Scarpa Verduno Pelaverga 2022
We have 2 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
Verduno sits at the northern edge of the Barolo zone, its vineyards the furthest north in what is otherwise a sea of Nebbiolo. Here, on the sun-soaked, south-facing slopes around 280–300 meters elevation, lies the tiny DOC of Pelaverga Piccolo—one of Italy’s rarest grapes, almost exclusively found in Verduno (with only a handful of plantings in neighboring La Morra and Roddi d’Alba). Scarpa’s vines, planted in 1970, tap into stony, calcareous soils that lend this wine its signature lift and minerality.
The Wine
Scarpa’s 2022 Verduno Pelaverga is pure Pelaverga Piccolo, fermented and raised entirely in stainless steel to showcase the grape’s fresh, pepper-tinged charm. The wine offers bright red-berry aromas—wild strawberry, raspberry nectar—and a lift of violet and white pepper on the nose. On the palate, it’s light-bodied and silky, with lively acidity framing flavors of cherry, cranberry, and a hint of spice. At just 13 % alcohol and with soft tannins, it’s a graceful, food-friendly red that’s impossible to find anywhere else.
The People
Antica Casa Vinicola Scarpa traces its roots in Nizza Monferrato back to 1900, when Venetian oenologist Antonio Scarpa set up shop. Today the estate is guided by Carlo Castino, Mario Pesce’s nephew and a direct link to decades of family winemaking tradition. Though best known for Barbera and Barolo crus, Scarpa embraced Verduno Pelaverga only in 2020, driven by a passion for preserving local heritage. This dedication to rare Piedmontese varieties defines Scarpa’s identity: honoring the past while bringing Verduno’s hidden gem to wine lovers worldwide.
Food Pairing:
Grilled Pork Chops with Cherry-Rosemary Compote & Toasted Farro – The bright cherry compote picks up on Pelaverga’s vivid red fruit and floral notes, while rosemary adds a savory herbal thread that echoes the wine’s subtle spice and white pepper finish. The juicy pork adds just enough richness to meet the wine’s acidity without overwhelming its delicacy. A graceful, unexpected pairing for a grape that thrives on nuance.
We ship wine to most states with a $100 minimum order for shipping. We don't ship spirits nor beer.
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Piedmont, framed by the Alps in northwestern Italy, is a land of rolling hills and carefully cultivated vineyards. The continental climate, with its cold winters and warm summers, creates prime conditions for the Nebbiolo grape, which dominates much of the region's red wine production. The Langhe area is home to Barolo and Barbaresco, structured red wines known for their complex aromas, firm tannins, and aging potential. While Nebbiolo is the dominant grape of Piedmont, the region also makes interesting white wines like those from Arneis and Timorasso. Alto Piemonte is a separate region in the north with its own distinctive expressions of Nebbiolo, alongside other red grape varietals.
Italy - Piedmont
Sustainable vineyard farming is an environmentally conscious approach that prioritizes long-term ecological balance, economic viability, and social responsibility. Unlike organic farming, sustainable practices do not necessarily exclude synthetic chemicals, but rather focus on minimizing their usage, carefully managing resources like water and energy, protecting biodiversity, and reducing waste and carbon footprint. Wineries employing sustainable methods often integrate modern technology and traditional practices to improve efficiency and maintain healthy vineyards. Certifications like "SIP Certified" or "LIVE Certified" help validate sustainability efforts. However, sustainable farming differs distinctly from organic, as sustainable producers may use synthetic inputs in moderation if deemed necessary for the overall health and productivity of their vineyards.
