Tasting Notes
Region
Steven Vineyard, Hunter Valley
The Story
Pecorino is the native white variety from the Abruzzo region where the De Iuliis family immigrated from.
A trip to Abruzzo in 2022, inspired Mike to pay homage to winemaking of the region and so, the release of the 2024 Steven Vineyard Pecorino marks a new stylistic direction for our pecorino.
The Wine
The grapes were handpicked, and basket pressed for a gentle extraction in the winery. The juice was then transferred to neutral French oak barriques to increase texture and palate weight. The use of indigenous yeast aids in building complexity into the finished wine. Aged in barrel for 9 months on full lees was used to increase the palate texture to give creaminess and soften the naturally high acidity.
The Vintage
Excellent growing conditions
in 2024 led to the production of this outstanding wine. Low yielding and high quality for these grapes. We were the first in the Hunter to plant Pecorino in 2020. In 2024, we extended the original vineyard with additional plantings. The vines are planted on the alluvial, sandy flats of our Steven Vineyard.
The Potential
The 2024 vintage was made in a slightly more complex style to add palate weight and textuality. It has the potential to cellar for 3-5 years.
The Match
Italian food with Italian varietals is a match made in foodie heaven.
The zippy salinity and palate weight with pair perfectly with with calamari fritti, Cavolo Nero pesto pappardelle, or Risotto alla Milanese.
Buon appetito!
Winemaker
Michael De luliis & Emily Glover
