2024 Castello di Verduno "Basadone" Pelaverga

The 2024 Castello di Verduno "Basadone" Verduno Pelaverga is a joyful, highly energetic expression of the indigenous Pelaverga Piccolo variety, serving as a masterclass in varietal precision. Vinified exclusively in stainless steel tanks to safeguard its bright primary profile, it offers a crunchy, light-footed alternative to the dense reds of the Langhe. In the glass, it shows a pale, translucent ruby red color. The nose is incredibly lifted, perfumed, and heavily defined by the grape's signature aromatic hallmark: a massive blast of freshly cracked white pepper, beautifully woven into bright notes of wild strawberries, red currants, and a fragrant, floral lift of fresh poppies (locally called basadone, a dialect term meaning "a little kiss"). On the palate, the wine is snappy, linear, and bursting with nervous energy. It rides a wave of sharp, vertical acidity and very fine, crunching tannins that keep the palate entirely clean and focused. It finishes dry, lip-smackingly fresh, and intensely peppery.