Cerulli Spinozzi, Colli Aprutini IGP (Abruzzo, Italy) Pecorino 2013

It’s not just a cheese.  Pecorino (from “pecora,” the word for sheep in Italian) is also a grape native to Abruzzo and Marche, regions on the Eastern side of the Italian peninsula.  Enrico Cerulli Irelli, family proprietor of Cerulli Spinozzi, speculates that the grape got its name because sheep grazing on adjacent pastures would nibble at the vines.  Judging from this wine, it’s likely to become as popular as the cheese.  Dry and stony, it’s quite mineraly and has real depth.  The lack of wood aging allows its fresh and invigorating character to shine.  A refreshing lime-acid vibrancy adds to its appeal.  It’s a great choice for seafood.  Smart sheep.