Pelaverga

Pelaverga is an ancient red grape variety native to the Saluzzo area in northwestern Italy and historically known in the Turin region under the name "Cari." This lesser-known but distinctive vine was introduced to the town of Verduno in the 17th century by Blessed Sebastiano Valfrè, who brought vine cuttings from the Saluzzo region. Over time, due to its low yields and delicate cultivation requirements, the grape was on the brink of extinction.

Fortunately, in the 1970s, a group of dedicated Verduno winegrowers recognized its potential and took action to preserve and revive Pelaverga, ensuring its survival and reestablishment in Piedmont's viticultural heritage.

The grape itself features large, black, elliptical berries with thick, waxy, blue-purple skin, forming medium to large clusters that are typically conical or pyramidal and compact. The leaves are medium-small, pentagonal, and five-lobed. Pelaverga prefers dry, well-exposed hilly terrain, where it thrives best. However, it is sensitive to bunch rot, which can affect production consistency.

The vine is of medium vigor, with medium-late ripening and fairly regular medium-high productivity under the right conditions.

Wines produced from the Pelaverga grape are ruby red with purple hues, known for their elegant, fruity aromas with subtle spicy undertones and delicate notes of black currant. On the palate, these wines are dry, medium-bodied, and low in alcohol, making them exceptionally food-friendly and refreshing, especially when lightly chilled.