Black grape variety grown in Apulia

Lacrima n.

Varietal historically present in different areas of Apulia. Suitable for cultivation in all production areas of the region, except the Capitanata.

Origin and Historical Outline

It is difficult to list all the vines that, more or less correctly, bear the name of “Lacrima”, distinguishing those for which this name is correct from those that report improperly. Bacci (1875) in the description of Italian wines, speaking of Lacrima wine, says that “it can be obtained anywhere because it depends only on a particular way of preparing it”. Rovasenda (1877) and Molon (1906) report a long series of “Lacrima” vines, generally cultivated in central and southern Italy. Vines with characters of the “Lacrima” but for which the studies carried out so far have not yet allowed to verify the correspondence are: Lacrima di Barletta, Lacrima di Calabria, Lacrima di Chieti, Lacrima di San Giorgio (LE), Lacrima di Squinzano (LE).
The vine “Lacrima” had a good diffusion in Apulia, Campania, Tuscany and Umbria (Molon op. cit.).

Synonyms

Lacrima cristi, Lacryma christi, Lagrima christi, Lagrima cristi, Lacrima nera, Lacryma nera, Lacrima dolce, Lacrima gentile, Lacrima di Napoli.

Shoot tip: half open with curved axis, light pubescence, green with widespread anthocyanic pigmentation.

Leaf: medium, pentagonal, pentalobate. Open Vshaped petiole sinus; upper lateral sinuses with slightly overlapping lobes.

Bunch: medium-small, pyramid-shaped, often bearing a wing, loose.

Berry: medium, round, with thick and compact skin. Blue-black colour, slightly aromatic taste.

Phenology

Time of bud burst: intermediate-early

Flowering time: intermediate

Veraison: intermediate

Ripening: intermediate

Agronomic and Cultural Characteristics

Vigour: high-medium

Average bunch weight: 280 g (min 230 g – max 360 g)

Average berry weight: 2.7 g (min 2.2 g – max 3.3 g)

Number of seeds per berry: 1 3

Average rachis weight: 11 g

Fertility of buds: 1 – 2

Potential fertility: 1.5

Actual fertility: 1.2

Environmental and Cultural Requirements

Vine with a good vigour, not very long-lived, with an irregular yield, but well suited for a mild climate.

Chemical Features of the Wine

Alcoholic content: 11.5 – 13 % by vol.

pH: 3.2 – 3.45

Total acidity: 6 – 10 g/l

Oenological Use and Sensorial Properties of the Wine

The grapes of the Lacrima n. vine are mainly used for the production of still wine, often in a blend with grapes from other vines, less frequently on their own.

In Apulia, if vinified as a single variety, it provides a wine of a deep ruby red colour, with a full vinous bouquet, a dry, slightly aromatic taste and a good alcohol content. It lends itself to moderate ageing

Economic Significance and Geographic Distribution

The Lacrima n. vine is present in Apulia, where it is suitable for cultivation in all the production areas of the region with the exception of Capitanata.

Author and Source

Antonacci Donato
antonacci.dona@gmail.com

The data sheet of the Lacrima n., revised and updated, is extracted from: Antonacci Donato (2006). Viti di Puglia, Adda publisher. Its use is granted by the author citing the source.