Pecorino Colline Pescaresi IGT 2024: Abruzzo's White Gem

Skip the Pinot Grigio. Pecorino is the Italian white that has been climbing out of the shadows for a decade, and La Valentina’s Colline Pescaresi IGT 2024 makes the case for why. Pale gold with a green rim, a nose of Meyer lemon and sea breeze, a palate that glides over the tongue and finishes saline.

Vineyard

20 kilometres from the Adriatic, at 150 to 250 metres in the Pescara province. Six hectares, ICEA-organic since 2006. A mix of Pergola Abruzzese and Guyot. Early harvest (late August to early September) to keep the acidity in place.

Cellar

Gentle pressing, fermentation in stainless steel, then several months on the fine lees. No oak, no make-up. Annual production: 65,000 bottles.

Tasting note

• Colour: pale gold, green rim
• Nose: citrus zest, white flowers, Mediterranean herbs, a salty sea breeze
• Palate: soft, silky entry, bright acidity, mineral spine. Stone fruit and almond under the citrus, classic saline finish
• Structure: elegant, not loud; complexity that unfolds layer by layer

At the table

• Oysters, grilled branzino, spaghetti alle vongole
• Olives, mozzarella di bufala, light antipasti
• Sushi and mild Thai dishes (the acidity cuts without dominating)
• Aged Pecorino cheese (same name, same mountains)

Final word

In a market crowded with overoaked Chardonnay and neutral Pinot Grigio, this Pecorino does nothing special except be itself: coastal, mineral, deliberately made. Fairly priced for the quality level, equally at home on a Tuesday and a Friday night.