Scarpa Verduno Pelaverga 2022
We have 11 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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