Schioppettino

Schioppettino, also known by the name of ribolla nera, is a dark grape variety from Friuli. It is widespread above all in the Prepotto area, a municipality in the province of Udine, near Cividale de Friuli, but it is present throughout the area of the Colli Orientali and also in the Slovenian territory. Its curious name seems to be of onomatopoeic origin and derives from the popping of ripe berries in the mouth. It is a variety that produces elongated and quite large clusters. The berries are medium in size, with a very dark blue-black resistant skin covered with abundant bloom. The schioppettino has a medium-late ripening period and in years with a classic climate, it is harvested in the first weeks of October. Vinified in purity, it is a grape that produces a wine with an interesting personality, with aromas of small dark berry fruits and a characteristic spicy note of black pepper. The tannic texture is delicate, subtle and the freshness is always lively. Almost completely abandoned in favor of better known international varieties, it was rediscovered in the late 1970s by some small local producers, who are credited with having preserved the grape from the risk of extinction. It is among the authorized vines of the provinces of Udine and Gorizia and in particular in the Friuli Colli Orientali and Friuli Isonzo appellations.