Lucchetti -- ‘Fiore’ Lacrima di Morro d’Alba

My new favorite summer red! I am sure it will serve us well into the cooler months as well. Pop this guy in the fridge for an even better experience, especially if the temps where you are are 80+.

Made from the recently-near-extinct indigenous varietal Lacrima, Italian for tear, named for the grape’s tear-like shape and also for the apparent drops of juice it emits when ripe…how dramatic! The Lucchetti family has been vital in the restoration and preservation of this special grape, known in this area since medieval times and still only produced in Morro d’Alba. It is a family operation with Mario & Teresa, with their son Paolo and wife Tiziana joining in to carry on the tradition.

Grape: Lacrima 100%

Region: Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, Le Marche, Italy

Farming: 20-25 year old vines, hand harvested

Winery: Macerated on skins for 8-14 days, spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast in stainless, aged 3 months in stainless, 3 months in bottle