Cestino Pecorino ‘Terre di Chieti’ 2018 (Italy)

Description

“Bright and inviting, the attractively expressed bouquet shows Granny Smith apple, rockmelon, lemon pith and floral characters, followed by a juicy palate that is beautifully rounded and vibrant at the same time. It is splendidly expressive and tasty with a lingering mouth-watering finish. At its best: now to 2021" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

“Light, fresh, smooth-textured white with lemon peel, floral, wildflowers and a subtle saline-mineral influence supported by fresh, fruity acidity. Easy-drinking white that offers good value at this price" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine 

"The Italian white variety Pecorino nearly disappeared completely a couple of decades ago, but has been revived and is now a hot ticket in central Italy, particularly in the eastern wine regions of Marche, Abruzzo, even now extending into Umbria. This is an outstanding example of the variety, lemony and leafy on the nose (a whiff of minerality perhaps?), waxy, mouthcoating palate, and crunchy acidity to finish. Cracking dry white, everyone deserves to try this!" Paul Tudor, Master of Wine

Pecorino (meaning sheep) is an old, native variety probably originating from the Marche region and now also grown in neighboring Abruzzo. In the mid-20th Century, Pecorino was thought extinct. In the 1980s, a local producer researching native varieties investigated a rumour of some forgotten vines in an overgrown vineyard. Cuttings were taken and propagated. Since then, the variety's plantings have grown exponentially and it is the “hot and trendy” Italian grape of the moment. Following the harvest at the end of September, fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures for between 12-15 days and then spent a short period resting on the lees before bottling. A fresh, light, minerally white wine, with citrus aromas and a crisp, light palate with flavours of green apple and herbs. It is the perfect, light, lower-alcohol (12%) crisp, food-friendly style of wine to partake in the Italian tradition of celebrating long weekend lunches with friends and family.

Food Pairing: Pair with Pecorino cheese and walnut bread, adding to the gorgeous fruit flavours.