Pelaverga

Pelaverga has been grown in Piedmont since at least the 15th century, historically used as a blending grape rather than bottled on its own. By the 1970s, the variety had nearly vanished, with only 7.5 acres recorded in 1987. The turning point came in 1972, when Gabriella Burlotto of Castello di Verduno planted Pelaverga as a monovarietal, setting the stage for its modern revival. The Verduno Pelaverga DOC was formally established in 1995, and the wine gained genuine cult status in the mid-2010s when G.B. Burlotto's bottling became highly sought after.

• History of cultivation in Piedmont dates to the 15th century
• Nearly extinct by the 1970s; only 7.5 acres remained in 1987
• Gabriella Burlotto's 1972 planting is the acknowledged starting point of the revival
• DOC designation granted in 1995; cult status achieved by the mid-2010s

What was long considered a single grape is actually two genetically distinct cultivars. Pelaverga Piccolo is the primary clone grown in Verduno and the basis of the Verduno Pelaverga DOC. Pelaverga Grosso is grown further south around Saluzzo and falls under the Colline Saluzzesi DOC. Research conducted in the 1980s confirmed the two are separate cultivars rather than clones of the same vine. The variety travels under a remarkable number of synonyms, including Carola, Cari, Fra Germano, Taddone, Caleura, and Uva Coussa, reflecting its long and dispersed local history.

• Pelaverga Piccolo is the Verduno DOC variety; Pelaverga Grosso belongs to Colline Saluzzesi DOC
• 1980s genetic research confirmed the two are distinct cultivars, not clones
• More than a dozen synonyms are recorded, including Carolon, Peilaverga, and Uva delle Zuche
• Authorization for new plantings of Pelaverga closed in 2011

Verduno sits at the northwestern edge of the Barolo DOCG catchment area, with vineyards reaching up to 500 meters in elevation. The soils are predominantly gray-blue laminated Sant'Agata marls, with clay, limestone, and sandy combinations depending on the site. The Tanaro River moderates temperatures, providing warm days and cooler evenings that help preserve the grape's naturally high acidity. The total planted area across both DOCs is approximately 21 hectares, making Pelaverga one of the most limited-production varieties in all of Piedmont.

• Verduno is located at the northwestern edge of the Barolo DOCG zone
• Sant'Agata marl soils dominate, with clay, limestone, and sand also present
• Tanaro River influence moderates temperatures, supporting high acidity in the wines
• Vineyards reach up to 500 meters elevation; total area is roughly 21 hectares

Pelaverga produces wines that are unmistakably light in style: pale ruby to cherry red with violet reflections, low tannins, high acidity, and a distinctive white pepper note alongside strawberry and floral aromas. The wines are light to medium-bodied with a minimum alcohol of 11%, and are often made as lightly sparkling or semi-dry styles suited to chilling. Stylistically, they are frequently compared to light Pinot Noir or Freisa. The combination of freshness, spice, and accessibility has made Pelaverga a favorite among sommeliers looking for affordable, food-friendly reds that offer something genuinely different.

• Pale ruby to cherry red color with violet reflections; low tannins and high acidity
• Signature aromatics: strawberry, white pepper, and floral notes
• Minimum 11% alcohol; often produced as lightly sparkling or semi-dry
• Stylistic comparisons draw to light Pinot Noir and Freisa