Ciavolich Italian Pecorino, Aries | 2024

 Pecorino is one of Abruzzo’s historical grapes, stemming from the Italian word for sheep, pecora. As flocks were herded south toward Puglia, they were known to snack on these naturally sweet grapes. In the cellar, that sweetness translates into alcohol, which helps explain why good Pecorino is textural, almost unctuous like a red wine. Due to the high concentration of pigments in the skin, the color tends to lean into deep yellows and greens. The best examples of Pecorino, like this one from Ciavolich, come from the cooler, limestone-rich hills of Loreto Aprutino, where the variety finds freshness within boldness. Pungent with sweet lemon, basil, rosemary, and at times lemongrass, Pecorino is a dream pairing with fritto misto, extra squeeze of lemon please! ~Allegra Angelo