2021 Pecorino, Colli Aprutini, Emidio Pepe, Abruzzo, Italy

Emidio Pepe

Emidio Pepe is located in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The estate was founded by Emidio Pepe in 1964 and is now run by his daughters, Daniela and Sofia Pepe. Emidio Pepe is particularly famous for its traditional and artisanal approach to winemaking, producing wines that reflect the terroir of Abruzzo and showcase the potential of indigenous grape varieties.

One of the key varieties cultivated by Emidio Pepe is Montepulciano, a red grape indigenous to Italy, which is used to produce their flagship wine, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. The estate's Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is highly regarded for its purity, intensity, and longevity, often developing complex flavours and aromas with age.

Emidio Pepe follows organic and biodynamic farming practices, avoiding the use of chemicals and pesticides in their vineyards. They also adhere to traditional winemaking methods, including natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts and ageing the wines in large oak barrels or in bottle, depending on the wine.

Abruzzo

Abruzzi (Abruzzo) is an eastern Italian province. Although it remains insignificant in terms of the fine wine market, it is important quantitatively, drawing most of its wine production from the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grape.

Since 2003 there’s been a rash of new, grape growers-turned bottlers, spurred on by the region’s first DOCG Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane, but it’s clear that many lack the knowhow/heritage to do this professionally or they’re hiring in expensive consultants to fast-forward/pay off the bank loan, often ending up with boringly international, overly technical wines (while still keeping a large foot in the bulk market).

There is a definite move back to autochthonous grapes as producers grapple with climate change, believing, as others in Italy, that these grapes are better equipped to deal with the meteorological extremes. According to Valentini, the traditional high tendone/pergola abruzzese form of trellising seems better placed to cope with these hotter climes, shielding the fruit and supporting acidities (echoed in Valpolicella by Monte dei Ragni).

Black Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (aka Cordisco) is a ‘noble’ grape with a history back to 1793, whose origins lie in the Valle Peligna of the Apennines, to the town of Sulmona. Purple coloured, packed with flesh, low-medium tannins but inclined to give reduced gamey wines it’s the workhorse of the bulk wine industry, distributed as blending wine everywhere in Italy (and Europe?); the DOC can be blended with 15% other abruzzese grapes.

White Trebbiano d’Abruzzo dates back to 16th century but its identity is frequently confused with Trebbiano di Toscana, Trebbiano di Romagna and Trebbiano di Soave! DOC allows blending with 15% local white varieties (e.g. Chardonnay, Fiano, Bombino – from Puglia!) Mostly overcropped to give insipid ‘sweet water’ wines of low alcohol, light body, grassy almond notes, yet potentially very good if treated with respect, without irrigation and on VSP trellising.

Autochthonous white Passerina, Pecorino, Cococciola varieties have become fashionable, giving wines with more obvious personality at high yields (than Trebbiano). Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo rosato is making a comeback too. From being the wine the pescatori (fishermen) it has since become a more serious proposition, probably due to its production from salasso/saignee/bleeding the MdA vats giving wines with greater body and abv%. It may prove to be the perfect ‘rosato’ in future, ideal wine style for any Asian dish.
David Berry Green, Wine Buyer

Recomended Producers: Col del Mondo, Cirelli, Faraone, Valentini
 

Pecorino

Pecorino is a white wine grape variety that is native to the Marches and Abruzzo regions of central Italy. It is believed to have originated in the Marches region, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The name "Pecorino" is derived from the Italian word for sheep, "Pecora," because the grape clusters are said to resemble a sheep's head.

Pecorino is known for its high acidity and aromatic profile, which often includes notes of citrus, green apple, and floral aromas. It is typically made into dry, still white wines that are crisp and refreshing. Pecorino wines are often compared to Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino due to their similar characteristics.

The grape variety was nearly extinct by the mid-20th century due to low yields and disease susceptibility. However, in the late 20th century, there was a resurgence of interest in indigenous Italian grape varieties, and Pecorino was one of the varieties that benefited from this renewed interest. Today, Pecorino is experiencing a revival, and it is increasingly being planted in other regions of Italy, and in other countries such as Australia and the United States.

Pecorino wines are typically enjoyed young and are best paired with seafood, poultry, and light pasta dishes. They are also a good match for cheeses such as Pecorino (which shares its name with the grape), goat cheese, and fresh mozzarella.