Pelaverga, in its most distinctive form as Pelaverga Piccolo or Pelaverga di Verduno, is a Piedmontese red grape variety with deep roots in the Langhe. The earliest local records date back to the late 15th century, whilst tradition attributes its spread to Verduno in the 18th century to the Blessed Sebastiano Valfrè. Ampelographic studies have highlighted its distinctiveness from Pelaverga Grosso, grown mainly in the Saluzzo area and also known as Cari in the Chieri area. The leaf is medium to large, long and five-lobed, often with underdeveloped lower lobes; the bunch, of medium or medium-large size, is conical and tends to be elongated, winged and not very compact. The berries, which are small to medium in size, spherical or ellipsoidal, have a thick, pruinose, blue-violet skin. Cultivation is concentrated in the municipalities of Verduno, Roddi and La Morra, where the variety has its historical home. It ripens between the second half of September and early October and produces wines of a bright ruby red colour, often with violet hues, characterised by fragrant aromas of small fruits and a pronounced spicy note, with distinctive hints of pepper. On the palate, it offers freshness, balance, gentle tannins and a medium-light structure, underpinned by good harmony. It is generally best enjoyed young or after a short to medium period of ageing, during which it develops greater complexity without losing its recognisable aromatic character.
