Pecorino is an ancient white grape variety native to the mountainous area of Arquata del Tronto, in the Piceno region, historically documented in the Marche and neighbouring Apennine territories. After a long period of obscurity, it was rediscovered and promoted from the 1980s onwards, once again becoming one of the most distinctive varieties of central Italy. The leaf is small to medium in size, generally orbicular, entire or three-lobed, with a closed lyre-shaped petiole sinus; the bunch is small to medium in size, cylindrical or cylindrical-conical, sometimes winged and of varying compactness. The berries, spherical and small in size, have a firm skin, yellowish-green in colour tending towards golden as they ripen, and juicy flesh. Today, Pecorino is found mainly in the Marche region, particularly in the provinces of Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, Macerata and Ancona, and in Abruzzo, with some also found in Umbria and Lazio. The resulting wine is characterised by a straw-yellow colour, often enlivened by greenish or golden highlights, and by an intense, floral and citrusy aromatic profile, enriched with hints of white fruit, aromatic herbs and mineral nuances. On the palate, it offers marked freshness, savouriness, structure and length, with a pleasant, slightly almondy finish. Its firm acidity underpins its balance and promotes good ageing potential in the bottle. The grape variety is the main component of Offida Pecorino and contributes to the Falerio Pecorino style.
