine | 
Tags: 2008, 4-Star, italian wine, Italy, Lacrima, Red Wine, Velenosi, Wine Reviews, Wines under $20
11 Responses to “Now That’s Italian?”
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That is a new one to me
So excited to see you post about Marche! My brother in law married a women from Colli del Tronto which is quite near Ancona, and now they live there with my 2 nephews. They make wine and olive oil for their own personal use. I love visiting them there; it is truly a paradise, and everyone is so excited to share their wine!
That is a new one to me
Never heard of it either. But another one I hadn't heard of until the last year (not Iltalian) is Malbec – now one of my favs!
It's on my shopping list. I love new discoveries!
lacrima=tears. One of my favorite reds, Lachrima Christo-or "Tears of Christ"
If you like new discoveries…I went to Grocery Outlet in Placerville and discovered to red wines at $2.99 a bottle. One from Italy (Pinot Noir) and the other from Australia (cab sauv). OMG were they good. Check it out. You just might be surprised. Enjoy.
@Rachel What were the brands? $2.99?! Please share!
Okay…write it down. The labels read Buckley's Cove and Gallo family. I served these wines to guests during a special event and WOW people were truly raving about the taste. Sooo guesss what…I went back to Grocery Outlet in Placerville to purchase more. The price was awesom at $2.99 per bottle. Yeppeeee! Enjoy.Remember COUNTRYWITHCLASS, musician/entertainer, designer & event planner. Available to perform live music at your venue and schedule your next wedding or any event. Located in the low sierra's. For more information please call or email: 530-220-0095 or countrywithclass@dishmail.net.
I bought the 2008 Velenosi Lacrima di Morro d’Alba for 5,95 Euro, which is about 7,50 US-Dollar. It's unbelievable, that they take nearly 20 US-Dollar in the USA.
So jealous Tobias! If I could purchase this wine for 7.50/bottle here in the US, I’d pretty much drink it by the gallons!
What did you think of the 2008 Velenosi Lacrima di Morro d’Alba?