Pecorino is a white wine variety from the Marche region of Central Italy. In Calabria the variety called Pecorino is actually the same as Greco. The name is derived from the Italian word for sheep, and hence it shares its name with the cheese made from that animal.
It is not grown to any extent outside Italy, but over recent years the quality of wines being produced has attracted attention, so it is likely that the variety will become more widespread. In fact, more and more producers in Australia have embraced Pecorino.
As an early ripener it is suitable for cooler regions but seems to do well in warmer regions. Pecorino makes good crisp dry white wines. It is most often made as a varietal but is sometimes blended with varieties such as Trebbiano.
Pecorino producers in Australia
The list below shows that the variety is suitable for many regions. As of April 2025 there are 21 producers on my Vinodata database1. In 2019 there were just two.
Amadio Adelaide Hills
Bassham Wines Riverland
Beresford Estate McLaren Vale
Bike and Barrel Alpine Valleys
Billy Button Alpine Valleys
Brash Higgins McLaren Vale
Brycefield Estate Hunter Valley
Chalmers Heathcote
David Hook Wines Hunter Valley
De Iuliis Hunter Valley
Fox Creek Wines McLaren Vale
Jamsheed Yarra Valley
Lake Breeze Langhorne Creek
Matriarch and Rogue Clare Valley
Mitolo McLaren Vale
Paracombe Wines Adelaide Hills
Primo Estate McLaren Vale
Sirromet Granite Belt
The Little Wine Company Hunter Valley
Zonzo Yarra Valley
The Vinodata database is available on request for paid supporters of this community. Message me for details.