Perla dei vivi

The Perla dei Vivi grape, whose poetic name translates to “Pearl of the Living”, is one of Italy’s most obscure and intriguing native varieties. Grown today in a single known vineyard in the province of Reggio Emilia, it is an exceptionally rare find even for seasoned wine lovers. Despite its limited cultivation, Perla dei Vivi has been officially recorded since 2007 in Italy’s National Register of Vine Varieties and is recognised in the production regulations of the prestigious DOC Colli di Scandiano e Canossa.

Historical documentation on Perla dei Vivi is scarce, adding to its mystery. DNA profiling has shown only a loose genetic connection to the Lambruschi family, although in practice it is often grouped with Lambrusco varieties due to its local origin and similar viticultural traits. This subtle distinction suggests that Perla dei Vivi may have developed independently while sharing some characteristics with its better-known Lambrusco cousins.

Perla dei Vivi is a black-berried grape known for producing wines of notable structure and body, with a high dry extract that supports complexity and ageing potential. Its agronomic traits indicate it is well-suited to still wine production, rather than the frizzante or spumante styles more typical of the region. The vine’s resilience and adaptability allow it to express the terroir of the Reggio Emilia hills with authenticity, making it a valuable - if rare - contributor to local viticultural heritage.

When vinified, Perla dei Vivi yields wines with a delicate yet complex bouquet, often revealing layered fruity notes alongside subtle floral and spice tones. On the palate, the wines are structured, balanced, and harmonious, with good depth and a refined texture. The dry extract content gives the wine a satisfying mouthfeel, making it suitable for pairing with robust Emilian cuisine, from cured meats like Prosciutto di Parma to rich pasta dishes such as lasagne alla bolognese.

In the DOC Colli di Scandiano e Canossa, Perla dei Vivi stands out as a variety that connects deeply with local identity. The hilly vineyards, with their mix of clay and limestone soils, provide the ideal growing environment, enhancing both the grape’s aromatic delicacy and its structural backbone. While production remains extremely limited, wines featuring Perla dei Vivi represent a rare and authentic taste of Emilia-Romagna’s winemaking tradition.

In an era when global wine markets often favour well-known international grapes, Perla dei Vivi is a reminder of Italy’s extraordinary biodiversity. Preserving and celebrating such indigenous varieties ensures that regional character, historical continuity, and viticultural diversity are not lost to standardisation.