# Basadone Verduno Pelaverga (2024)

- **Producer:** Castello di Verduno
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pelaverga Piccolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €22
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, cherry, raspberry, white pepper, rose, violet

## About this wine

Castello di Verduno is a historic estate located in the village of Verduno, the northernmost commune of the Barolo zone. The estate is famous for preserving the rare, indigenous Pelaverga Piccolo grape, which was granted its own DOC in 1995. 'Basadone' translates to 'kissing lady' in local Piedmontese dialect, a nod to the grape's historical reputation as an aphrodisiac. This wine represents a traditional, vibrant expression of Piedmont, showcasing the unique spicy and floral characteristics of this rare variety.

## Interesting facts

- Basadone means kissing lady in Piedmontese dialect, referencing the local belief that Pelaverga is an aphrodisiac.
- Pelaverga Piccolo is an incredibly rare grape, grown almost exclusively in the small commune of Verduno.
- Castello di Verduno is one of the historic champions that saved this unique grape variety from extinction.

## Food pairing

Pelaverga's high acidity, light tannins, and distinctive white pepper and red fruit aromas make it incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with cured meats, poultry, and pork, cutting through fat while complementing savory herbs. It can even be served slightly chilled alongside richer fish dishes or mushroom-based recipes.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested from estate vineyards in Verduno. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with skin contact for about 8 to 10 days to preserve the fresh, primary fruit and spice characteristics. The wine is aged entirely in stainless steel tanks for several months, followed by a short period of bottle aging before release, ensuring no oak influence masks the delicate, peppery profile of the Pelaverga grape.