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Perera—a unique and rarely seen standalone white grape from Northern Italy that plays a very special role in crafting premium sparkling wines. While the vast majority of Prosecco is made from the Glera grape, traditional winemakers in the Veneto region often include up to 15% of local, indigenous varieties in their blends, with Perera being the most aromatic of them all. Its name, derived from the Italian word pera (pear), perfectly reflects its character. This grape imparts stunning notes of ripe pears and white flowers to sparkling wines, adding layers of complexity, fruitiness, and undisputed elegance.
Historically, Perera was widely planted across the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene hills. However, following the phylloxera epidemic and the mass shift toward the more robust Glera vine, its plantings diminished significantly. Today, Perera is considered a rare local treasure, preserved in old, mixed-planted vineyards by only the most dedicated winemakers. It is mostly found in the prestigious Prosecco Superiore DOCG appellations, where, alongside Bianchetta Trevigiana and Verdiso, it helps recreate the authentic, historical taste of the region.
Wines (predominantly sparkling) featuring the Perera grape are exceptionally versatile at the dining table.
Thanks to their vibrant fruitiness and floral aromas, they serve as the ultimate aperitif.
These wines pair flawlessly with light appetizers (traditional Venetian cicchetti), fresh fish, seafood, and mild, young cheeses. They are also an excellent companion for summer salads featuring fruit or light, mildly sweet desserts.
Perera is a rather delicate vine, susceptible to disease, and requires meticulous care in the vineyard. While it can produce a lovely, aromatic still wine, the long-standing tradition in Veneto dictates its use as the perfect "seasoning" grape in sparkling wine blends, naturally complementing the base Glera variety.
If Glera provides the wine with its core structure, crispness, and green apple notes, and Verdiso adds a zesty acidic backbone, Perera is responsible for the aromatic lift—it enriches the wine with its signature pear and stone-fruit fragrances.
Like most wines in the Prosecco spectrum, bottles featuring Perera are crafted to be enjoyed for their freshness, youthful energy, and primary fruit aromas. They are best consumed young, ideally within 1 to 2 years of release.