Pecorino Vanità Terre d'Abruzzo IGP 2025

This Pecorino comes from vineyards planted around Ortona, in the province of Chieti, on the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo. Facing west and south-west, the vines take root in medium-textured clay-limestone soils and are trained on the Abruzzese pergola, the region's traditional training system. Pecorino, a rare native grape variety covering only about 300 hectares between Abruzzo and the Marche, is said to owe its name to the shape of its bunch, reminiscent of a ewe's head.

The Pecorino grapes, harvested ripe, are gently destemmed and crushed, then macerate on their skins for about twelve hours at 3 °C to extract their aroma precursors. About 80% of the must then ferments in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks at a controlled 12 °C. The remaining 20% ferments in 40-hectolitre oak vats (foudres), which bring a discreet oaky touch and a finer character. Blending the two lots marries aromatic freshness and texture.

This wine reveals notes of yellow flowers, white peach, pear, lemon, orange, fresh herbs, bitter almond and flint. Beneath a brilliant straw-yellow colour with golden glints, the nose is fresh and mineral, blending white-fleshed fruit, citrus and floral touches. The palate is savoury and generous, carried by lively acidity and a saline sensation. The slightly bitter, fresh finish pleasantly prolongs the tasting.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!