2025 San Barnaba Verduno Pelaverga – Piedmont, Italy – Rare Italian Red Wine

🍷 ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! ONE OF PIEDMONT'S RAREST AND MOST FASCINATING RED WINES – AND WHAT AN EXTRAORDINARY DISCOVERY!

2025 San Barnaba Verduno Pelaverga – Piedmont, Italy

RRP $82.50

Every now and then, you taste a wine that is so utterly delicious, so beautifully fragrant and so wonderfully different that you immediately want to share it with everyone. The 2025 San Barnaba Verduno Pelaverga is exactly that kind of wine.

I absolutely love this wine.

It is one of those rare reds that delivers an extraordinary amount of personality without relying on power, concentration or heavy tannins.

Instead, it is all about perfume, finesse, beautiful red fruit and the most captivating spice.

Think wild strawberries, raspberries, red cherries and rose petals, with an unmistakable lift of white pepper, delicate herbs and exotic spice.

The palate is wonderfully juicy, silky and energetic, with delicate tannins and a long, refreshing finish.

It is absolutely delicious.

And behind this remarkable wine is one of the most exciting new projects in Piedmont.

San Barnaba brings together brothers Roberto and Giovanni Pasquero with Francesco Rocca, son of the legendary Barbaresco producer Bruno Rocca.

The project is based in Serralunga d'Alba, one of the most celebrated villages in the entire Barolo region.

The philosophy is to produce authentic, beautifully expressive Piedmontese wines that celebrate the extraordinary diversity of the region's indigenous grape varieties.

And few varieties are more fascinating than Pelaverga.

At $82.50 a bottle, this is a brilliant opportunity to experience one of Piedmont's rarest and most distinctive red wines from an exciting new producer.

San Barnaba – An Exciting New Name in Piedmont

Piedmont is one of the world's greatest wine regions.

Home to legendary names such as Barolo and Barbaresco, it produces some of the most profound and collectible red wines anywhere.

But beyond Nebbiolo lies a fascinating collection of indigenous varieties that offer completely different expressions of the region.

Pelaverga, Freisa, Barbera, Dolcetto and Timorasso all contribute to the extraordinary diversity of Piedmontese wine.

And this is precisely the territory that San Barnaba is exploring.

The project brings together Roberto and Giovanni Pasquero, who are responsible for sourcing exceptional vineyard parcels, and Francesco Rocca, whose family name is synonymous with outstanding Barbaresco.

Francesco is the son of Bruno Rocca, one of the most respected names in modern Barbaresco.

This connection provides an extraordinary foundation of winemaking knowledge and regional understanding.

But San Barnaba is not simply another traditional Piedmontese winery.

It is a fresh interpretation of the region, combining respect for historic vineyards with thoughtful, sensitive winemaking.

The wines are designed to capture the individuality of each grape variety and vineyard site.

There is a clear emphasis on purity, texture, freshness and drinkability.

San Barnaba is exactly the kind of emerging producer that serious Italian wine enthusiasts should be watching very closely.

Verduno – One of the Most Fascinating Villages in Barolo

Verduno is a small, historic village situated at the northern end of the Barolo production zone.

It is particularly celebrated for producing some of the most elegant and beautifully perfumed expressions of Nebbiolo.

The famous Monvigliero vineyard has helped establish Verduno's reputation among serious Barolo collectors.

But Verduno has another extraordinary claim to fame.

Pelaverga.

This rare indigenous grape variety is closely associated with the village and the surrounding hillsides.

Unlike the powerful, tannic Nebbiolo wines that dominate much of Piedmont, Pelaverga produces beautifully fragrant, lighter-bodied reds with delicate tannins and a remarkably distinctive spicy character.

The wines are immediately recognisable.

Bright ruby colour.

Wild red berries.

Rose petals.

White pepper.

Beautiful freshness.

And an almost irresistible sense of drinkability.

For many serious Italian wine enthusiasts, Verduno Pelaverga is one of the great hidden treasures of Piedmont.

It is a wine that offers a completely different perspective on one of the world's most celebrated red wine regions.

Pelaverga – One of Italy's Rarest Great Red Grapes

Pelaverga Piccolo is one of Italy's most intriguing indigenous red grape varieties.

It is cultivated in a remarkably small area centred around Verduno, with additional permitted vineyards in parts of Roddi and La Morra.

The Verduno Pelaverga appellation covers only around 30 hectares of vineyards.

To put that into perspective, this is a tiny fraction of the area devoted to Nebbiolo in Barolo.

Production is correspondingly limited.

And yet the wines possess a personality unlike almost anything else in Italy.

Pelaverga is famous for its extraordinary perfume.

Strawberries, raspberries, red cherries and rose petals are common characteristics.

But the defining feature is spice.

White pepper is the signature of great Pelaverga.

This is not simply a poetic tasting description.

Scientific research has identified elevated concentrations of rotundone, an aromatic compound responsible for peppery aromas in certain grape varieties.

It is the same compound associated with the peppery character of some cool-climate Shiraz wines.

In Pelaverga, however, the spice combines with delicate red fruit and floral perfume to create something wonderfully distinctive.

The wines are generally lighter in colour and body than Nebbiolo, with softer tannins and a beautifully approachable structure.

But do not mistake delicacy for simplicity.

The finest examples possess remarkable aromatic complexity and genuine individuality.

If you love elegant Pinot Noir, fragrant Nebbiolo, delicate Poulsard or beautifully perfumed cool-climate reds, Pelaverga is a grape variety you absolutely need to discover.

Wild Strawberries, Raspberries, Rose Petals & White Pepper

The 2025 San Barnaba Verduno Pelaverga is a wonderfully fragrant, beautifully expressive red wine.

The aromatics are immediately captivating.

Fresh strawberries, wild raspberries and delicate red cherries combine with an enchanting floral perfume of rose petals.

There is a fascinating spicy dimension.

White pepper, gentle clove, subtle herbs and a suggestion of orange peel provide additional complexity.

The palate is beautifully balanced.

Juicy red fruit gives the wine an immediately appealing generosity, while fine tannins and refreshing acidity create wonderful definition.

There is a lovely sense of energy.

The wine feels light on its feet, yet possesses enough texture and flavour to be genuinely satisfying.

The finish is delicate, savoury and beautifully persistent.

It is the kind of wine that makes you want to pour another glass.

And then another.

This is not a wine about enormous concentration or powerful tannins. It is about fragrance, finesse, texture and sheer drinking pleasure.

Quite simply, it is absolutely delicious.

Beautifully Sensitive Winemaking – Purity Above Everything

The winemaking behind the 2025 San Barnaba Pelaverga is designed to preserve the remarkable fragrance and delicacy of the variety.

Fermentation takes place with native yeasts, with the wine subsequently matured in concrete.

Concrete is particularly well suited to this style of wine.

Unlike new oak, which can contribute powerful flavours of vanilla, toast and spice, concrete allows the delicate fruit and floral characteristics to remain at the forefront.

It can also provide a subtle environment for maturation, helping the wine develop texture while preserving freshness.

The result is a beautifully transparent expression of Pelaverga.

The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, with restrained sulphur additions.

The objective is to retain the wine's natural character rather than impose an obvious winemaking signature.

Everything about this wine is designed to celebrate the extraordinary personality of Pelaverga.

The 2025 Vintage – A Beautiful Expression of Piedmont

The 2025 growing season in Piedmont has generated considerable excitement among producers and wine enthusiasts.

The season benefited from winter precipitation that replenished water reserves, followed by relatively balanced spring and summer conditions.

Cooler, breezy weather during the final stages of ripening helped preserve freshness and aromatic definition.

For a delicate, fragrant variety such as Pelaverga, these conditions are particularly appealing.

The grape's greatest strength is its extraordinary perfume.

Maintaining freshness while achieving full flavour development is essential to producing wines with the balance and elegance for which Verduno Pelaverga is celebrated.

The 2025 San Barnaba is a beautiful demonstration of these qualities.

Wonderful fragrance, juicy red fruit, delicate tannins and a refreshing finish – everything that makes great Pelaverga so irresistible.

🇫🇷 A Wine for Lovers of Elegant Pinot Noir & Red Burgundy

For enthusiasts of beautifully fragrant Pinot Noir, Verduno Pelaverga can be a revelation.

Although the varieties are completely different, they share several attractive characteristics.

Both can produce wines with delicate red-fruit aromas, floral perfume, fine tannins and a wonderful sense of elegance.

There is often an almost ethereal quality to the finest examples.

But Pelaverga possesses a distinctive spicy character that sets it apart.

The white pepper, rose petals and wild strawberry notes create a remarkably individual aromatic profile.

For anyone who appreciates elegant red Burgundy, lighter-bodied Central Otago Pinot Noir or beautifully fragrant Australian Pinot Noir, this is a fascinating alternative.

It is also an excellent discovery for lovers of delicate Jura reds and the more fragrant expressions of Nebbiolo.

If you enjoy red wines that prioritise perfume, elegance and complexity over sheer power, the 2025 San Barnaba Pelaverga is a wine you will absolutely love.

One of Italy's Most Delicious Food Wines

Pelaverga is an extraordinary wine at the dinner table.

Its combination of delicate tannins, refreshing acidity, juicy red fruit and subtle spice makes it incredibly versatile.

In Piedmont, it is traditionally enjoyed alongside charcuterie, antipasti, fresh pasta and regional dishes.

It is particularly well suited to vitello tonnato, the classic Piedmontese preparation of thinly sliced veal with a delicate tuna-based sauce.

The wine's freshness also makes it an excellent partner for mushroom risotto, roast chicken, grilled quail and lighter meat dishes.

It would be magnificent with prosciutto, salami, soft cheeses and beautifully prepared pasta.

And because the tannins are so gentle, it can even work alongside dishes that would overwhelm more powerful red wines.

Try serving it slightly cool, around 13–15°C.

A gentle chill brings out the wine's beautiful red-fruit perfume and makes it even more refreshing.

This is particularly appealing during the warmer Australian months.

A Wine Made for Pure Drinking Pleasure

Unlike the powerful Nebbiolo wines of Barolo, which can require years or even decades of bottle age, Verduno Pelaverga is generally at its most captivating in its youth.

Its appeal lies in the freshness of its fruit, its beautiful floral perfume and its distinctive spicy character.

The 2025 San Barnaba is a wine to enjoy for its wonderful aromatic energy and immediate charm.

While well-made Pelaverga can develop additional complexity with a few years in bottle, there is absolutely no need to wait.

This is a wine designed to be enjoyed.

Open a bottle, give it a little air, pour a generous glass and enjoy one of Piedmont's most delightful red wine experiences.

Why We Love This Wine at Liquid Vibe

At Liquid Vibe, we have an enormous appreciation for the extraordinary diversity of Italian wine.

And some of the most exciting discoveries are not necessarily the most famous or expensive wines.

Sometimes they are the rare, indigenous varieties that offer something completely different.

The 2025 San Barnaba Verduno Pelaverga is a perfect example.

First, there is the producer.

A fascinating new Piedmontese project bringing together the Pasquero brothers and Francesco Rocca, whose family has an extraordinary connection to the great wines of Barbaresco.

Then there is the grape variety.

Pelaverga is one of Italy's rarest and most distinctive reds, cultivated in a tiny area surrounding Verduno.

And then there is the wine itself.

Wild strawberries. Raspberries. Rose petals. White pepper. Beautifully fine tannins. Wonderful freshness.

It is fragrant, elegant, sophisticated and unbelievably enjoyable.

There are plenty of wines that impress you with their concentration, tannins or power.

But sometimes the greatest pleasure comes from a wine that is simply impossible to stop drinking.

This is one of those wines.

At $82.50 a bottle, it is a wonderful opportunity to experience a rare and captivating expression of Piedmont.

An exciting new producer. One of Italy's rarest indigenous grape varieties. Extraordinary perfume. Beautiful texture. And absolutely delicious drinking.

The 2025 San Barnaba Verduno Pelaverga is a wine we cannot recommend highly enough.

Wine Details

• Producer: San Barnaba

• Wine: Verduno Pelaverga

• Vintage: 2025

• Region: Verduno, Piedmont, Italy

• Grape Variety: Pelaverga

• Producer Team: Roberto Pasquero, Giovanni Pasquero and Francesco Rocca

• Winery Base: Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont

• Fermentation: Native yeasts

• Maturation: Concrete

• Fining & Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered

• Sulphur: Restrained additions

• Style: Fragrant, light-bodied, spicy and elegant dry red

• Aromatic Profile: Wild strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, rose petals and white pepper

• RRP: $82.50 per bottle

• Food Pairing: Charcuterie, vitello tonnato, mushroom risotto, roast chicken, pasta and antipasti

• Serving Temperature: Approximately 13–15°C

• Drinking Style: Particularly appealing in its youth