It is mainly grown in the Marche and Abruzzo provinces, but Trebbiano began to supplant it because it produces a larger yield. Pecorino practically disappeared by the middle of the 20th century and it was rediscovered in an abandoned vineyard in the 1980s. It gives a fresh, crisp wine with especially bright acids and relatively high alcohol.
The origin of the name is uncertain, according to legend, sheep brought down from the nearby mountains enjoyed eating it, so it probably has nothing to do with pecorino cheese, although they pair well with each other.