Pecorino (Italy)
Pecorino is an Italian Sheep Cheese. The name translates to "from Sheep".
The best known variants are Pecorino Romano and Pecorino Siciliano.
Pecorino is dry and hard as Parmigiano (Parmesan), but with a sharper sheep flavor.
Because the taste is aromatic, pleasantly sharp, and very salty, Pecorino has become the preferred cheese for some special Italian pasta dishes with highly flavoured sauces like Spaghetti alla Carbonara.
Wine Pairing
Pecorino is a delicious and versatile Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. Depending on its aging, Pecorino cheese can range from mild and creamy to sharp and tangy.
Here are some excellent wine pairings to complement the flavors of Pecorino:
Red Wines
Aged cheeses pair best with bold red wines.
The fat content in aged cheeses do well to counteract the tannins in these wines.
Barolo
This robust red wine from the Piemonte region in Italy, has intense flavors of cherry, leather, and earthiness. Barolo wines are full-bodied with strong acidity and high tannins that complement the richness and sharpness Pecorino.
Barbaresco
Made from Nebbiolo grapes in the Piemonte region, Barbaresco is a complex and structured red wine with floral, fruity, and earthy notes. Its acidity and tannins can enhance the nutty and savory flavors of Pecorino.
Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino is another excellent choice for Pecorino. It is a bold and elegant red wine with flavors of dark berries, herbs, and earthiness. Its firm tannins and acidity complements the flavors of cheeses like Pecorino.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva is a well-balanced red wine with flavors of tart cherry, earth, and herbs. Its acidity and medium body make it a versatile pairing option for a variety of aged cheeses.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone is a powerful and full-bodied red wine from the Veneto region. Its rich and complex flavors of dried fruits, chocolate, and spices can stand up to the intensity of Pecorino, creating a harmonious pairing.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with its rich dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and hints of spice can provide a bold complement to Pecorino.
The wine's structure and intensity can balance the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its nutty undertones.
Syrah/Shiraz
A bold and fruity Syrah/Shiraz can be a delicious pairing with Pecorino.
The wine's dark fruit flavors, spicy notes, and firm tannins complements the cheese's robust flavors.
White Wines
Soave Classico
This dry white wine from the Veneto region is made primarily from Garganega grapes. Its crisp acidity and floral notes can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of Pecorino.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic profile of lychee, rose petals, and spice, can pair nicely with Pecorino. Its floral and slightly sweet notes can enhance the cheese's flavor while providing a refreshing contrast.
Oaked Chardonnay
A full-bodied oaked Chardonnay is a match made in heaven with an aged cheese like Pecorino. Its moderate acidity and citrus notes let the flavors of the cheese shine without becoming overpowering. The finish of Pecorino wraps it in a sweet balance with the oaky, buttery elements of an oaked Chardonnay.
Sparkling Wines
Franciacorta
This Italian sparkling wine, made in the traditional method, offers crisp acidity and elegant bubbles, making it a refreshing and palate-cleansing pairing for Pecorino.
Prosecco
With its lively bubbles and flavors of green apple and citrus, Prosecco can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of Pecorino.
Lambrusco
This slightly sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy, offers a touch of sweetness, bright acidity, and fruity flavors that can balance the richness of Pecorino while cleansing the palate.
Dessert Wines
Vin Santo
Vin Santo is a sweet dessert wine from Tuscany, often made from dried grapes. Its honeyed flavors and nutty undertones can pair beautifully with Pecorino, particularly when served as a dessert pairing.
Marsala
Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily with flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel. Its sweetness and richness can complement the nuttiness of Pecorino, making it a delightful pairing.
Aged Port
Aged Port, a Tawny or Ruby, can be a delightful pairing with Pecorino.
The wine's rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel, along with its sweetness and smooth texture, will enhance the nuttiness and savory notes of any cheese.
Sherry
Dry or sweet varieties of Sherry, such as Amontillado or Oloroso, can pair well with aged cheeses due to their complex nutty flavors and oxidative notes, which harmonize with the cheese's characteristics.Personal Preferences
As always, personal preferences play a significant role in wine and cheese pairings, so don't hesitate to experiment to find the combination that suits your taste buds best.
Additionally, consider adding some accompaniments like fruit, nuts, or bread to enhance the pairing experience:
- Crusty Bread and Crackers
- Nuts, Peanuts and Fries
- Grapes and Berries
- Olives and Garlic
- Figs and Rasins
- Slised Apple and Pear
- Dark Chocolate
- Rosemary and Thyme
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Enjoy your wine and cheese tasting with fruits nuts and bread!
Grows Together Goes Together
If it grows together it goes together.
Pairing locally is a great way to learn more about wine and cheese:
France
- Goat cheese from Loire is great with Sauvignon Blanc from Loire.
- Munster from Alsace is great with Gewürztraminer from Alsace.
Italy
- Strong Italian Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Italian Barolo.
- Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.
- Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.
Spain
- Spanish Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Spanish Rioja.
Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels- 1615