Master of Wine Discusses PECORINO wine
In this video, Bob Paulinski Master of Wine discusses one of the great white wines from Italy. Recently, I’ve been on an Italian white wine kick. That theme continues today with something that is well worth searching out. It wasn’t that many years ago, this grape variety was nearly disappeared forever. I’m talking about Pecorino. Where it’s grown, what makes it unique and why it is a crazy good bargain.
Recently, I spent time in Abruzzo, a few hour drive east of Rome, for me the focus was going to be all about Montepulciano. And that held true, mostly. I’ll be doing a deep dive video into it before too long. Over a short period of days, I tasted 100s of wines from Abruzzo. Along the way, Pecorino increasingly caught my attention. I’ve had an occasional one here and there, but was a chance to taste 20 or so over a few days. All that I tasted were all less than three years old.
What’s with the name? During the trip, I heard the same story over and over. The sheep which provide the milk for Pecorino cheese would feast on the ripe Pecorino grapes. It’s which came first the wine or cheese come first. Never received a clear answer on that one.
Where is it grown? It’s most identified with Abruzzo, but Marche also makes a strong claim, can be found in Tuscany, Umbria and Liguria. Outside of Italy, the plantings are scant at best. As developing fruit, it ripens early in the growing season, attains high sugar levels and its disease resistant. The problem, it produces low yields. Going back to the 1980s and decades before that, growers broadly look at high yields as a plus. Often quantity over quality was the way of time. I recently did a video on Fiano. Much the same story. Even though Pecorino isn’t new as a wine grape variety, it’s only over the last 30 years or so that it’s enjoying an uptick in production. Today, Abruzzo has about 3000 acres of Pecorino.
What makes it unique? It’s a fickle grape variety with unpredictable yields. As I tasted more examples, I was increasingly impressed. I didn’t matter on the style of how it was made, they all had a similar trait, fantastic acidity. It was the backbone of the wine from start to finish. They drink well when young and also age well. A good number can push the 14% alcohol mark. It’s rare to have that level of alcohol, while retaining the acidity. Oak typically plays little or any role in the wines.
Why is it a bargain? This is a classic example of the market not quite catching up to the value. In other words, a great value for the cash. In Italy most were under 20e, in the US most are under $25, but there are a few super high end examples as well.
The wine tasted in this video is a 2022 Contesa Pecorino from Abruzzo. This is a spot on example of Pecorino from excellent source. In most US markets, the wine retails for under $20.
#pecorino #italy #winetasting #winelife #wset #masterofwine #bobpaulinski #abruzzo
Пікірлер: 45
For more on Italian, click on this video about Fiano. kzread.info/dash/bejne/o4asu5uadN3UaNY.html
I’ve had 4 different Pecorinos so far (1 was a skin contact!) and I loved every one! Neat to see this grape get a shout out. It is so consistently good for the price.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
5 ай бұрын
A skin contact version sounds interesting. I’ve recently had a couple of Australian versions that were very good as well. Thanks for commenting.
Great to hear about a new grape & wine, thanks Bob, will seek out a bottle.🙏
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
8 ай бұрын
Definitely worth the search. Cheers!
In Italian wine obsessed Toronto - I definitely see it. Now I'll try some!
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
9 ай бұрын
It’s definitely worth searching out. FYI, on Sunday I’ll be part of a live event about Abruzzo. Pecorino will be part of the discussion. You’ll see it posted in the community tab. Cheers!
My partner's family is from Abruzzo, and they're growers for the Cantina Sociale di Casalbordino, of which my partner's grandfather is a founding memember. We've tasted many pecorinos as a result and have rarely been disappointed, i would add that a big characteristic of pecorino is the high glycerol content. These wines are usually acidic but very round and coat the palate. That being said i hope you had the opportunity to taste also Passerina, another variety from the region with just the most delicious pineapple and tropical notes! Thank you for highlighting these less known varieties internationally ❤️
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the comment. Very insightful. I was also impressed with the consistency in terms of quality. Cheers!
Can't waot to try Pecorino! Another gem from Abroozo.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
Definitely worthwhile!
Enjoyed a well chilled Barone de valforte '22 Abruzzo pecorino. You nailed the vibrancy and flavor in your description. 8 oz 21.00 Cdn. Less of a value here in Halifax NS though.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
8 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing the comment. Hmm, you’re right, the value in Halifax is not as good, but I’m glad you enjoyed the wine.
Always learning allot with you
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I had some Spinelli Abruzzo 2021 at the airport recently. It was very aromatic for sure! I think Pecorino is my new favorite aromatic wine (besides Riesling). I think it's better than Torrontes and Soave.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
10 ай бұрын
Nice! Definitely try Fiano as well.
Never heard of it but Ill put a bottle or two on my to watch list!
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
Definitely search it out!
I've been drinking Pecorino for a few years. It's one of the wines written on my "wines I like" list😊. Thanks for sharing all these lesser known wines with the rest of the world ❤
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
There are many lesser known wines that are well worth exploring. Italy has perhaps more than any other country. It’s good you’ve been dialed in to Pecorino for a few years. Cheers!
In Australia two wineries I know of make Pecorino. Chalmers Wines, who i believe imported and propagated the vine material and also make a Pecorino wine, and Billy Button Wines. Billy Buttons Pecorino is delicious. I haven’t tried Chalmers. Both wineries are in the state of Victoria.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
This is good to know. I lived in Victoria a few years ago, had some fun wines from Billy Buttons, although I don’t recall seeing a Pecorino.
One of my favorite wine memories is drinking Pecorino from Abruzzo at my brother's wedding in Switzerland 4 years ago. Even though I was jet lagged it still was very lovely and fresh and went very well with all of the different courses. I certainly agree with that it's an under the radar cultivar at the moment, which I am happy about. As far as I know only one or two importers bring it into Taiwan, so yes you do have to find speciality importers. But it is worth it. I hope to be able to drink it more in the future.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
10 ай бұрын
We are in agreement. On a recent trip to Abruzzo, i tasted many that were outstanding. In Taiwan, I’d expect it would be difficult to find, Montepulciano is likely more plentiful. Cheers. 🍷
This is one of my absolute favorite wines, it’s too bad there’s not more information out there about it! Thank you for making this video🥂 Any food pairing recommendations?
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
We’re aligned! Since the acidity is high, it goes well with richer dishes, shellfish like shrimp, scallops, etc. The acidity keeps the palate fresh. Also, I thought it was great with creamy cheeses.
@jerseygirlnv
Жыл бұрын
@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine thank you!
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
@@jerseygirlnv You’re welcome!
Bob, that is so awesome. Pecorino is definitely on my radar now. Please keep bringing jewels like this to our attention. I mean, that is how your channel is so much different from many others out there. Good stuff.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
11 ай бұрын
Thanks as always. Pecorino is not easy to find, but worth the search. Cheers!
Never tryed that wine/grape. something new to try. Thanks Bob.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
It’s well worth searching out. If you try it, let me know your thoughts. Cheers!
A varietal I've liked, but always forget about. Good call, as usual. Love the videos.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
Glad to hear it. Thanks for the good word. Cheers!
Love pecorino! Marche pecorinos are extremely affordable in Canada.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
I’ve had great examples from Marche as well. I’m glad to hear the bargains extend to Canada. Cheers!
Another great video, and I'm so happy it came out now because I've started selling it in the store (Calalenta). Straight to the instruction videos 😂
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the good word. What’s the chance that you’ve just started selling it? 😂
Never had Pecorino wine (the cheese is delicious) but it sounds both tasty and dangerous. The combination of high acid and high alcohol that you don't notice is a recipe for a bad hangover. Will search it out anyway! This video and the one on Fiano are great for encouraging the exploration of new wines. That is such a big benefit of being into wine, at least for me.
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
Both are well worth searching out. Tasty and dangerous, a good combo! I hope you can find both. Cheers!
Yeah. Good stuff pecorino. I think I’ve mentioned I could drink nothing but indigenous grapes from Italy and be very very happy. Nice video!
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
I’m right there with you, indigenous grape varieties from Italy are incredible and in recent years they’re increasingly getting the attention they deserve. So much to discover. Thanks for the good word, as always!
Oh goodness... is there an end to Italian grape varieties? I guess not...! Will have a serious talk with my Italian importer friend
@bobpaulinskimasterofwine
Жыл бұрын
Haha! It’s a very long list. Definitely talk to your wine friend!