Rare Grape. Historic Estate. Pure Piedmont.
The 2024 “Speziale” Verduno Pelaverga from Fratelli Alessandria is a joyful expression of a grape so rare it barely exists outside the village of Verduno, yet so full of charm it’s impossible to resist.
The Pelaverga Piccolo grape is among Piedmont’s true curiosities — grown almost exclusively in Verduno, the northernmost commune of Barolo. For generations it was a local secret, cherished by those who knew its playful, peppery character and effortless drinkability. Only in 2011 did Verduno Pelaverga receive its own DOC, recognizing this unique, aromatic red as something worthy of standing on its own.
Fratelli Alessandria is the perfect steward for this tradition. Founded in the mid-1800s, around the same time the concept of Barolo was being born, this family estate has been at the heart of Verduno’s winemaking story for over a century and a half. Today, Vittore Alessandria continues the work with the same mix of precision and humility that defines the great growers of the Langhe.
“Speziale” lives up to its name — it’s truly spicy. Vibrant, red-fruited, and delicately spicy, it’s a wine that feels tailor-made for conversation, antipasti, and long summer evenings. At barely medium-bodied, it delivers all the charm of Nebbiolo’s perfume but in a lighter, more quaffable frame. Serve it slightly chilled and watch it disappear faster than you planned.
93 Points, Karen O’Keefe
True to its name, the 2024 Pelaverga Speziato from Fratelli Alessandria is all about spice, with aromas and flavors of white pepper and pink peppercorn that accent strawberry and orange zest. Bright acidity and lithe tannins provide the easy-drinking framework.