The pecorino grape variety, native to Italy and primarily originating from the Abruzzo region, faced a period of decline that nearly led to its extinction. However, in the 1980s, a successful rescue effort was undertaken through the collection of cuttings, allowing for its revaluation in the wine industry. Today, pecorino is part of the new wave of Italian varietal wines. Its name, derived from the Italian word "pecora," meaning little sheep, alludes to the local sheep that used to graze in the vineyards and often enjoyed the grapes. Thus, this variety not only celebrates its revival but also stands as a symbol of Italy's rich winemaking heritage. One who knows this well is Cantina Orsogna, a cooperative established in 1964 by 450 members in the Abruzzo area, and thanks to their dedication, it is now the largest producer of organic and biodynamic wines in central southern Italy with 1,100 hectares of vineyard.
Under the guidance of the talented winemaker Camillo Zulli, they present Cantina Orsogna Lunaria Civitas Pecorino, a white wine made predominantly from pecorino and a small percentage of other white varieties such as malvasia and trebbiano. The vines are located 15 km from the Adriatic coast at an altitude of 300-450 metres. The vineyard is managed organically with biodynamic treatments, and the harvest is conducted manually at the optimal moment of ripeness. Once in the winery, whole clusters are sent to the pneumatic press, and the resulting must ferments with its indigenous yeasts at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks for about 30 days. It then remains on its lees for several months before bottling.
Cantina Orsogna Lunaria Civitas Pecorino not only highlights the purity and freshness of the pecorino variety but also celebrates the winery's commitment to sustainability and the cultural heritage of the Abruzzo region. Undoubtedly, the revival of an emblematic grape.