2022 Tiberio Pecorino Colline Pescaresi

Almost 25 years ago, Riccardo Tiberio made his leap into winemaking after purchasing a rare plot of 60-year-old trebbiano abruzzese vines; an opportunity he couldn't pass up. Much of what sells as "trebbiano" in Abruzzo is trebbiano toscano, bombino bianco or other similar looking varieties and not the rare, indigenous Abruzzese varietal, which can produce wines of greater depth and complexity. Just a year later, he would plant vines of another neglected native grape: pecorino. Pecorino is a finicky grape that fell into obscurity due to its low yields, but made a comeback in the 1990's thanks to trailblazing winemakers who recognized its potential. The altitude and microclimate of Abruzzo is where Pecorino thrives, but you'll also find it in Umbria, Liguria, Tuscany and the Marche. After several successful harvests, Riccardo handed the reins over to his son Antonio (agronomist) and daughter Cristiana (chemist, oenologist) and they continue to produce exemplary Abruzzese wines, including this 2022 vintage of their Pecorino. Full bodied and mineral, with notes of green apple, lime and sage and a thirst quenching long finish, this is a good wine to pair with some kale sauce pasta and the other kind of pecorino grated on top.