Monday, August 17, 2026 white wine review is a lovely Pecorino from Abruzzo, Italy, that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.
It is produced by Umani Ronchi, a highly respected and pioneering Italian wine producer. Umani Ronchi was established in 1957 by Gino Umani Ronchi in the comune of Cupramontana, in the heart of the Verdicchio Classico production zone of Marche in central Italy. A few years later, Gino formed a partnership with Roberto Bianchi and his son-in-law, Massimo Bernetti, who would eventually take over the company in 1968.
In Abruzzo, Umani Ronchi initially operated as a négociant in the 1990s in order to craft wines from the region. In 2001, they marked the beginning of a new venture by acquiring roughly 30 hectares of organic vineyards in Abruzzo. Situated between the Gran Sasso and Adriatic Sea, the estate would go on to become Tenuta Centovie estate at Roseto degli Abruzzi.
Michele Bernetti, son of Massimo, joined the company as General Sales Manager in 1990. With Michele at the helm, the Bianchi-Bernetti families own and manage over 210 hectares of vineyards across Marche and Abruzzo. The philosophy at Umani Ronchi is based on sustainability and green viticulture, with a strong ethical approach and deep respect for the environment and its biodiversity. These guiding principles are manifested through precision viticulture, vineyard management, and the use of organic fertilizers. They also use low-impact packaging, lightweight glass bottles, and photovoltaic energy, which covers about half of the winery's annual needs. Umani Ronchi is deeply committed and recognized for its ecological and sustainable values. The winery is also a proud and founding member of the Istituto del Vino di Qualità – Grandi Marchi, an organization established in 2004 that brought together 18 of Italian wine's most important families that are also shaping the future for generations to come.
This white wine is made from 100% Pecorino, a grape that in the past was used more often as a blending variety thanks to its highly concentrated aromas, good alcohol content, and wonderful acidity. In 2005, Umani Ronchi's Pecorino Project began with the goal of discovering and developing native Adriatic varieties, as well as strengthening the winery's position as a top wine producer in Abruzzo. Pecorino had almost disappeared from vineyards because its naturally low yields made it unpopular with growers, but it has since become widely planted in Abruzzo and neighbouring Marche. According to local tradition, the grape gets its name because sheep (pecora) are known to eat the grapes.
The grapes for this Pecorino were grown at Umani Ronchi's estate in Roseto degli Abruzzi in Teramo, overlooking the Gran Sasso mountain. The vines were tended with strict selection and careful vineyard management led by the winery's agronomic supervisors, especially in the northern part of Chieti. The soils are mainly clay that is sandy, deep and relatively fresh, while the climate provides a good thermal diurnal range that promotes elegance and aromatic complexity.
It is also worth noting that previous vintages of this wine, some of which I have tasted previously, bore the Terre di Chieti IGT classification, while this vintage bears the new Terre d'Abruzzo IGT appellation. The new regional designation consolidates the eight IGTs that previously existed across Abruzzo into a single, common regional identity, helping to promote a stronger image for wines from the region.
To craft this wine, the grapes were carefully hand-harvested in September to preserve acidity. After lightly pressing the grapes, the must was rapidly cooled and underwent static decantation. Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of 16–18°C for about 10–15 days, without undergoing malolactic fermentation. After fermentation, the wine was matured on its lees in stainless steel tanks for about four months.
The growing conditions in 2025 in Abruzzo began with a cool and rainy start to the season, which replenished water reserves following drought conditions in 2024. Summer was warm and sunny, allowing for proper ripening, while large diurnal temperature shifts in August and September helped preserve freshness and aromatic intensity. A temperate harvest period avoided heat stress, resulting in healthy fruit with full phenolic ripeness. It was a vintage that marked a return to balance and normality, producing exceptional grape quality. Let's see how this 2025 Pecorino from Abruzzo is tasting tonight...
The fresh, medium-high intensity nose has lovely, concentrated aromas of ripe lemon citrus, yellow & white flowers, apple, pear, and spice, with undertones of leesy minerals and herbs. On the dry, weighty, medium-full bodied palate it is impressively concentrated with dry, ripe, and gently honeyed flavours of spice, lemon citrus, apple, pear, leesy mineral, floral, and herbs in a complex profile. It has a slightly viscous mouthfeel, along with fresh and juicy acidity. Lemon citrus, apple, pear, and spice notes taper to leesy minerals on the crisp, lip-smacking, and long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts
Other lovely wines by Umani Ronchi can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.
It is produced by Umani Ronchi, a highly respected and pioneering Italian wine producer. Umani Ronchi was established in 1957 by Gino Umani Ronchi in the comune of Cupramontana, in the heart of the Verdicchio Classico production zone of Marche in central Italy. A few years later, Gino formed a partnership with Roberto Bianchi and his son-in-law, Massimo Bernetti, who would eventually take over the company in 1968.
In Abruzzo, Umani Ronchi initially operated as a négociant in the 1990s in order to craft wines from the region. In 2001, they marked the beginning of a new venture by acquiring roughly 30 hectares of organic vineyards in Abruzzo. Situated between the Gran Sasso and Adriatic Sea, the estate would go on to become Tenuta Centovie estate at Roseto degli Abruzzi.
Michele Bernetti, son of Massimo, joined the company as General Sales Manager in 1990. With Michele at the helm, the Bianchi-Bernetti families own and manage over 210 hectares of vineyards across Marche and Abruzzo. The philosophy at Umani Ronchi is based on sustainability and green viticulture, with a strong ethical approach and deep respect for the environment and its biodiversity. These guiding principles are manifested through precision viticulture, vineyard management, and the use of organic fertilizers. They also use low-impact packaging, lightweight glass bottles, and photovoltaic energy, which covers about half of the winery's annual needs. Umani Ronchi is deeply committed and recognized for its ecological and sustainable values. The winery is also a proud and founding member of the Istituto del Vino di Qualità – Grandi Marchi, an organization established in 2004 that brought together 18 of Italian wine's most important families that are also shaping the future for generations to come.
This white wine is made from 100% Pecorino, a grape that in the past was used more often as a blending variety thanks to its highly concentrated aromas, good alcohol content, and wonderful acidity. In 2005, Umani Ronchi's Pecorino Project began with the goal of discovering and developing native Adriatic varieties, as well as strengthening the winery's position as a top wine producer in Abruzzo. Pecorino had almost disappeared from vineyards because its naturally low yields made it unpopular with growers, but it has since become widely planted in Abruzzo and neighbouring Marche. According to local tradition, the grape gets its name because sheep (pecora) are known to eat the grapes.
The grapes for this Pecorino were grown at Umani Ronchi's estate in Roseto degli Abruzzi in Teramo, overlooking the Gran Sasso mountain. The vines were tended with strict selection and careful vineyard management led by the winery's agronomic supervisors, especially in the northern part of Chieti. The soils are mainly clay that is sandy, deep and relatively fresh, while the climate provides a good thermal diurnal range that promotes elegance and aromatic complexity.
It is also worth noting that previous vintages of this wine, some of which I have tasted previously, bore the Terre di Chieti IGT classification, while this vintage bears the new Terre d'Abruzzo IGT appellation. The new regional designation consolidates the eight IGTs that previously existed across Abruzzo into a single, common regional identity, helping to promote a stronger image for wines from the region.
To craft this wine, the grapes were carefully hand-harvested in September to preserve acidity. After lightly pressing the grapes, the must was rapidly cooled and underwent static decantation. Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of 16–18°C for about 10–15 days, without undergoing malolactic fermentation. After fermentation, the wine was matured on its lees in stainless steel tanks for about four months.
The growing conditions in 2025 in Abruzzo began with a cool and rainy start to the season, which replenished water reserves following drought conditions in 2024. Summer was warm and sunny, allowing for proper ripening, while large diurnal temperature shifts in August and September helped preserve freshness and aromatic intensity. A temperate harvest period avoided heat stress, resulting in healthy fruit with full phenolic ripeness. It was a vintage that marked a return to balance and normality, producing exceptional grape quality. Let's see how this 2025 Pecorino from Abruzzo is tasting tonight...
Tasting Note:
UMANI RONCHI VELLODORO PECORINO 2025 - IGT Terre d'Abruzzo, Italy (#289553) (XD) - $17.95The fresh, medium-high intensity nose has lovely, concentrated aromas of ripe lemon citrus, yellow & white flowers, apple, pear, and spice, with undertones of leesy minerals and herbs. On the dry, weighty, medium-full bodied palate it is impressively concentrated with dry, ripe, and gently honeyed flavours of spice, lemon citrus, apple, pear, leesy mineral, floral, and herbs in a complex profile. It has a slightly viscous mouthfeel, along with fresh and juicy acidity. Lemon citrus, apple, pear, and spice notes taper to leesy minerals on the crisp, lip-smacking, and long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts
Other lovely wines by Umani Ronchi can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.
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