Lacrima is a dark-skinned grape variety native to the Marche region. The word lacrima means teardrop in Italian, and is probably reference to the fact that the berries have a tendency to split, dripping juice down the outside of the bunch. Santa Barbara’s Pignocco Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is characterized by very distinct fruity aromas (particularly berries) and flowery rose and violet. In the mouth, a fresh vinous flavor dominates with marked scents of red roses and soft, sweet tannins. The Pignocco’s light simplicity makes an ideal pairing even for fish.
Cascading sweet violet tones give way to sugar-dusted blackberries and a hint of tangerine as the 2021 Lacrima Di Morro d'Alba Pignocco blossoms in the glass. This is soft-textured and more savory than anticipated, with citrus-tinged black fruits and masses of exotic inner florals that form toward the close. At times, the Pignocco reminds me more of a spiced herbal tea than wine, as it tapers off with grippy tannins while leaving the mouthwatering for more. This is remarkably pretty.
