The Wine Reference🍷 SupportPecorino grape
Pecorino is a white grape known for pear, citrus, herbs. Its best-known homes are Abruzzo, Marche.
Origin and history
An old grape of the central Apennines; its name comes from 'pecora' (sheep), reputedly because flocks ate the grapes on their mountain journeys.
Where it grows
Marche (Offida Pecorino DOCG, Falerio) and Abruzzo (Colline Pescaresi, Terre di Chieti and Abruzzo DOC), plus Umbria and Lazio.
Structure
Medium to full body with high acidity and often high alcohol; dry, with a firm, slightly mineral structure.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: pear, lemon, green apple, sage and acacia blossom. With age: honey, hazelnut, aniseed and a flinty edge.
Ageing
Most is best within 1–4 years; well-made Offida Pecorino can age for 6–8 years.
Good to know
Nearly extinct by the 1980s, it was revived from a few old vines by Guido Cocci Grifoni in Offida; Offida Pecorino gained DOCG status in 2011.
Wine regions for Pecorino
Pecorino wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Ciù Ciù Pecorino Offida
Marche Pecorino: citrus, herbs and a savoury finish.
Food: Seafood pasta, pecorino cheese
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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