The expectation of a wine label is typically a rectangular piece of paper. Any divergence from that standard is visually disruptive and forces attention. That’s what drew my attention to Ferzo Pecorino. The label is composed of two overlapping quadrilateral shapes, each on its own axis, in different colours. The shape in the foreground is a soft yellow. The one behind is stark white with silver pinstripes. It creates the illusion of two different paper stocks. But it is an illusion. The content of the foreground panel consists of a four-masted tall ship, the name Ferzo, and the identifiers of grape and place. How does all this fit together?
“A Ferzo is a patch of fabric that is stitched together with others to create a sail or flag.” That makes sense of the ship and angular shapes. It’s also a metaphor for the patchwork of properties that contribute fruit to the creation of this wine. The verbiage is concise but it tells the story well. Tasting notes would be helpful. Pecorino is more recognizable as a cheese than wine. I’ve spent half my career working with Italian wines and only recently learned of this grape.
This Pecorino is fresh and dry with flavours of grapefruit, peach, and lime. It matches well with the clean, simple label. Watch out for the shark cruising below the surface of the label.
Do you know Pecorino wine? Would this packaging and story convince you to try this one? Let me know in the comments below.
