Schioppettino Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2023

Ronco del Gnemiz | Friuli
Az. Ronco del Gnemiz Soc. Agr. | Via Ronchi 5 | IT 33048 San Giovanni al Natisone

02102523 · 0,75 l · 65,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

In the 1970s, seventy vines still existed. Seventy, scattered across eastern Friuli, forgotten in overgrown vineyards. What was once one of the most prized red wines in the region – first mentioned in 1282 – was on the verge of disappearing. Worse still: in 1976, the regional government banned its cultivation. A variety that was not on the official register was not allowed to exist. The rebels won. Paolo Rapuzzi collected the last vines, defied the authorities and an earthquake, and brought the first legal Schioppettino onto the market in 1977. Today, the variety is once again recognised as one of Italy's most important indigenous reds – also thanks to winegrowers like Christian Patat, who have given it a home in Rosazzo. The name? Presumably from the Friulian "scopp" – to crack, to burst. Some say because of the thick, crispy berry skin under the teeth. Others say because young wines continue to ferment in the bottle and the corks pop out. Both explanations fit a wine that has nothing quiet about it. Ronco del Gnemiz cultivates less than one hectare in two parcels: One has been bearing fruit for over sixty years, the other was planted in 2001. Christian Patat vinifies them together, with partial whole-cluster fermentation and ageing in neutral barriques. Nine months, unfiltered.

The result is light ruby red, cherry-fruity and peppery – a wine with its own character, reminiscent of Syrah and yet unmistakably Friulian. Schioppettino also means Ribolla Nera – black Ribolla. However, it is not related to the white Ribolla Gialla. A name that is misleading. Like so many things with this variety, which almost disappeared and is now more alive than ever. SUPERIORE.DE