Pecorino

Pecorino is an old Italian grape that has been rescued from obscurity. Its origin is not entirely clear, but it is mostly cultivated and shows the best results in Marche and Abruzzo. The wines made from Pecorino are quite versatile and complex, often with a high sugar content, which is well-balanced by bright acidity and their mineral character.

They are crisp and fresh with floral aromas and fruity and herbal flavors reminiscent of green apples, stone fruit, and lemons. Some styles can have hints of exotic fruit, and those aged in oak take subtle vanilla and oak notes. Pecorino grape is often wrongly associated with Pecorino cheese, but the two merely share the supposed etymology—it is suggested that the word stems from pecora (sheep).

Pecorino is used in several regional appellations in Abruzzo and Marche, including the well-known Offida. Because of their versatility, Pecorino-based wines can be paired with appetizers, fish-based dishes, and white meat. They can also be a good match for cheese.