WINE NEWS /
Lacrima di Morro takes step toward DOCG
The Istituto Marchigiano Tutela Vini (Institute for
the Cultivation and Protection of Wines in Le Marche) has formerly
requested that the appellation Lacrima di Morro d'Alba DOC be upgraded
to superiore ("superior")—a move that brings
the wine one step closer to the status of DOCG. The primary reason
behind the institute's request, explains president Doriano Marchetti,
is to limit production quantities: Lacrima di Morro d'Alba "is
a very contemporary wine. It is accessible, young, and impressive.
Because it is not widely known, it is still in need of an introduction
[to the market]. But it is already at risk: it mustn't be over-planted
when we need time to create a plan for marketing it." As the
popularity of wines from the Marches has exploded, lesser known wines
like Lacrima di Morro d'Alba have rapidly—perhaps too quickly—entered
the market. This phenomenon raises concern that producers will rush
to produce the wine and ruin its image before quality standards can
be set into place.
One of the Le Marche's most distinctive wines, Lacrima
di Morro d'Alba is a great example of the wonderful diversity in Italian
grape varietals. It is a rich, intensely colored wine with notes of
rose, violet, and acacia. The 1985 DOC allows for the addition of
up to 15% Verdicchio to lighten the wine but the majority of producers
today are making using only Lacrima di Morro d'Alba grapes—another
reason, authorities say, to create a DOCG and protect the wine's image.
Related wines and links: Le
Marche, Laila,
Le Terrazze,
Moroder, Velenose
Ercole
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