2021 Arnaldo Rivera Verduno Pelaverga

Verduno Pelaverga is one of the smallest appellations in the Langhe, centred upon a small village of the same name. Arnaldo Rivera wines is a group project, resulting from the collaboration between Terre del Barolo winery and a select group of dedicated growers. The project was established in 2017 with a collective goal to produce high-quality wines reflecting the excellence of the region’s finest vineyard sites. The collective pays homage to Arnaldo Rivera, who founded the Terre del Barolo cooperative in 1958, and aims to continue making wines in his honour.

This wine is crafted from the rare and indigenous, Pelaverga Piccolo, which is native to the region and is found nowhere else in Italy, so this really is a hidden gem.  Vibrant ruby red, with a floral nose and notes of white pepper which mingle on a palate of wild strawberries. Refreshing and elegant, this red is on the lighter side (much like a Pinot Noir) and therefore would pair very well with savoury dishes with meaty textured vegetables, such as wild mushroom risotto, made with Morelles and Chanterelles.