Schioppettino is a red grape varietal native to Italy. Not only is it fun to say, it’s fun to drink!! I recently had the pleasure of being introduced to this fantastic grape, and the wine it created reminded me of a cross between Pinot Noir and Syrah. It has the light and playful fruitiness of a Pinot but the underlying structure and pepperiness of a cool climate Syrah. Check out my tasting video here.
Meaning “gunshot” or “little crack”, Schioppettino is also known as “Ribolla Nera” and is grown primarily in the northeast of Italy – most likely originating along the Slovenia border. There are even records of this wine being used in marriage ceremonies as far back as 1282!! Known for its aromatic qualities, high acidity, and low alcohol levels, it’s also made into a semi-sparkling wine most often consumed domestically (meaning – in Italy). It was nearly wiped out by the Phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, but fortunately has made it back onto the wine scene, albeit in limited quantities.
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