Pecorello Calabria IGP 2024 (3 bottles)

Pecorello Calabria IGP 2024 / Ferrocinto / Calabria

Container of 3 bottles

White wine from Italy

The Pecorello Calabria IGP 2024 from Tenute Ferrocinto is a characterful white wine from southern Italy that beautifully captures the essence of its terroir and the distinctive nature of the rare Pecorello grape. The Ferrocinto estate is located in Castrovillari, a historic town in northern Calabria nestled within the “Conca del Re” - a region renowned for viticulture since pre-Roman times. Surrounded by Italy’s largest national parks, the vineyards benefit from a continental-influenced microclimate marked by pronounced temperature shifts between day and night. These conditions encourage the development of complex aromas, while the calcareous soils ensure excellent drainage and lend the wine its signature minerality.

Pecorello is an indigenous white grape variety native to Calabria, primarily found in the central-eastern part of the region. Despite its name, it bears no relation to the Pecorino grape of central Italy, differing significantly in character. Historical records suggest that Pecorello was introduced by Greek settlers in antiquity, though it was only officially recognised in Italy’s national grape registry in 1971. Wines made from this nearly forgotten variety are known for their vibrant acidity, moderate aromatic persistence, and a pleasantly fruity freshness.

Harvesting begins in early September with a meticulous hand-picking process carried out in the cool morning hours to preserve the grapes’ freshness. The fruit is swiftly transported to the winery, where it undergoes gentle destemming, soft pressing, and temperature-controlled fermentation at around 14 to 16°C. Maturation takes place exclusively in stainless steel tanks to preserve the grape’s varietal character and mineral clarity. A period of ageing on fine lees (“sur lie”) adds further texture and complexity. Once matured, the wine is delicately filtered and bottled under oxygen-free conditions to safeguard its aromatic purity.

In the glass, the Pecorello reveals a clear straw-yellow hue with luminous golden highlights. On the nose, it offers a layered bouquet dominated by citrus notes - particularly lemon - complemented by tropical hints of mango and subtle floral undertones. The palate is dry, lively, and well-structured, with a finely integrated acidity and harmonious texture. Hints of pear accompany the tasting experience, leading to a long, elegant finish.

Best served at 8 to 10°C, the Pecorello Calabria IGP reveals its full potential as an aperitif and pairs beautifully with seafood dishes such as grilled sea bass, gilt-head bream, or tuna tartare. It also complements shellfish, Mediterranean vegetable dishes, and fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette or fennel-orange combinations. With mild cheeses like ricotta, burrata, or young pecorino, it brings out a refined mineral edge. Its versatility makes it a sophisticated white wine for a wide range of culinary occasions - from casual nibbles to refined seafood fare. This offering comes as a set of three 0.75-litre bottles - ideal for sharing, gifting, or simply savouring over time.

General properties

• Vintage: 2024
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Calabria
• Volume: 2.25 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Tenute Ferrocinto/Campoverde Spa - Contrada Ciparsia - 87012 Castrovillari (CS) - Italia - +39 0981 415122
• Quality Designation: Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP)
• Grape: 100 % Pecorello.
• Origin and soil conditions: The Pecorello Calabria originates from the Castrovillari region in northern Calabria, a historic wine-growing area in southern Italy. The vines are cultivated on gently sloping hillsides at the edge of the Pollino National Park, where a continental microclimate with pronounced temperature variations between day and night prevails. These climatic conditions encourage the development of complex aromas in the grapes. The soils are predominantly composed of limestone, providing excellent drainage and contributing significantly to the wine’s distinctive minerality. The combination of calcareous subsoil and elevated vineyard sites imparts the Pecorello with its characteristic freshness and elegance. Through sustainable vineyard practices, the Ferrocinto estate succeeds in expressing the unique identity of this terroir with authenticity and precision.
• Winemaking: Vinification begins with a meticulous manual harvest, during which only healthy, fully ripe grapes are selected. To preserve the freshness of the fruit and minimise oxidation, picking takes place in the early morning hours. The grapes are then gently pressed, and alcoholic fermentation is carried out at a controlled temperature of approximately 14 to 16°C to retain the varietal’s delicate fruit and floral aromas. Maturation occurs exclusively in stainless steel tanks, deliberately avoiding the use of oak to highlight the grape’s typicity and the wine’s pronounced minerality. A subsequent period of several weeks on fine lees (“sur lie”) enhances the wine’s texture and complexity. Once the maturation phase is complete, the wine is carefully filtered and bottled under inert conditions to safeguard its freshness and aromatic purity. The aim of this precise and modern winemaking approach is to craft a fresh, aromatic white wine with a distinct mineral character that authentically reflects the terroir of the “Conca del Re” and fully showcases the potential of the indigenous Pecorello grape.
• Scent: The aromatic profile of this wine is defined by vibrant fruit notes, with tropical hints such as mango and a pronounced citrus freshness, particularly lemon. These lively impressions are complemented by delicate floral nuances that lend the bouquet a subtle, playful elegance. The overall sensory experience is rounded off by a distinct minerality, reflecting the unique character of the “Conca del Re” terroir in Calabria.
• Taste: This wine displays pronounced freshness and vitality. Its clear, dry style is supported by well-integrated acidity, which lends structure and ensures a smooth, flowing palate. Despite its lively character, it impresses with a harmonious texture that contributes to a balanced and pleasantly rounded overall impression.
• Colour: Straw yellow with light golden reflections.
• Alcohol content: 13.5 % Vol.
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• Serving recommendation: Thanks to its freshness and pronounced minerality, the Pecorello Calabria IGP is an excellent choice both as an aperitif and as a versatile companion at the table. It pairs particularly well with fish dishes such as grilled sea bass, gilt-head bream or tuna tartare. Its full aromatic potential also unfolds alongside seafood like prawns, scallops or spaghetti alle vongole. Vegetable-based dishes - including grilled vegetables, courgette carpaccio or artichokes – as well as fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette or a fennel-orange combination, complement the wine beautifully. In addition, it matches wonderfully with mild cheeses such as ricotta, burrata or young pecorino.
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 8 and 10°C.
• Ingredients: Grapes, Preservatives and antioxidants: Sulphites, Stabilizers: E414, yeast mannoproteins, E456. Bottled in a modified atmosphere.
• Allergens: Contains sulphites.
• EAN (bottle): 8014529001143
• Bottle type: Disposable (no deposit)
• Scope of supply: 3 disposable bottles of wine 0.75 litres = 2.25 litres.

Grape variety

PECORELLO

The Pecorello is an indigenous white grape variety predominantly grown in the southern Italian region of Calabria. In recent years, this variety has experienced a revival as vintners in Calabria and beyond recognise and promote its potential. The exact origin of Pecorello is difficult to pinpoint, but it is believed to have been cultivated in this region for centuries. The name "Pecorello" means "little sheep" in Italian. It is thought that this name either derives from the shape of the grapes or from the fact that sheep often grazed in the vineyards. Historical records of Pecorello are sparse, suggesting that the variety was long forgotten or only locally known. It was often grown alongside other local grape varieties and used in blends rather than being produced as a single-varietal wine. However, modern viticulture techniques and a heightened appreciation for regional varieties have led to Pecorello being more widely cultivated and made into single-varietal wines. The leaves of the Pecorello vine are medium-sized, typically round or slightly heart-shaped. They are five-lobed, with the lobes moderately deeply incised. The leaf surface is slightly wavy, light green, and has a fine downy underside. The grape clusters are comparatively large, conically shaped, and often loosely packed. The berries are small, slightly oval, and have a thin but firm skin. Their colour ranges from greenish-yellow to golden yellow when fully ripe. The flesh is juicy and has a balanced flavour with a slight acidity. Pecorello is well adapted to the Mediterranean climate of Calabria, with its hot, dry summers and mild winters. Careful cultivation can result in high-quality grapes and thus excellent wines. Pecorello wines are generally light to medium-bodied and are suitable both as single-varietal wines and in blends.