The Schioppettino di Prepotto

Formally, the Schioppettino is a clone of “Ribolla Nera”; it owes its name to the ancient Friulian name “Scopp” or popping in the mouth. And why does Schioppettino explode in the mouth? Perhaps because the grape has a thin skin that becomes tight and crunchy when ripe and therefore explodes in the mouth when eaten, more probably because its high acidity in ancient days caused malolactic fermentation in the bottle that made the corks explode.

The history

This vine has ancient origins, some documents identify it between the Cialla Valley and Albana, in the municipality of Prepotto, between the years 1200 and 1300.

At the end of the 19th century, phylloxera hit the Schioppettino and risked extinction; as if that were not enough, in the 70s the European Community issued a regulation prohibiting the planting of vines not recognized by the DOC specifications.

In 1977, the Prepotto City Council deliberated the request to add the Schioppettino to the list of authorized vines; the authorization occurred in 1981.

In 2002, the Schioppettino Producers Association promoted and guaranteed the authenticity of the Schioppettino grape, cultivated by over twenty producers, who are constantly committed to protecting the value and quality of this unique variety.

In 2008, Schioppettino was finally among the recognized vines and was annexed to the DOC Friuli Colli Orientali and regulated by a rigorous specification.

The specification establishes that:

• the vineyards must produce a maximum of 1.55 kg of grapes per vine
• the harvest must be manual
• the wine yield must not exceed 49 hectolitres/hectare (the current production is below the imposed limit)
• the refinement must take place in wooden barrels for at least 12 months
• the wine cannot go on the market before September of the second year following the harvest

The characteristics of Schioppettino

The Schioppettino di Prepotto is an authentic wine with a ruby ​​red color, a scent of berries and morello cherry, and a singular varietal note of pepper; in the glass, it is elegant and complex.

The acid and mineral soil, composed of marl, clay, and flysch (Ponca), allows the development of aromatic intensity and spicy notes.

The Schioppettino, like other vines such as Syrah and Groppello, contains Rotundone, the compound responsible for the aroma of black pepper.

This unique wine owes its characteristics to the terroir, but the hand of the winemaker can interpret the language of the earth. Its strong point is the drinking versatility; it goes well with red meat dishes and game, fish, or spicy dishes.

Here, you will find all the Schioppettino producers we have selected for you.