Castello Di Verduno Basadone Pelaverga 2023

Castello Di Verduno Basadone Pelaverga 2023

Castello di Verduno is an historic Piemontese estate that makes classic Barolo and Barbaresco from prime vineyard sites in both appellations. The winery is located in Verduno, the northernmost commune of Barolo. This township has flown under the radar for many years but recently has been gaining more and more attention thanks to the Grand Cru properties of Monvigliero as well as the every increasing love for the indigenous variety Pelaverga!

From two vineyards - Massara and Olmo in the Verduno commune. Pelaverga has existed in Verduno since the 1600s and Castello di Verduno were one of the first proponents, planting a single varietal vineyard of Pelaverga in 1972. From four different parcels planted from 1972-2001. Practicing organic. Fermented in stainless steel for 10 days prior to 9 months ageing in stainless steel then 3 months in the bottle before release.

Potpourri, fresh rose petals, red licorice straps all dominate this high toned beauty – as always with Castello di Verduno, the exotic fruit lift is framed with savoury edges of concrete, dried thyme and cocoa dust. The 2023 season was a warm one for sure, but this shows restraint, and where others have verged into dark wood spice, this stays in the beautifully red toned fruit, jelly crystals, with flashes of white pepper and beautifully ferric, tensile tannins. Bloody lovely!

"Strawberry, raspberry, watermelon rind, spice and pepper, aniseed and flowers. It’s juicy and savoury at once, crisp and energetic, a sappy character in with bright red fruits, orange peel and spice. There’s a fine dusty grip to tannin, and a tangy finish of good length. It’s a little more watercoloured in 2023, yet still so charming and lovely to drink. 93 Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front"