Fratelli Alessandria - Verduno Pelaverga 'Speziale' 2022 (750ml)
Price: $36.99
| Producer | Fratelli Alessandria |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Piedmont |
| Varietal | Pelaverga |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 69258 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Fratelli Alessandria Description
Since the mid-19th century, the Alessandria family has called Verduno, at the northern edge of the Barolo zone, home. Then, Verduno was the center of Barolo winemaking—and was internationally recognized as the face of Barolo. Today Verduno is experiencing a renaissance, and it is the “brothers” Alessandria who are guiding the wines of Verduno back to the heights they once held. What Verduno gives is exactly what we crave in our Barolo wines: complexity without heaviness, structure with finesse. “Fratelli Alessandria is one of Piedmont’s under-the-radar jewels,” says Italian wine expert Antonio Galloni.
The red Pelaverga grape is native to Verduno; there are less than a dozen local producers who have stayed true to Verduno’s special grape. Pelaverga is at its core lively and refreshing, with tangy, red plum flavors and floral aromas. Locals like to chill Pelaverga wines slightly, better to enjoy it during the heat of the summer. Pelaverga too has a bit of a saucy side; locals say it’s a natural aphrodisiac, its spicy nature inspiring equally spicy behavior.
Tasting Note: Aromas of wild strawberries, raspberries, rosemary flowers, light pepper. Suave and juicy, with light tannins.
Wine Pairing: As an aperitif; with grilled white meats; salumi
Wine Advocate: 92 Points
This is one of the personal highlights of my annual tasting of wines from Piedmont. The Fratelli Alessandria 2022 Verduno Pelaverga Speziale opens to a lean ruby appearance and a very punchy bouquet with wild rose, blood orange and crushed peppercorn. The aromas are offbeat for sure, but the wine's intensity is delicately measured against its streamlined texture. Winemaking sees stainless steel and some cement only. Some 25,000 bottles were released. You'll get a lot of food-pairing mileage out of the Pelaverga grape. The Alessandria family applies the term "spicy elegance" to all their wines, including the high-end Barolos and also this wine.
Vinous: 90 Points
The 2022 Pelaverga Speziale is a rich, dramatic wine, with huge, amped-up red fruit, orange peel, mint, sage and cedar. This is a fine edition.
