TENUTA ULISSE | Pecorino | Terre di Chieti | 2022
pecorino

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Today we are going to review a single-varietal pecorino wine that comes from the sun-bathed Abruzzo region of Italy – Pecorino Terre di Chieti 2022 by Tenuta Ulisse. Pecorino is an old, neat and quite scented white grape variety from Italy’s Adriatic coast, that was literally brought back from the brink of extinction. Pecorino is a light-skinned grape variety native to the Marche region that does share a bit of history with the famous italian cheeses including Pecorino Romano and Pecorino Toscano (‘pecora’ translates as sheep) and it is believed that the sugar-rich grapes were irresistible to the woolly creatures. The legend claims that the sheep would eat so many grapes, that the shepherds would offer the vineyard owners a block of pecorino cheese as compensation, or so the story goes. What we know for sure is that pecorino is a quite difficult grape to grow, with very low yields, which is one of the reasons it fell into obscurity, with easy to grow, high-yielding grape varieties being planted in its stead. In the 90’s howether, pecorino was put back on the radar by a young italian winemakers – Guido Cocci Grifoni, who was concerned about the quality of white wines in the mountainous regions on the eastern coast. To find a solution, he started to research all native white grape varieties of the region and discovered references about an old grape variety, that was capable to ripen fully even higher up in the mountains, that grape variety was called pecorino. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: pale straw-white color
clarity: bright yellow-green hues

//Olfactory
intensity: powerful & herbaceous
fruit character: ripe & overripe

On the first nose, the wine offers an alluring fruit character, with a mix of ripe and candy-like notes. The foreground is filled with the delightful essence of green pear, peardrop, gooseberry, lime, green apple, lemon and kiwi, accompanied by hints of lemon candy, wild pear, wild apple and green grapefruit. As the aromatic journey continues, subtle undertones of wormwood, meadow, daffodil, nettle, mint and hints of eucalyptus emerge, adding complexity and depth.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp

On the palate, this wine presents a delightful interplay of flavors that awaken the taste buds. Its crisp and fresh nature is beautifully complemented by a vibrant fruit character, featuring ripe green fruits, citrus and candy-like notes. The mouth-watering acidity adds a refreshing zing, while a touch of alcoholic warmth lends depth to the overall profile. A subtle phenolic bitterness adds complexity, leading to a refreshingly-crisp aftertaste that leaves a memorable impression. With its lean, crisp and fresh style, this wine offers a revitalizing and invigorating experience.

//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within 1 year
verdict: great | a must try wine

Overall, this wine delivers a refreshing, lush and expressive character that captivates the senses. Its lean and supple nature showcases a zesty and slightly green flavour profile, adding a touch of excitement to the tasting experience. The wine’s vibrant flavors and crisp acidity create a revitalizing sensation, making it a great choice for those seeking a genuinely refreshing, but at the same time, aromatic wine. While it may lack a bit of complexity and finesse on the palate, the wine still impresses with its clean and neat palate. It embodies the essence of the pecorino grape variety, delivering a burst of invigorating flavors and leaving a memorable impression.

//Scoring
TENUTA ULISSE | Pecorino | Terre di Chieti | 2022
variety: pecorino
country: Italy
region: Abruzzo | Terre di Chieti
rating: 93.6
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This is definitely a great wine of Italy and with a total of 93.6 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Based on the wine’s refreshing, crisp, and citrusy-green profile, we would recommend pairing it with a fresh summer salad with grilled shrimp and citrus vinaigrette. The wine’s vibrant acidity and zesty nature will harmonize perfectly with the bright flavors of the grilled shrimp, while the wine’s citrusy and green fruit character will be enhanced by the tangy citrus dressing. To add depth and complexity, add some fresh herbs, such as mint or basil, which will complement the wine’s subtle herbaceous hints. This pairing combination will create a delightful, but at the same time, light and refreshing culinary experience. Enjoy!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.