Pecorino: Italy’s Rising White Wine Star
Often overshadowed by more abundant Italian whites like Pinot Grigio or Verdicchio, Pecorino is emerging as a compelling varietal—distinct, expressive, and increasingly appreciated by wine enthusiasts. Though the name may raise images of sheep’s-milk cheeses (pecorino), this “Pecorino” is an aromatic white grape variety native to central Italy. The name actually derives from the strong connection between sheep farming and agriculture, and the presence of this grape variety in the areas where shepherds have a practice of moving livestock from one grazing ground to another in seasonal cycles.
Origins & Viticulture
Pecorino's roots seem to be traced primarily to the Marche region, though it is also cultivated in Abruzzo, Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. It’s known for being an early-ripening grape that yields naturally low quantities but resists common vine diseases like downy and powdery mildew well – making it both robust in the vineyard and manageable for winemakers.
Abruzzo
Tasting Profile & Popularity Among Enthusiasts
Pecorino typically presents a light to medium body with bright acidity, notes of citrus zest, stone fruit, green herbs, and a hint of salinity. This grape variety has been underappreciated historically and it is calculated that about ten years ago, there were just 215 acres planted across all of Italy - but interest and plantings are now growing.
Top Producer
One of the top producers of Pecorino is Umani Ronchi – a remarkable winery set up in 1957 right in the heart of Le Marche. The Umani Ronchi is a family-run winery that cultivates its vineyards organically and has been consistently working over more than 60 years in building and improving the quality of their wines. In 2024, Umani Ronchi’s excellent quality was recognised by Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia which awarded them Winery of the Year.
Massimo Bernetti and his son Michele
Pecorino Centovie
First produced in 2000, Pecorino Centovie is produced in the Roseto degli Abruzzi estate, which is cultivated organically. This is a wine where you can find all the elements of this amazing estate between the Gran Sasso mountain and the Adriatic coast.
Pecorino Centovie
Colour
Brilliant and intense straw yellow with bright reflections.
Nose
At the nose stands out with hints of citrus, white pulp fruit and field flowers. Followed by of aromatic herbs notes, it remains very elegant.
Taste
On the palate it is persistent and fresh with a confirmation of the aromas found in olfactory perception. Great sapidity due to the personality and minerality of the varietal.
Pairings
Stuffed pasta, roast white meat, roasted fish.
Pecorino Vellodoro
Pecorino Vellodoro is grown in the Roseto degli Abruzzi estate that overlooks the Grand Sasso mountain. Soil is here mainly clay – sandy, deep and rather fresh. The area enjoys a good thermal range which grants elegance and complexity of aromas.
Pecorino Vellodoro
Colour
Bright straw yellow colour.
Nose
It presents intense aromas of fruit and flowers to the nose, with very clear mineral notes, intense and persistent.
Taste
On the palate it is crisp and well-balanced, with refreshing acidity and vibrant flavours that include citrus zest, pineapple, and a fine mineral undertone.
Pairings
Ideal with fish dishes, fresh cheeses, pasta, and vegetable soups.
Final Thoughts
Pecorino is a very interesting Italian white varietal – combining richness with lean, refreshing acidity and its bring citrus and stone fruit flavours, with hints of minerality, offer enjoyable depth without being too heavy.
Umani Ronchi’s Pecorino wines encapsulate what makes Pecorino appealing: expressive, versatile, and approachable - all at an excellent value. Whether you're exploring Italian whites or simply looking for a fresh, flavourful everyday wine, Pecorino offers a worthy alternative to more common varietals.
You can find Umani Ronchi Pecorino here:
https://farsonsdirect.com/search?type=product&q=pecorino*+umani*+ronchi*