Brash Higgins 2026 ‘SCOOTY’ Pecorino
Pecorino is a savoury white wine grape from the Abruzzo region of Italy. Now happily growing along the ocean in McLaren Vale, South Australia and made by Brash Higgins Wine Co. It’s a delicious affair and called “Scooty” after Brash’s mother, Steffani.
From our neighbourly growers at Lennon Vineyard comes this new planting of the coastal Italian white grape, Pecorino.
Tasting Note: “The grapes are golden in colour. Bright apple and pear characteristics, herbal nuances of spearmint and jasmine, and a rush of chalky, saline, cucumber-tonic-like vibes. These grapes are refreshing and offer perfect year round drinking.” BH”
The name “Scooty” is my mom’s nickname, as she scooted across the kitchen lino floor as a little girl. She loves dry white wines, so I made this one in her honour. She approves.
The label art of a sheep floating by in a cloud form refers to the Italian word “Pecora”, part of the grape name, and derived from the word for sheep. Legend has it that the sheep graze on the Pecorino grapes in the Marche and Abruzzo vineyards of Italy. Sheep milk is used in the production of the cheese of the same name, Pecorino. So, we wanted a sheep on the coast, and I was thinking about the idea of cloud shaped animals. Alas..
“A coppery hue. On the nose Pecorino has green apples, sour melons, pear and herbal nuances of spearmint. Deep concentration with grip and chalkiness, some tart, salinity. Extra gear of lemon verbena characters with lime, more apple and cumquat and big grippy finish.” Brad Hickey, Vinitor, December 19, 2025
Review:
“This one is compelling. It has a gently bronzed colour so I went to skin contact or oxidative handling, and though it feels like a little of both, I don’t think it has either! Distinctly chalky texture, brown lime, ginger, dried apple and cloudy apple juice, a touch of pickled lime and a suggestion of fino sherry. Right on. Salty, textural white wine territory, the tongue-clicking-to-roof-of-mouth finish a gem. Shit this is good. Light weight and yet charisma up high. Distinct and distinguished and delicious. Delicious! “-94 pts, Mike Bennie, The Winefront.
Additional Information:
Harvest date: Feb 19, 2026
Hand picked
Vineyard: Lennon Vnyd, Tatachilla, McLaren Vale
Grower: Michael Lennon
Viticulture: Sustainable, organic practices
Geology: red clay over limestone
Altitude: 80 metres above sea level
Planted: 2023 grafted to Cab Sav
Fermenter type: Two 4 year white Stockinger hogsheads, one steel barrique. 2 days on skins, pressed to ferment wild in barrel.
Time in oak/steel: 6 months
Oak origin: Austrian
Bottling date: Aug 18, 2026
Filtration: Coarse Regimesh
Closure: screw cap
pH 3.34, TA 6.3 g/l, alc 12%
79 Dozen
Price: $35 per 750ml bottle
