Schioppettino

Quick Facts

Berry Color: Blue-black
Skin Thickness: Medium
Ripening: Late
Vigor: Moderate
Yield: Low to moderate
Character: Intensely peppery and aromatic

Overview

Schioppettino is one of Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s most distinctive indigenous red varieties, producing intensely aromatic, peppery wines that have earned cult status among Italian wine enthusiasts. Nearly extinct by the 1970s, the variety was saved by dedicated local producers and is now experiencing a quality renaissance. The wine’s signature white and black pepper character, combined with floral aromatics and firm structure, creates one of northeastern Italy’s most unique red wine experiences. For enologists, Schioppettino demonstrates the potential of terroir-specific indigenous varieties and the importance of preservation efforts.

Etymology and History

Name Origin

Schioppettino: From Italian “schioppettare” (to crackle)

Reference: Describes wine’s lively, peppery character

Alternative: Ribolla Nera relates to Ribolla family connection

Historical Development

Ancient cultivation in eastern Friuli
Mentioned in 1282 documents (Prepotto)
Near extinction mid-20th century
1970s revival by local producers
Modern recognition and DOC status

Saved from Extinction

Crisis: Post-WWII abandonment

Heroes: Paolo Rapuzzi, Girolamo Dorigo, others

Method: Old vine identification and propagation

Result: Variety preserved; quality focus established

Viticulture

Vine Characteristics

Growth Habit: Moderate vigor

Leaf Shape: Medium; three to five lobes

Cluster: Medium; loose to moderate density

Berry: Small to medium; blue-black

Growing Requirements

Climate: Continental with moderating influence

Soil Preference: Ponca (marl-sandstone); flysch

Altitude: 100-400 meters optimal

Exposition: South-facing slopes preferred

Phenological Stages

Stage	Timing
Bud break	Mid-April
Flowering	Early June
Véraison	Mid-August
Harvest	Early-mid October

Site Specificity

Prepotto: Historic and quality epicenter

Terroir: Ponca soils essential for character

Microclimate: Protected slopes; good drainage

Wine Profile

Appearance

Color: Deep ruby to purple
Intensity: Medium-deep
Evolution: Garnet with age

Aromatic Profile

Primary Aromas:

White pepper (signature)
Black pepper
Wild berries (blackberry, raspberry)
Violet, rose
Fresh herbs

Secondary/Tertiary:

Spice complexity
Earthy notes
Game, leather (with age)
Tobacco, dried herbs

Palate Characteristics

Structure:

Medium to full body
Moderate to firm tannins
Good acidity
Peppery spice through finish

Texture: Structured but not heavy

Finish: Long; spicy; persistent pepper

Regional Expressions

Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC

Status: Primary quality zone

Prepotto: Historic heartland; finest examples

Requirements: DOC regulations apply

Character: Full expression of variety

Friuli Colli Orientali DOCG

Recent Elevation: Quality recognition

Schioppettino: Can be labeled varietally

Standards: Stricter quality requirements

Cross-Border (Slovenia)

Brda/Goriška Brda: Continuation of terroir

Style: Similar to Friuli

Recognition: Growing

Winemaking Considerations

Fermentation

Temperature: Moderate (22-26°C)

Duration: Standard to extended maceration

Vessel: Stainless steel or wood

Goal: Preserve aromatics; build structure

Extraction

Approach: Moderate extraction

Technique: Pump-overs; some punch-down

Duration: 15-21 days typical

Balance: Extract without over-tannin

Aging

Oak Approach:

Large oak traditional
Small French oak modern
12-24 months typical

Bottle Age: Benefits from 3-8 years

Potential: Best examples age 10-15+ years

The Pepper Character

Rotundone Connection

Compound: Rotundone (sesquiterpene)

Same as: Syrah’s pepper compound

Levels: High in Schioppettino

Expression: White and black pepper notes

Enhancing Pepper

Viticultural Factors:

Cooler sites enhance rotundone
Later harvest may reduce
Stress can increase

Winemaking: Gentle handling preserves aromatics

Food Pairing

Traditional Matches

Friulian Cuisine:

Prosciutto di San Daniele
Frico (cheese crisp)
Game birds (quail, guinea fowl)
Mushroom dishes

Pepper Synergy: Works with peppery dishes

Modern Applications

Spiced Cuisines: Asian, Middle Eastern elements

Charcuterie: Excellent pairing

Temperature: 16-18°C

Key Producers

Quality Leaders

Ronchi di Cialla (Rapuzzi family): Revival pioneers; benchmark

Girolamo Dorigo: Historic quality

Le Due Terre: Biodynamic excellence

Vigna Petrussa: Consistent quality

La Viarte: Quality range

Other Notable Producers

Moschioni: Traditional style

Meroi: Premium quality

Specogna: Family estate

Market Position

Production Statistics

Vineyard Area: ~100-150 hectares

Annual Production: Very limited

Distribution: Specialty market; collectors

Pricing

Level	Price (€)
Entry	€15-25
Quality	€25-40
Premium/Aged	€40-70+

Market Status

Recognition: Cult following among enthusiasts

Challenge: Limited volume; limited awareness

Opportunity: Distinctive character; quality focus

Comparison with Peppery Varieties

Variety	Pepper Type	Region	Body
Schioppettino	White + black	Friuli	Medium-full
Syrah	Black	Rhône/global	Full
Grüner Veltliner	White	Austria	Light (white)
Mondeuse	Black	Savoie	Medium-full

Distinction: Schioppettino combines aromatics with structure

Preservation and Future

Conservation Status

Saved: From near-extinction

Ongoing: Clonal selection programs

Research: University of Udine studies

Future Outlook

Quality Trajectory: Continuing improvement

Recognition: Growing international interest

Challenge: Expanding production without diluting quality

Conclusion

Schioppettino represents a triumphant story of grape variety preservation and quality renaissance. For enologists, the grape offers fascinating study in aromatic compound expression (rotundone), the importance of terroir-specific indigenous varieties, and the potential for near-extinct grapes to achieve cult status through quality focus. The intensely peppery, aromatic character of well-made Schioppettino is unlike any other Italian red, rewarding those who seek out this Friulian treasure with wines of genuine distinction and complexity.

References

Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
Consorzio Tutela Vini Friuli Colli Orientali. Documentation.
VIVC Database. Variety Information.

Last updated: January 13, 2026