Abruzzo Wines were a highlight for me at the 2021 Wine Media Conference (#WMC21). The Charming Taste of Europe presented Wines of Abruzzo at one of its two Discovery Sessions at the conference. True Abruzzo is best known for Montepulciano (red grape), and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo (white grape) however, lesser known varieties like Passeribna, Cococciola, and Pecorino are now getting the attention they deserve. The session I attended focused on Pecorino, a wine that I had encountered on a few occasions. Hence, it was exciting for me to learn about this grape variety. Pecorino is the wine to get to know!
Abruzzo Wines
Abruzzo Grape Varieties © Spaswinefood
Pecorino
This white grape variety, grows in the Abruzzo, Marche, Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio regions of Italy. While the exact birthplace of Pecorino is unknown it thrives in Abruzzo. Pecorino is a very old variety. Ampelographers believe that the grape is likely native to Marche (borders on Abruzzo on the north). It likely originated as a wild grapevine growing in the Sibillini Mountains, and later was domesticated for wine production. This once nearly extinct grapes has been under going a revival.
Pecorino grapes ripen early. The wine has been described as straw yellow, having good structure, high acidity, dry with mineral characteristics and a salty undertone. This medium body wine can have fruity aromas of apple, pear, candied orange, and tropical fruit, herbal aromas (sage, mint and thyme), and a floral bouquet (such as acacia, jasmine and linden flowers).
How Pecorino Got Its Name
Historically this grape has ties to local shepherds. In fact Pecora is Italian for sheep. There are interesting stories of how the grape got its name. It is thought that sheep nibbled on these grapes as the shepherds took care of their flock. Given that Pecorino is also a name for a cheese, one version of the story is - the shepherds compensated the vineyard owners for the grapes that the sheep ate with Pecorino cheese. Yes, Pecorino is a type of cheese. Another explanation is the shape of the grape bunches resembles a sheep's head.
One can imagine shepherds tending to the sheep and walking them by the vineyards.
Abruzzo Wines
The story of how the grape got its name is intriguing however, what is interesting to me is the overall positive reaction this wine got from the attendees. Many of us immediately fell in love with the wines shared. It appears that Pecorino was forgotten until recently when it was revived by local winemakers. For sure Abruzzo's Pecorino Wines are amongst Italy’s hidden gems.
Where is Abruzzo?
Wine lovers will soon discover that Abruzzo, one of the oldest wine regions, is a mountainous coastal region on the Adriatic Sea. It is bordered by Molise to south, Marche to the north and Lazio to the west. This wine region is well worth a scenic two hour drive from Rome.
Abruzzo Wine Region, Italy © Spaswinefood
Abruzzo is a fascinating wine region. The Consortium for the Protection of Abruzzo Wines (Consorzio di Tutela dei Vini d’Abruzzo) was established in 2002. It protects wines from Controlled Designation of Origin, such as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC, Abruzzo DOC, Villamagna DOC and, it also protects wines with a Typical Geographical Indication. It is a unique region in Europe. Abruzzo has more than 30% of the territory protected by four parks (three national and one regional), and a dozen nature reserves and protected areas.
Abruzzo DOC Pecorino Wines
Abruzzo viticulture in the last decades has made a leap forward in terms of qualitative growth. This is due to a new generation of producers constant and pervasive work, focused on the enhancement of its most important indigenous grape varieties, like Pecorino. This clearly shows in the Abruzzo DOC Pecorino wines I tasted.
We tasted the following four Abruzzo DOC Pecorino wines:
1. Barone di Valforti, Abruzzo DOC Pecorino
Barone di Valforti, Abruzzo DOC Pecorino © Spaswinefood
3. Agricosimo Pecorino Organic, Abruzzo DOC
Agricosimo Pecorino Organic, Abruzzo DOC © Spaswinefood
US Importer: Prosapore LLC
4. La Carine del Colle Aimé, Abruzzo DOC Pecorino Superiore 2020
This session on Pecorino certainly inspired me and others at the session to make plans to visit Abruzzo. I was very pleased that this session was given at the 2021 Wine Media Conference (#WMC2021). Indeed Pecorino is the wine to get to know! You can connect with the Consorzio on Instagram and Facebook! I invite you to join me in my future travels in Italy and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
NOTE: Abruzzo Wines is part of the mission of The Charming Taste of Europe, co-funded by the European Union. Its promotional activities are focused on increasing the awareness of the merits and quality standards of select European wines and fresh fruits in the competitive markets of the United States of America and Canada. The project includes promoting the Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Abruzzo. These superb high quality Italian wines are produced with the artistry of agricultural traditions. Hence this campaign will awaken the senses and a new culinary consciousness by connecting food, cultures, and territories by bringing European charm into the lives of many.
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