Schioppettino/Ribolla Nera

Schioppettino, also known as Ribolla Nera, is a red wine grape native to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeast Italy. The grape is believed to have descended from Slovenia. There are records of Schiopettino wine being served in marriage ceremonies that date back to 1282.  The grape was threatened with extinction following the ravages of phylloxera in the 19th century when vineyards were replanted with higher-yielding, more robust French wine grapes like Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot gris, Sauvignon blanc and Merlot. Plantings are still limited and concentrated in the Colli Orientali appellation. This is a grape with rich potential, typically vinified in stainless-steel and matured in used barriques. Schioppettino is deeply coloured, medium bodied, with charming violet aromatics and a certain Northern Rhone (Syrah ) peppery quality, Alpine-fresh acidity, and few tannins to speak of.