2020 Sheep by Il verro

Nestled on the volcanic slopes of Monte Maggiore in Campania’s Alto Casertano, Il Verro is a boutique organic winery founded in 2003 by a group of friends seeking to revive ancient, indigenous grape varieties. The name—Italian for “the boar”—reflects local tradition and the region’s wild heritage .

Il Verro is dedicated to the rediscovery and cultivation of rare autochthonous varieties like Casavecchia, Pallagrello Bianco and Nero, and notably Coda di Pecora, a vine nearly extinct that they have uniquely resurrected. In fact, Il Verro is the only producer in the world offering a monovarietal wine from Coda di Pecora .

Farming is strictly organic, and their vineyards benefit from volcanic, mineral‑rich soils, southeast exposures, and marked diurnal temperature swings—all contributing to vibrant, expressive wines .

⸻

Grape: Coda di Pecora (“Sheep”)

The name Coda di Pecora, meaning “sheep’s tail,” comes from the distinctive shape of its grape clusters . DNA analysis in 2005 confirmed it as a unique variety, distinct from the similarly named Coda di Volpe, though it’s not yet officially recognized on labels in Italy—hence Il Verro cheekily calls the wine simply “Sheep.” .

The style is celebrated for its minerality, savory complexity, and longevity—Il Verro notes that their whites can age gracefully for 5–8 years .

⸻

Tasting Notes — Sheep 2020 (Il Verro)

• Appearance: Bright, clear straw‑yellow, with a subtle golden glow that suggests both freshness and density.

• Nose: Intricately layered aromas of white peach, almond blossoms, and a subtle hint of herbal fennel underpinned by a distinctive mineral freshness—an elegant reflection of volcanic soils .

• Palate: Clean and vibrant, with lively acidity and a textured mid-palate. Flavors of ripe orchard fruit—notably peach—blend seamlessly with a subtle saline‑mineral core, leading to a refreshing, slightly bitter‑tinged finish that lingers pleasingly .

• Structure & Balance: Well‑balanced, with mineral tension and a pleasing bitterness that provide both structure and persistence. The wine is approachable now yet has the potential to evolve gracefully over several years .

• Overall Impression: A harmonious, terroir‑driven expression of Coda di Pecora—professorial yet expressive, elegant yet grounded. PM 88