From: Castelli di Jesi, Marche, Italy
Varietal: Lacrima di Morro
Taste: This wine is strikingly purple-red with violet reflections. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of raspberry jam, violet, and rose. The palate is fresh and soft, revealing rich flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and chocolate, complemented by subtle hints of dried herbs and a lingering touch of chocolate that adds depth to the overall experience.
Pairing: Traditional pairings include coniglio in porchetta (roast rabbit), tagliatelle al ragù (pasta with meat sauce), and grigliata mista (mixed grilled meats), which all complement the wine's rich flavors. Consider serving it alongside grilled lamb chops, roasted duck breast, or wild mushroom risotto for more contemporary options. It also pairs well with hearty dishes like braised short ribs, eggplant Parmesan, or a charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses and cured meats, where the wine’s fresh and soft palate provides a balanced contrast.
Eggplant Parmesan
By Eric Kim
About: The story of Luchetti Winery begins with a vision that has been passed down through generations. Giovanni Luchetti founded the winery in the early 20th century as a small, family-run vineyard focused on cultivating local grape varieties. Giovanni, a man influenced by the land, understood the potential of the Marche region, particularly the Castelli di Jesi area, which boasts a rich history of wine production dating back to Roman times.
Mario Lucchetti, Giovanni's descendant, continued this legacy with a particular focus on Lacrima di Morro d'Alba, one of the local indigenous varietals in the rural area of Le Marche. Starting in the 1980s with just a few acres of this varietal, Mario's passion centered on restoring the importance of the area’s native grapes. Under his stewardship, the estate expanded to 14 hectares by 2004 and has continued to grow. Mario’s dedication to Lacrima di Morro d'Alba, alongside his wife Teresa, his son Paolo, and daughter-in-law Tiziana, has made the winery a reference point for this unique wine.
The Castelli di Jesi area, where Luchetti Winery is located, offers a unique microclimate ideal for cultivating Verdicchio, the region's most famous grape variety. The vineyard is situated on gentle slopes with a mix of clay and limestone soils, which provide excellent drainage and mineral content, essential for producing wines with structure and complexity. The potassium-rich, iron-poor soils in the area are particularly beneficial for the Lacrima di Morro d'Alba vines, helping to create wines of great power and warmth while maintaining a highly aromatic profile. Lacrima di Morro d'Alba, the winery's focal point, is an indigenous dark purple grape that exemplifies the Marche wine region. Historical records show this grape has been harvested in the narrow region around Morro d'Alba since medieval times.
