lacrima christi
LowFormal/Literary/Specialist
Definition
Meaning
A type of Italian wine, originally from the region around Mount Vesuvius, whose name translates from Latin as 'tear of Christ'.
Primarily refers to the specific DOC wine from Campania, Italy. By extension, it can refer to similar wines from other regions or be used poetically/allusively due to its evocative name and associated legend (that Christ wept over the beauty of the Bay of Naples).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a proper noun, a specific name for a product (wine). Its usage is largely confined to contexts discussing wine, Italian culture, or in literary/poetic allusion. It is not a general descriptive term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The term is equally recognizable in wine-connoisseur circles in both regions.
Connotations
Connotes sophistication, Italian heritage, and a degree of rarity or specialty. The religious allusion may be more salient for some speakers.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties; known primarily to wine enthusiasts and those with knowledge of Italian culture.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Noun Phrase] + [Verb 'be'/'taste like'] + Lacrima Christito drink/serve/produce + Lacrima ChristiVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the wine trade, hospitality, and marketing of premium Italian products.
Academic
Appears in studies of viticulture, oenology, Italian geography, or cultural history.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation except when specifically discussing wine choices or experiences in Italy.
Technical
Used in oenology (wine science) to specify a wine type with particular DOC regulations and terroir.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We tried Italian wine called Lacrima Christi.
- The restaurant had a very nice Lacrima Christi on the wine list.
- During our tour of Campania, we visited a vineyard renowned for its delicate Lacrima Christi.
- The sommelier recommended the Lacrima Christi, noting its balanced acidity and notes of Mediterranean herbs, a direct result of the volcanic soil.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine Christ (CHRISTI) shedding a tear (LACRIMA) over a beautiful vineyard, which then produced this wine.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIQUID IS A TEAR (OF DIVINE ORIGIN).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'слеза Христа' in contexts referring to the wine itself; use the transliterated term 'Лакрима Кристи' or specify 'вино «Лакрима Кристи»'. The literal translation refers only to the legend or a poetic image.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'lacryma christi' or 'lacrima christi' without capitalisation (though capitals are often used). Using it as a countable noun without an article (e.g., 'I drank Lacrima Christi' is acceptable; 'I drank a Lacrima Christi' is less common).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the term 'Lacrima Christi'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. The Lacrima Christi del Vesuvio DOC produces white (bianco), red (rosso), and rosé (rosato) wines, as well as a sweet liquoroso version.
It comes from an old legend that Christ, weeping over the fall of Lucifer, shed a tear on the land around Mount Vesuvius, blessing it and giving rise to the vines.
No, this is not a standard figurative use in English. Using it poetically would be a very deliberate and learned allusion to the legend, not a common metaphor for sadness.
In British English, it is commonly /ˌlakrɪmə ˈkrɪsti/. In American English, the first vowel is often longer: /ˌlɑːkrɪmə ˈkrɪsti/. The 'ch' in 'Christi' is pronounced as a /k/.