Castello di Verduno Verduno Pelaverga 'Basadone' 2024

This rare and indigenous light-bodied dry red wine originates from Italy, produced in the tiny Verduno DOC appellation within the Langhe region of Piedmont. Castello di Verduno is a legendary, historical estate headquartered in a 16th-century castle in the village of Verduno, where King Carlo Alberto of Savoy once crafted wine. Managed today by the Burlotto and Blanco families, the estate is famous both for its high-elevation Barolo and as the absolute pioneer for Pelaverga Piccolo an obscure, ancient local grape variety grown almost exclusively around the village of Verduno. The wine's sub-name, Basadone, translates to "little kiss" in Piedmontese dialect, referencing the wine's centuries-old reputation across the Langhe as a subtle aphrodisiac.

Wine Description

In the glass, the 2024 vintage presents a luminous, translucent pale ruby color with bright pinkish reflections. The highly lifted, aromatic nose is unmistakable and vibrant, bursting with a signature perfume of freshly cracked white and black pepper, wild red berries, tart strawberry, pomegranate, and cranberry, accompanied by delicate hints of red rose petals and mountain herbs. On the palate, the wine is light-bodied, lively, and incredibly energetic. A core of crisp, crunchy red fruit is framed by fine, soft tannins and a sharp, refreshing beam of natural acidity that drives through to a clean, peppery, and mineral-laden finish. Crafted from 100% Pelaverga Piccolo, the hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats. To preserve its delicate spicy aromatics and vibrant freshness, the wine is aged exclusively in stainless steel and neutral lined tanks for several months prior to bottling without oak contact. The alcohol by volume sits at a refreshing 12.5% to 13.0%.

Food Pairing

The light structure, low tannin, vibrant pepper spice, and bright acidity of Verduno Pelaverga make it one of Piedmont's most versatile food wines, particularly when served slightly chilled. It pairs exceptionally well with traditional Italian antipasti, prosciutto di Parma, salame, beef carpaccio, and vitello tonnato. It is also an ideal companion for wood-fired pizzas, lighter pasta dishes like agnolotti del plin with sage butter or tomato ragù, grilled salmon, pan-seared trout, roasted chicken, and young semi-soft cheeses such as Toma Piemontese, Fontina, or fresh Goat Cheese.

Vintage Quality

The 2024 growing season in the northern Langhe provided cool nights and steady ripening conditions that favored delicate, aromatic grape varieties like Pelaverga. The vineyard team's careful hand-harvesting preserved the variety's signature white pepper terpene compounds and high natural acidity. The 2024 Castello di Verduno Verduno Pelaverga 'Basadone' offers pure, vibrant immediate enjoyment, showcasing bright spice and refreshing fruit tension best enjoyed in its youth over the next 2 to 4 years.