Pecorino wine: what it is and what to pair it with

Pecorino wine is a dry Italian white made from the Pecorino grape, grown mostly in the Marche and Abruzzo regions along Italy's Adriatic coast. It is crisp, citrusy and herbal, and it has nothing to do with the sheep's milk cheese of the same name. This guide covers how it tastes, how to serve it and which whites at CBC Liquors in Westford sit closest to it.

What is pecorino wine?

Pecorino is a white grape variety, and pecorino wine is the dry white made from it. It is grown mainly in central Italy, in Marche and Abruzzo, where vineyards run from the Apennine foothills down toward the sea. The wine is usually made as a still, dry white and drunk young.

The grape was close to disappearing in the twentieth century. Growers in the Marche region revived it in the 1980s and 1990s, and it has since become one of the more interesting Italian whites to look for. If you already enjoy Italian whites, you will find it fits comfortably alongside them.

You can browse the full wine section to see what is on the shelves at any time, and the Italian white page narrows it down to the bottles most likely to suit a Pecorino drinker.

Is pecorino wine the same as pecorino cheese?

No. Pecorino cheese is a hard or semi-hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and the word comes from the Italian pecora, meaning sheep. The wine grape shares the name, and the most common explanation is that sheep grazed among the vines or that shepherds took the grape with them as they moved their flocks between summer and winter pastures.

That shared name is why searches for pecorino wine sometimes turn up cheese recipes. They are two separate products, one made from grapes and one from milk.

The two do go well together at the table, though. A glass of Pecorino wine beside a plate of young sheep's milk cheese is a very natural match, because the wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese.

What does pecorino wine taste like?

Pecorino is dry, fresh and lively. The grape holds its acidity well, even when it ripens fully, so the wine tastes bright rather than heavy. Expect citrus such as lemon and grapefruit, white flowers, green apple or pear, and often a savory herbal edge that people describe as sage or rosemary.

Many bottles also have a mineral, slightly salty finish. That quality makes the wine feel precise and clean, and it is one reason it works so well with food rather than being something you only sip on its own.

Pecorino can reach a fairly generous alcohol level because the grapes ripen with plenty of sugar, but the acidity keeps the wine balanced. Most are fermented in stainless steel to keep the fruit and freshness front and center, though some producers give the wine time on its lees for a rounder texture.

Where does pecorino wine come from?

Two regions dominate. In Marche, the best-known appellation is Offida Pecorino, a DOCG zone near the town of Ascoli Piceno. In Abruzzo, you will see Pecorino labeled under broader designations such as Terre di Chieti or Colline Pescaresi, and it is often bottled as a straightforward varietal wine.

Both regions sit between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Sea. That mix of cool nights, sea breezes and sunny days is what lets the grape keep its freshness while still ripening properly.

On a label, look for the word Pecorino alongside the region name. Because it is a grape name rather than a place name, it is easy to spot, even if you do not read Italian.

What food goes with pecorino wine?

Seafood is the classic answer. Grilled fish, fried calamari, shrimp, and pasta with clams all suit the wine's citrus and mineral character. Its acidity works like a squeeze of lemon, brightening the dish without overpowering it.

It also handles vegetable dishes well: asparagus, zucchini, artichokes and risotto with spring vegetables. The herbal note in the wine echoes fresh herbs in the food, so a salad dressed with olive oil and basil, or a roast chicken with rosemary, is a good fit.

For cheese, think young and mild: fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or a young sheep's milk cheese. Very aged, salty cheeses can overwhelm a delicate white, so keep those for a red.

If you are planning a dinner and want help choosing, our post on which Westford liquor store helps with wine choices explains how we can steer you toward a bottle.

How should you serve and store pecorino wine?

Serve it chilled, but not ice cold. Around 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit shows the fruit and herbs best. If it comes straight out of a very cold refrigerator, give the glass a few minutes on the table before you pour.

Use a standard white wine glass. Pecorino does not need decanting, and there is no need to age it. Most bottles are made to be enjoyed within a couple of years of the vintage, while the citrus and floral notes are at their liveliest.

Store unopened bottles lying down or upright in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight. Once opened, push the cork or screw cap back in and keep the bottle in the refrigerator. It will be at its best for the next day or two.

Which white wines in Westford are close to pecorino?

If you like what Pecorino offers, which is dry, crisp, citrus-driven and food-friendly, several styles in the shop will scratch the same itch. If you are after a specific Pecorino, ask us at the counter on Littleton Rd and we will point you to the nearest match.

For a zesty, herbal white, try Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc shares Pecorino's high acidity and fresh green notes, and the Sauvignon Blanc page shows the wider choice. Pinot Grigio is another dry Italian-leaning style that pairs with the same kinds of seafood and light dishes.

If you would like something with more body, KENDALL JACKSON Vintner Chardonnay and BUTTER Chardonnay are fuller whites, and the Chardonnay page has more. You can also look through all white wine for something that suits your meal.

For an aperitif with similar freshness, La Marca Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, and NICOLAS FEUILLATT Reserve Brut Champagne is a dry Champagne. The sparkling wine page has the rest.

How do you get a bottle from CBC Liquors?

Come into the shop at 142 Littleton Rd, Westford, MA 01886. We are open Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. With 4,624 products and 1,893 brands in stock, there is plenty to look through, and we are happy to talk through a dinner menu and suggest a white to go with it.

If you would rather not make the trip, we offer pickup, delivery and shipping. Pickup hours match our store hours. Delivery runs Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

We also serve nearby towns, including Chelmsford and Acton, and the delivery areas page lists the full set. All customers must be 21 or older to order or collect alcohol.