In the early 1980s a young Stefano Mancinelli recognized the amazing potential of a local red grape that was all but extinct. Its tendency to develop fissures in the skin and drip precious juice when it is optimally ripe earned it the name lacrima (tears) it also earned it the disdain of the local growers who could not be bothered with this difficult grape. Stefano is specialized in Lacrima di Morro d’Alba and has a outside laboratory certify that his Lacrimas are 100%. A little Lacrima goes a long way and more unscrupulous growers are adding 15% into their Montepulciano or Sangiovese and marketing it as 100%.
But not Stefano who makes several versions of Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, all of them deeply colored ruby red wines with exotic bouquets of rose petal and violets.
Stefano Mancinelli, together with his son, Luca, insists on having complete control of his production from the vines and olive trees to the bottle. He takes complete responsibility for the quality of the bottles that bear his name.
Mancinelli Lacrima di Morro d'Alba is 100% Lacrima di Morro d’Alba
Lacrima di Morro d’Alba takes its name from an unusual grape which was named for the town around which it is grown. Morro comes from “Mur” or “Muro” (wall) and not “Moro” (Moor) or black. The name Alba refers not to the town in Alba in Piedmont but to “Altura” which means “rise or high ground” . Il Muro in Alto or the wall on high which was how this walled Medieval walled Borgo (town) was referred to in Medieval times.
Deep dark ruby red with violet reflections. Intense bouquet full of roses, violets and red berries. Vinous and dry with soft fruit and a velvety body.
Pairs with salami, grilled and roasted meats, mushroom dishes, lasagne, gorgonzola and sharp cheeses.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Bellevue Cotes de Bordeaux-Castillon Vieilles Vignes 2020 is 65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc.
Average age of the vines is 40 years old.
The wine offers a rich and intense bouquet of blackcurrant, blackberry and strawberry.
It is smooth and full in the mouth with a velvety texture. Acidity combined with firm but well-integrated tannins are a fine supporting cast to the black fruit flavors at the end.