Ciu Ciu 'Merlettaie' Pecorino, Offida 2024

Pecorino is very much a speciality of the Marche and Abruzzo regions and rarely pops up anywhere else. It thrives in the cooler, hilly vineyards inland from the Adriatic, producing wines with lively acidity and plenty of concentrated flavour. This one spends six months in oak, adding a gentle touch of creamy vanilla and a smooth, silky texture to balance its natural freshness. There's a lovely mix of citrus, pear, almonds, and herbs on the nose, with a beautifully defined palate of taut citrus, ripe pear, and a dash of white pepper. Bright, refreshing, and full of regional character.

A cracking food white that's spot-on with seafood pasta, lemony risotto, or poached salmon. Its zesty fruit and silky texture make it a great match for light, fresh dishes.

Ciù Ciù – pronounced choo-choo like a steam train – was the nickname of Giuseppe Bartolomei, the grandfather of brothers Massimiliano and Walter, who run Ciù Ciù Vini today. The winery is based near the town of Offida, in the rolling Piceno hills of central Italy’s Marche region, just a few kilometres from the Adriatic coast. Working with their organic vineyards, the Bartolomei brothers grow a wide range of grape varieties, with a commitment to producing wines that capture the essence of their region and showcase the distinctive qualities of their local terroir.