Pecorino is a remarkable white grape variety native to Italy, famous for producing highly sought-after wines with a distinctive character. Originally confined to the Marche and Abruzzo regions in central Italy, it draws its name from 'pecora', which translates to 'sheep' in English, as this grape was a popular snack for the sheep passing through the vineyards during seasonal migration.
The Pecorino grape was nearly extinct by the mid-20th century, as winemakers favoured high-yielding varieties. Fortunately, it was rediscovered in the 1980s and has since undergone a significant revival with its plantings and popularity steadily increasing.
What makes Pecorino truly intriguing is its wonderful balance between acidity and richness. On the one hand, this grape’s naturally high acidity gives the wines a fresh, zesty character with a lively palate. On the other hand, its full body imparts a creaminess and complexity, leading to textured wines with a long finish.
In terms of flavour profile, Pecorino wines offer intense aromas of green apple, pear and citrus, combined with a distinct minerality. They can also present notes of spice and a touch of salinity, testament to the coastal vineyards where most are grown.
Pecorino grapes typically mature early in the season, hence growers should be keen on harvesting them at optimum maturity, preserving their characteristic freshness and crisp acidity. Despite this caution, Pecorino wines are versatile when it comes to food pairing, with seafood dishes being a truly delightful match.
In recent times, Pecorino has captured the attention of oenophiles due to its uniqueness and differing taste profile compared to typical Italian whites. For those looking to venture away from the classic Italian varietals, Pecorino presents an exciting option and a gateway to an ancient world of forgotten Italian grapes.
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