Pecorino Fresco (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 Fresco

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.

Because Pecorino Fresco is high in moisture and mild in flavor, it pairs best with wines that have good acidity and a lighter body.

It pairs best with high-acid white wines like Vermentino and Vernaccia.

Excellent Wine Pairings

White Wines: Crisp, aromatic whites like Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, or Vernaccia di San Gimignano are ideal.

Sparkling Wines: A dry Prosecco provides bubbles that cut through the creaminess of the cheese.

Light Reds: If you prefer red, stick to young, fruity varieties like Dolcetto d'Alba or Refosco.

Young/Fresh Pecorino

Lighter, fresher pecorino pairs well with crisp, savory, and aromatic white wines.

Try Vermentino, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, or Pecorino wine (the grape variety).

Sparkling Wines

Dry Prosecco or Franciacorta are excellent, safe choices to break down the butterfat and cleanse the palate.

White Wines

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Vermentino

This crisp and aromatic white wine from Italy often has flavors of citrus, green apple, and herbs, which can beautifully complement the creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor of Pecorino.

Greco di Tufo

A medium-bodied white wine with a mineral character and hints of pear and peach, Greco di Tufo pairs well with aged Pecorino, enhancing its nutty and savory notes.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its zesty acidity and herbaceous notes, which can provide a refreshing contrast to the mild sweetness of Pecorino. Its citrus flavors can also complement the cheese's creamy texture.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic profile of lychee, rose petals, and spice, can pair nicely with Pecorino. Its floral and slightly sweet notes can enhance the cheese's flavor while providing a refreshing contrast.

Riesling Spätlese

A slightly off-dry Riesling with vibrant acidity can balance out the strong flavor of Pecorino. Look for a German or Alsace Riesling Spätlese with some residual sugar to contrast the cheese's intensity.

Rosé and Red Wines

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Rosé

A dry Italian Rosé can provide a versatile pairing option for Pecorino. The wine's crisp acidity and red fruit flavors can balance the cheese's creaminess while adding a refreshing touch to the pairing.

Barbera

Barbera is another Italian red wine known for its bright acidity and flavors of red cherries, plums, and spices. Its acidity can cut through the creaminess of Pecorino, while its fruitiness can enhance the cheese's tangy notes.

Dolcetto

Dolcetto is an Italian red wine from the Piemonte region. It is known for its fruit-forward character and soft tannins. Its medium-bodied nature and its fruity, sometimes slightly bitter, flavor profile matches most semi-soft cheeses.

Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico, made primarily from Sangiovese grapes in the Chianti region of Tuscany, offers bright acidity, red fruit flavors, and earthy undertones that can complement the nuttiness of Pecorino. Look for a Chianti Classico with moderate tannins and a long finish.

Pinot Noir

A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can offer a versatile pairing option for Pecorino. The wine's bright acidity and red fruit flavors can complement the cheese's creamy texture and subtle sweetness without overpowering it.

Frappato

Frappato is a light and fruity red wine from Sicily. It can offer a versatile pairing option for Pecorino. The wine's vibrant red fruit flavors and soft tannins can complement the cheese's profile.

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Sparkling Wines

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Franciacorta

This Italian sparkling wine, made in the traditional method, offers crisp acidity and elegant bubbles, making it a refreshing and palate-cleansing pairing for Pecorino.

Prosecco

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

Moscato d'Asti

Moscato d'Asti, a light and bubbly sweet wine with floral aromas and flavors of ripe peaches and apricots, can provide a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of Pecorino, making it an excellent choice for a cheese course or dessert pairing.

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Dessert Wines

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Vin Santo

This traditional Italian dessert wine offers honeyed sweetness and flavors of dried fruits and nuts, which can complement the savory and salty notes of Pecorino, creating a harmonious pairing.

Personal Preferences

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:

• Crusty Bread and Crackers
• Nuts, Peanuts and Fries
• Grapes and Berries
• Olives and Garlic
• Figs and Rasins
• Apple and Honey
• Sliced Pear
• Dark Chocolate
• Rosemary and Thyme

If it Grows Together

If it grows together it goes together.

Pairing locally is a great way to learn more about wine and cheese:

France

Chèvre from Loire is great with Sauvignon Blanc from Loire.

Munster from Alsace is great with Gewürztraminer from Alsace.

French Sauternes with French Roquefort.

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Italy

Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.

Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.

Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.

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Spain

Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.

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Alpine

Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.