Pecorino (Italy)

Pecorino is an Italian Sheep Cheese. The name translates to "from Sheep". The best known variants are Pecorino Romano and Pecorino Siciliano.

Wine Pairing Pecorino

Pecorino is a delicious and versatile Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. Depending on its aging, Pecorino cheese can range from mild and creamy to sharp and tangy.

Pecorino cheese, known for its sharp, salty, and nutty profile, pairs best with Italian wines that offer high acidity or robust body to balance the salt.

The saltiness requires wines that can cut through the richness, and regional Italian pairings often work best.

Ideal choices include tannic red Chianti for aged Pecorino, refreshing Vermentino for young Pecorino, or sweet dessert wines (Sagrantino Passito) for highly aged, spicy varieties.

Regional Pairing

Pair Pecorino Toscano with Chianti Classico.

Pair Pecorino Romano with Southern Italian reds.

Pair Sardinian Pecorino (Fiori Sardo) with bold, rustic red wines from Sardinia, such as Cannonau (Grenache).

About Pecorino

Pecorino is dry and hard as Parmigiano (Parmesan), but with a sharper sheep flavor.

Because the taste is aromatic, pleasantly sharp, and very salty, Pecorino has become the preferred cheese for some special Italian pasta dishes with highly flavoured sauces like Spaghetti alla Carbonara.

Aged Pecorino (Romano/Toscano)

Chianti Classico Riserva

The best classic pairing. Chianti Classico Riserva is a well-balanced red wine with flavors of tart cherry, earth, and herbs.

Its acidity and full body make it a versatile pairing option for a variety of aged cheeses.

Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino is another excellent choice for Pecorino.

It is a bold and elegant red wine with flavors of dark berries, herbs, and earthiness. Its firm tannins and acidity complements the flavors of cheeses like Pecorino.

Rosso di Montepulciano

A structured Tuscan red that match the intensity of matured sheep's milk.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone is a powerful and full-bodied red wine from the Veneto region. Its rich and complex flavors of dried fruits, chocolate, and spices can stand up to the intensity of Pecorino, creating a harmonious pairing.

Barbaresco

Made from Nebbiolo grapes in the Piemonte region, Barbaresco is a complex and structured red wine with floral, fruity, and earthy notes. Its acidity and tannins can enhance the nutty and savory flavors of Pecorino.

Cannonau

Perfect for Pecorino Sardo, often featuring smoky notes.

Young/Fresh Pecorino

Vermentino

A crisp, aromatic white that offers a refreshing contrast.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

A dry, fresh white wine.

Pecorino Wine

Pairing the Pecorino cheese with the grape of the same name creates a similar, light, and fruity contrast.

Aged & Spicy Pecorino

Pair intensely aged, spicy Pecorino with sweet, luscious dessert wines like Sagrantino Passito or Moscadello di Montalcino for a high-contrast experience.

Sparkling Wines

Franciacorta

Franciacorta is considered the superior pairing for aged Italian cheese.

Its complex, yeasty, and structured nature (produced in the traditional method) stands up well to the intense flavors and fat content of hard, aged cheeses, acting as an excellent palate cleanser.

Prosecco

With its lively bubbles and flavors of green apple and citrus, Prosecco can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of Pecorino.

Lambrusco

This slightly sparkling Italian red wine from Emilia-Romagna, offers a touch of sweetness, bright acidity, and fruity flavors that can balance the richness of Pecorinowhile cleansing the palate.

Dessert Wines

Vin Santo

Vin Santo is a sweet dessert wine from Tuscany, often made from dried grapes. Its honeyed flavors and nutty undertones can pair beautifully with Pecorino, particularly when served as a dessert pairing.

Marsala

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily with flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel. Its sweetness and richness can complement the nuttiness of Pecorino, making it a delightful pairing.

Aged Port

Aged Port, a Tawny or Ruby, can be a delightful pairing with Pecorino.

The wine's rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel, along with its sweetness and smooth texture, will enhance the nuttiness and savory notes of any cheese.

Personal Preferences

Enjoy your wine and cheese with local fruits nuts and bread!

Personal preferences play a significant role in wine and cheese pairings, so don't hesitate to experiment to find the combination that suits your taste buds best.

Consider adding some accompaniments like fruit, nuts, or bread to enhance the pairing experience: