Verduno Pelaverga Speziale DOC

Vineyard and terroir

Pelaverga Piccolo comes from approximately 3 hectares in Verduno. The vineyard sources are Riva Rocca at 270–320 m with southeast exposure; Campasso and Boscatto at 250–350 m with east exposure; Neirane at 330–400 m, Sotto Orti at 270–310 m and Galleria at 250–280 m, all with west exposure. The limestone-and-silt soils support vines averaging around 20 years old. The vineyards are Guyot-trained at 4,500 vines per hectare.

Grapes

Pelaverga Piccolo, a rare native variety cultivated almost exclusively within the municipality of Verduno.

Vinification

The grapes are picked by hand during the second half of September. Fermentation and maceration take place in stainless-steel tanks for 6–8 days at a constant 25–26 °C.

Ageing

The wine matures for 5–6 months in stainless-steel or cement tanks, followed by at least 1–2 months in horizontally stored bottles. Bottling takes place in April or May.

Tasting profile

Its defining aromatic character is a distinctive spicy scent, particularly pepper. Its colour is also presented as one of the features that sets the wine apart.

Serving and pairing

Designed for drinking within 3–4 years and especially suited to convivial occasions.

Label / history

The first production dates to 1973. Beginning with the 2011 vintage—15 years after the denomination obtained DOC status—the family added the name “Speziale.” The name refers both to the wine’s special importance to the family and to its peppery character: spezia means spice in Italian.