Scarpa Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Italy

2024 Scarpa Verduno Pelaverga is a vibrant and distinctive expression of one of Piedmont's rarest indigenous red grapes. Grown in the historic Monvigliero vineyard area of Verduno, this elegant wine captures Pelaverga Piccolo's unmistakable combination of fragrant red fruit, delicate florals and finely articulated spice. Scarpa's southeast-facing vineyard, planted on pale, limestone-rich sandy soils, provides the foundation for a wine of remarkable aromatic clarity. Fermentation and maturation exclusively in stainless steel preserve the grape's natural freshness and characteristic white-pepper perfume, resulting in a refined, supple red that balances immediate charm with a compelling sense of place.

Product Details:

• Winemaker & Enologist: Silvio Trinchero
• Grape Variety: 100% Pelaverga Piccolo
• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
• Vineyard: Monvigliero Estate
• Vineyard Area: Approximately 1.10 hectares
• Vineyard Elevation: 350 metres above sea level
• Vineyard Exposure: Southeast-facing
• Soil: Light-coloured, loose soils rich in limestone and sand
• Vineyard Establishment: Original vines planted in 1970, grafted to Pelaverga in 2019
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation with 10 days of skin maceration
• Cap Management: Two manual pump-overs daily during maceration
• Malolactic Fermentation: Completed in stainless steel
• Aging: Six months in stainless steel before bottling
• Oak Influence: None
• Cellaring Potential: Producer indicates more than five years; the 2024 vintage has a published drinking window of 2025–2032

Sensory Description:

The 2024 Scarpa Verduno Pelaverga displays a bright ruby-red hue with youthful violet reflections. Its expressive bouquet opens with wild strawberry, raspberry and cherry, followed by blackberry, rose petals and candied violet. Distinctive accents of white pepper, incense, licorice and delicate herbal spice lend the wine an aromatic complexity that is immediately recognizable as Pelaverga. A subtle suggestion of orange peel adds freshness and lift.

On the palate, the wine is graceful, juicy and beautifully defined. Fresh red berries and darker bramble fruit unfold across a supple, finely textured frame, supported by lively freshness and delicate, fine-grained tannins. Notes of citrus peel, floral spice and white pepper provide contrast to the ripe fruit, while stainless steel maturation preserves the wine's purity and elegant proportions. The finish is focused and persistent, leaving impressions of red fruit, violet and savory spice. Its balance of fragrance, freshness and understated structure makes it an exceptionally versatile food wine.

Awards & Accolades:

• 94 Points: Ian d'Agata Wine Review, 2024 vintage.

Winemaker's Background:

Antica Casa Vinicola Scarpa traces its origins to 1854, when Venetian-born Antonio Scarpa established the winery in Nizza Monferrato. The estate developed its reputation through an unwavering commitment to traditional Piedmontese varieties and patient, thoughtful winemaking. Under Mario Pesce, who acquired the winery in 1949, Scarpa embraced a philosophy influenced by Burgundy, emphasizing vineyard expression, elegance, and wines capable of developing gracefully with age. The acquisition of important vineyard holdings under Carlo Castino expanded the estate's reach into some of Piedmont's most celebrated growing areas. Today, owner Evgeny Strzhalkovsky and CEO Davide Champion continue to develop the historic winery while preserving its dedication to indigenous grapes, including the increasingly sought-after Pelaverga Piccolo.

Silvio Trinchero has served as Scarpa's head winemaker and enologist since 2007, overseeing a portfolio that ranges from structured Barolo and Barbaresco to more delicate expressions of Freisa, Ruchè and Pelaverga. His winemaking approach emphasizes the individuality of each grape and vineyard, adapting fermentation and maturation to preserve natural varietal character rather than imposing a uniform cellar style. For Verduno Pelaverga, this means a carefully managed stainless steel fermentation, measured skin contact and maturation without oak. The resulting wine demonstrates Trinchero's ability to retain Pelaverga's signature floral and peppery aromatics while building a polished, harmonious texture and a clear expression of its limestone-rich vineyard origins.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled at approximately 14–16°C in a Burgundy-style red wine glass to highlight the wine's delicate aromatics and refreshing character. Its fragrant red fruit, gentle tannins and distinctive peppery spice make it an excellent companion to traditional Piedmontese charcuterie, mortadella, salame cotto, vitello tonnato and agnolotti del plin. It also pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled white meats, mushroom risotto, grilled eel and semi-aged cheeses. For a relaxed aperitivo, serve alongside cured meats, olives and a selection of hard cheeses. Enjoy now for its youthful aromatic vibrancy or cellar carefully to explore the development of its savory and floral nuances.