Pecorino wine

Pecorino wine is a dry white wine made from Pecorino grapes. This grape variety is native to Italy and grows across central Italy and along the central coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Refreshing and bright, with fresh citrus notes and a signature minerality, Pecorino is a popular choice for late afternoon sipping or serving with a seafood feast. It’s occasionally used in white Italian blends, adding acidity and freshness.

Pecorino is the ultimate choice for white wine lovers looking for the perfect, easy-drinking wine or those who want to add a new white wine to their list of favourites alongside Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc.

Pecorino is a white grape variety native to Italy. It was nearly extinct by the end of the 20th century but has seen a resurgence in the last few decades.

It is grown primarily in the regions of Marche, Abruzzo, Liguria, Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio, where it’s used in various Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita(DOCG) wines.

Pecorino grapes thrive in higher altitudes with a cooler climate, which helps them to maintain their natural acidity. The grape variety also grows well in hilly areas with plenty of limestone and clay soils, adding a mineral note to the well-balanced finished wines.

This grape variety is known as ‘terroir expressive’, meaning its growing environment has a noticeable impact on the finished wine. Pecorino wines are known for their clean minerality – a result of the limestone soil in which the grapes are grown.

Pecorino grapes are grown at cooler, high altitudes, creating dry white wines with bright acidity. These wines are typically medium-bodied, making them a refreshing, easy-drinking option.

There are some regional variations in Pecorino wines. For instance, wines from the Marche region, specifically the Offida DOCG, are typically well-structured, with a good balance of citrus fruitiness and acidity that makes them ideal candidates for ageing. They also have a more pronounced minerality than Pecorino wines from Abruzzo or Umbria.

Abruzzo Pecorino wines are heavier and richer, with riper tropical fruit flavours and more weight. But they still retain their bright acidity, making them a refreshing white wine. Some Pecorino wines from Abruzzo may also have a slightly saline or savoury note due to the region bordering the Adriatic Sea. Look for bottles specifically from the Colline Pescaresi IGT.

Pecorino wines are crisp and refreshing. Typical notes could include green apple, juicy pear, citrus and hints of spice and anise. You may find that some wines from warmer regions have luscious tropical notes, such as pineapple. Typical aromas include white flowers such as acacia, jasmine, lemon blossom and orchard fruits. Pecorino’s signature note is its minerality, varying between chalky and flinty depending on the soil where the grapes are grown.

A subtle saline hint is common in coastal wine regions like Marche, Lazio and Tuscany.

Flavours can vary slightly depending on the region your Pecorino is from. A Pecorino wine made in the Marche region may lean more towards fresh citrusy flavours. If the wine is from Abruzzo, it could have more ripe tropical flavours. But no matter where it’s from, Pecorino wine tastes lively and bright.

With its bright acidity, fresh fruit notes and medium body, Pecorino wines are wonderful paired with food.

Pecorino’s high acidity and complementary citrus notes mean it works well with seafood. Grilled fish, clams, calamari and prawns are classic choices, as the wine’s acidity cuts through their natural richness.

They’re also an excellent match for light poultry dishes or pasta with white sauces. A typical Italian pairing that works well is Pecorino and Pasta al Limone, a creamy pasta dish with plenty of lemon zest.

Pecorino also works with spicy Asian dishes – its sweet, juicy fruit flavours help you beat the heat, so spicy Thai and Vietnamese dishes are a must-try with a glass of Pecorino. But if spice isn’t on the menu, pair your food simply with a medley of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The wine’s herbal and mineral undertones pair well with simple vegetable dishes.

Pecorino wines are best served chilled, typically around 8-10°C. This is just a little warmer than fridge temperature, so take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving.

Use a standard white wine glass with a narrower bowl to help concentrate Pecorino’s delicate aromas. Always hold the glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine and dulling its flavours. As with most wines, Pecorino can benefit from a little aeration, so feel free to swirl it in your glass before taking a sip.