Velenosi Pecorino 2024

For a long time, Pecorino was a grape nearly lost to the history books, favored more by the sheep (pecora) of the Marche than the winemakers. But in the hands of Angela Velenosi, it has become one of the most compelling reasons to look toward Italy’s Adriatic coast. This 2024 vintage from the Offida DOCG is a shining example of why this “herdsman’s grape” is currently enjoying a well-deserved renaissance.

In the glass, it offers a brilliant straw-yellow hue with persistent greenish highlights that hint at its electric freshness. The nose is a complex, sun-drenched bouquet of Meyer lemon, crisp green apple, and exotic notes of pineapple and mango. Look closer and you’ll find a savory edge—wild sage, hawthorn, and a whisper of fresh-cut grass that speaks to the sandy soils of Ascoli Piceno.

On the palate, this is anything but a shy white wine. It’s remarkably well-structured, balancing a zesty, mineral-driven acidity with a surprisingly round, fleshy texture—the result of careful aging on fine lees. The finish is clean and lingering, punctuated by a saline snap that practically begs for another sip.

This is a versatile, food-friendly bottle that punches well above its weight class. While it’s a natural partner for grilled branzino or fritto misto, its weight and character make it a standout alongside herb-roasted poultry or, quite fittingly, a few shards of aged Pecorino cheese.