Pecorino

Pecorino wine, a name resonant with the pastoral elegance of Central Italy, is rooted in the story of two Italian regions - Abruzzo and Marche. Its vines stretch back to a time before these areas were delineated by modern maps, hailing from the foothills where the Apennine mountains whisper ancient tales. The grape’s tale begins in the mists of time, likely linked to the ancient Greek migrations to the Italian peninsula, suggesting a lineage as rich and complex as the wine itself.

While both Marche and Abruzzo lay claim to the Pecorino grape, it’s not a competition of flags but rather a shared heritage celebrated across regional lines. The earliest confirmed cultivation of Pecorino is traced to Arquata del Tronto, nestling in the Sibillini Mountains, yet its spirit is not confined to any one place. It is, instead, the expression of a broader geographic canvas - one that crosses over the central Apennine terrain, marrying the qualities of both Marche and Abruzzo landscapes.

For the British aficionado, the narrative of Pecorino wine might resonate with the history of regional English wines, where the essence of the locale is as integral to the character of the wine as the grape itself. Just as the terroirs of England's South Downs or Kent influence the vines, so too does the rugged, mountainous heart of Italy shape the Pecorino grape, resulting in a wine that’s a true embodiment of its environment.

The Pecorino grape, with its deep roots in the rolling foothills of Central Italy's Apennines, brings to life wines of distinctive character and strength. Famed for its versatility and embraced for its balance, Pecorino wines exhibit a pale straw-yellow colour, lively in the glass, promising a fresh and invigorating experience.

The sensory journey begins with a nose that interlaces fruit with vegetal notes, hinting at the ancient terroirs of Marche and Abruzzo where this grape has flourished. Here's a profile that reflects its unique enological persona:

• Body

  Pecorino wines are known for their significant presence on the palate, delivering a full-bodied experience that's both satisfying and complex.

• Tannin

  As a white grape variety, Pecorino produces wines with minimal tannin, offering a smooth textural experience devoid of the astringency found in red wines.

• Sugar

  Typically fermented to dryness, the wines carry little residual sugar, letting the natural fruitiness shine without overt sweetness.

• Acidity

  Pecorino wines are marked by their crisp acidity, a testament to the cool, high-altitude vineyards and the grape's inherent characteristics.

• ABV

  The rich, sun-drenched clusters result in wines with a generous alcohol content, providing warmth and structure that balances the wine's vibrant acidity.

This grape, once on the brink of vinous extinction, now stands proudly among Italy's oenological icons, creating wines that speak of the land, the tradition, and the spirited revival of a variety once forgotten. Its ability to pair with a myriad of culinary flavours makes it a cherished option for both wine enthusiasts and gastronomes alike.

Delight in the rich tapestry of flavours that Pecorino wine has to offer. This Italian white boasts a bouquet brimming with the scents of acacia and jasmine, leading into the zesty allure of lemon blossom.

• 

  Acacia

• 

  Jasmine

• 

  Apricot

• 

  Peach

• 

  Pear

• 

  Citrusy Fruit

Beneath these floral notes lie the succulent layers of yellow fruit, featuring apricots and peaches, complemented by the crispness of pears and a twist of citrus. The palate is further enchanted by a pronounced mineral sharpness, which may culminate in a subtly spicy finale. In instances where the wine has bathed in the influence of oak, expect to encounter a vanilla undertone, adding a luxurious complexity to the profile.

Pecorino occasionally surprises with a tropical twist, showcasing flavours like pineapple that dance on the palate. Each sip reveals the depth and personality of this central Italian marvel, a true reflection of its native terroir.

For a flawless Pecorino wine experience, attention to detail is key, starting with the serving temperature. Ideally, it should be chilled to between 8-10 degrees Celsius to accentuate its crisp acidity and aromatic profile. When it comes to the glass, the wine's vibrant bouquet and structured body are best showcased in a Standard White Wine Glass or a Tulip Glass, which both support the aromatic release while maintaining a cooler temperature.

• 

  Serving temperature:

  8-10°C
• 

  Glass type:

  Standard White Wine Glass
• 

  Suggested time in Decanter:

  Not Needed
• 

  Lasting period once open:

  1-2 days
• 

  Storing time in cellar:

  2-5 Years

Decanting isn't typically necessary for Pecorino, as it's a wine that thrives on its fresh, bright character straight from the bottle. However, if you do decide to decant, a brief period of 15-30 minutes should suffice to allow it to open up.

Once opened, Pecorino maintains its integrity for about 1-2 days when kept refrigerated with a wine stopper, though its peak freshness is best enjoyed within the first day.

As for cellaring, Pecorino wine, known for its fresh profile, is generally intended to be enjoyed within a few years of bottling and doesn't benefit much from long-term aging. A period of 2-5 years in the cellar is suitable for most expressions of this wine, especially if stored under optimal conditions — cool, dark, and with a consistent temperature.

While sipping on the crisp, straw-yellow elixir that is Pecorino wine, one might ponder the origins of its name - a topic as rich and varied as the wine itself. The true genesis of 'Pecorino' remains cloaked in the mists of Italian folklore, with theories ranging from rustic shepherd's grapes to the likeness of sheep's head-shaped clusters.

Each hypothesis carries its charm, whether it be the cultural tapestry of pastoral life or linguistic links to the cheese of the same name, Pecorino's nomenclature is a tantalising mystery inviting further exploration.

We have delicately threaded together the vibrant tapestry of tales tales behind the Pecorino name. There, we delve into the fables and facts with the same care and intricacy as the vine tenders of Abruzzo and Marche, where this grape is meticulously cultivated.

In the intricate tapestry of Italian wines, Pecorino emerges as a thread of unique sophistication, offering a delightful experience to the discerning UK consumer. Here are select bottles that exemplify the best of this varietal's character

• Pecorino IGT Colline Pescaresi Organic - Francesco Cirelli

  An organic marvel, this Pecorino embodies crispness and structure, with a zesty lemon tang and an aromatic bouquet that spans from floral hints to tropical notes. Its balance between body and freshness makes it a versatile partner for light seafood, and a bright addition to pecorino cheese laden dishes.

• Pecorino, IGT Terre di Chieti Caleo

  With its straw-yellow hue and enduring fruity aroma, this wine presents a harmonious blend of dryness and softness. The careful avoidance of skin contact during winemaking preserves its classical golden color. Ideal with fish, mushrooms, and light pasta dishes, it promises a full-bodied sip that's perfectly aligned with its gentle balance.

• Fenaroli Pecorino Superiore

  This exquisite bottle stands out with a rich flavour profile and a palate weight that speaks of its superior quality. Originating from coastal vineyards, it hints at a sea breeze on the nose, while its taste profile suggests tree fruit and a welcoming citrusy edge. While the claim of a 'sea breeze aroma' might be poetic, this wine delivers on a promise of elegance and compatibility, particularly with seafood.

  It’s a wine that revels in its subtleties – best enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to a fine dish. The Fenaroli Pecorino Superiore has earned its laurels, not just for the depth of flavour but for the narrative it weaves – one that speaks of the earth it comes from and the craftspeople who bottle each vintage.

These selected Pecorino wines each tell their own story, a narrative steeped in the terroir from which they spring and the artisans who craft them. For the UK aficionado looking to embrace the heart of Italian winemaking, they offer a portal to the soulful symphony of Pecorino grapes.