Schioppettino

Schioppettino's documented history stretches back to 1282, when it appeared in marriage ceremony records near Prepotto, a small village in the province of Udine close to the Slovenian border. For centuries it remained a local specialty, but the phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th century proved nearly catastrophic. As growers replanted their vineyards, they overwhelmingly chose French varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, abandoning Schioppettino almost entirely. By the 1960s, fewer than 100 vines remained anywhere in the world.

• First recorded mention dates to 1282 near Prepotto, Udine province
• Phylloxera epidemic drove widespread replanting with French varieties, marginalizing native grapes
• Fewer than 100 vines survived into the 1960s
• Italian wine authorities did not legally recognize the variety until after revival efforts began

The rescue of Schioppettino is largely the story of one man. In 1970, Paolo Rapuzzi founded Ronchi di Cialla in the Cialla valley and tracked down 70 surviving vines to begin a serious replanting program. His first vintage, released in 1977, signaled the variety's return. A 1978 EU decree encouraged further replanting in the province of Udine, giving the revival official momentum. Decades of effort culminated in 2008, when Prepotto received sub-zone status within the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC, formally recognizing the area as Schioppettino's spiritual home.

• Paolo Rapuzzi of Ronchi di Cialla located 70 surviving vines in 1970
• First modern commercial release came from Rapuzzi in 1977
• 1978 EU decree formally encouraged replanting in Udine province
• Prepotto granted DOC sub-zone status in 2008

Approximately 90% of Schioppettino plantings sit within the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC, concentrated around Prepotto and Cialla in the province of Udine. The wines produced around Prepotto and the Buttrio-Manzano area, both near the Slovenian border, are considered the finest expressions. Vineyards occupy cool hillside sites planted in marly-limestone soils, influenced by both the Julian Alps to the north and the moderating presence of the Adriatic Sea to the south. Strong eastern winds are a defining feature of the local climate. Small plantings also exist in Russia River Valley, California, and Australia.

• 90% of global plantings concentrated in Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC
• Prepotto and Buttrio-Manzano considered the top sites, both near the Slovenian border
• Marly-limestone soils on cool hillside vineyards
• Climate shaped by Julian Alps, Adriatic Sea, and strong eastern winds

Schioppettino produces medium-bodied, deeply colored red wines with a signature peppercorn character rooted in the grape's naturally high levels of rotundone, the same aroma compound found in black pepper and Syrah. Alongside this spice, expect violets, red berries, dark fruits, and additional spice notes. High acidity and balanced tannins give the wine both freshness and structure. That same high acidity and relatively low alcohol also make Schioppettino suited to semi-sparkling spumante production, a style that references the historical effervescence that may have inspired its name. The grape ripens in the mid-to-late portion of the vintage calendar.

• High rotundone levels deliver a defining black peppercorn character
• Aromas of violets, red berries, dark fruits, and spice alongside pepper
• High acidity and balanced tannins provide structure and aging potential
• Can be produced as still or semi-sparkling spumante