Fontefico Pecorino La Canaglia Vigna Bianca

This Pecorino, as every other wine from Fontefico, is a single vineyard, estate-bottled product, entirely crafted within their “Azienda Agricola.”

Fontefico is an organic boutique winery situated on the southernmost stretch of the Abruzzo coast, overlooking the Gulf of Vasto. Covering 15 hectares, the estate consists solely from organically-grown indigenous grape varieties like Pecorino, Trebbiano, and Montepulciano. Since its establishment in 1996, Fontefico, led by brothers Nicola and Emanuele Altieri, has prioritised uncompromising quality.

La Canaglia, meaning “the rascal,” is a testament to the rebellious spirit of Fontefico’s vineyard. Despite its low yield, this vineyard consistently produces a unique and mouth-filling wine characterised by its crispy texture. The grapes for this Pecorino come from the single vineyard ‘Vigna Bianca’, in the Terre di Chieti subregion of DOC Abruzzo. The vineyard are being significantly influenced by the Adriatic Sea, which is just one kilometre away. The salty winds breeze through the vineyards, ventilating the canopies, keeping the vines healthy, cooling the vines during hot years and imparting a salty tang to the wine. This natural aeration assists organic viticulture. The vineyard is sustainably cultivated, all operations take place by hand and grass cover crops offer balanced nutrition for the vines; acting as a solar panel in spring and as insulation during the summer.

In the cellar, the wine underwent fermentation with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks at 20°C, maintaining Pecorino’s unique traits. A 48-hour skin contact period added complexity. Vinification lasted 30 days, followed by six months of maturation on fine lees without stirring, and three months in bottle before release.

The wine has a delightful texture and weight that are skillfully balanced by a pronounced minerality and a refreshing streak of acidity. Subtle balsamic and herbal nuances give way to delicate floral hints, accompanied by vibrant grapefruit citrus notes. Lingering finish with a touch of bitter almond adds complexity and depth to the overall profile.