Fratelli Alessandria Verduno Pelaverga 'Speziale' 2025

Fratelli Alessandria Verduno Pelaverga 'Speziale' comes from Pelaverga Piccolo, a scarce native grape that makes one of the most peppery light reds in Italy.

Only a handful of growers still bother with this old local variety, and this estate is the name most closely tied to keeping it in production. Their plots sit at the northern edge of the Barolo zone, farmed sustainably, and the grape is handled lightly so its scent survives the trip into bottle. The house has been at it since 1830.

The nose is loud for such a light wine: white pepper, rose petal, wild strawberry and a warm spiced note. Silky and savoury across the palate with a distinctly peppery edge. Best slightly chilled, near 14°C, with cured meats, roast capsicum or veal.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.

Type: Red Wine
Style: Light-bodied, Spicy
Grape Varietal: Pelaverga Piccolo
Tastes Like: Rose petal, white pepper, wild strawberry, herbs
Alcohol Percentage: 13%
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Appellation: Verduno Pelaverga DOC
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Terroir: Limestone and clay soils in the hills of Verduno
Aging: Aged in stainless steel to preserve aromatic intensity
Serving Temperature: 14–16°C – Best served slightly chilled

Fratelli Alessandria is a benchmark family-run estate in Verduno, Piedmont, known for crafting elegant wines that honour tradition and terroir. Their Verduno Pelaverga 'Speziale' is a beloved cuvée, representing one of the rarest and most intriguing native varieties of the region. Pelaverga Piccolo, grown almost exclusively in Verduno, yields wines with delicate structure and distinctive spicy aromatics, making this a must-try for lovers of unique Italian reds.

Beef: Carpaccio with rocket and parmesan or steak tartare.
Pork: Prosciutto with figs or pork fillet with herbs.
Poultry: Turkey breast with pink peppercorns or duck salad with citrus.
Vegetarian: Beetroot risotto or grilled radicchio with balsamic glaze.

Robiola: Soft and tangy, matching floral tones.
Castelmagno: Crumbly and aromatic, balancing spice.
Toma Piemontese: Mild and regional, echoing delicate fruit.
Goat Cheese: Fresh and bright, complementing the wine's lift.

Insalata di Pollo al Pepe Rosa (Chicken Salad with Pink Peppercorns)

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, segmented
• 1 tbsp pink peppercorns, lightly crushed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix chicken, fennel, orange segments, and pink peppercorns.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and toss gently.
3. Garnish with parsley and serve chilled with a glass of Fratelli Alessandria Verduno Pelaverga 'Speziale'.