Schioppettino (2020) - Il Roncal

In the heart of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, where the hills are woven into history, Schioppettino found new life thanks to a group of passionate growers. In the '70s this indigenous grape variety was at risk of dying out, but the determination of a few producers, among them the Il Roncal winery, brought a piece of Friulian tradition back to life. The name "Schioppettino" is said to come from the "crackling" sound the wine made during fermentation. Today Schioppettino is a symbol of resilience and authenticity, a tribute to the Friulian land and its ability to rise again after hard times.

Schioppettino (2020) - Il Roncal

Schioppettino (2020) - Il Roncal

Type: Red Wine

Area: Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Colli Orientali del Friuli

Appellation: Friuli DOC

Grape variety: Schioppettino

Vintage: 2020

Winery: Il Roncal

Alcohol: 13.5%

The appellation: Friuli DOC

The Friuli DOC is a denominazione di origine controllata established in 2016, whose purpose is to make the most of the region’s winegrowing identity within a broader and more modern framework. It is an “umbrella” DOC, that is, a supra-regional appellation that embraces the whole territory of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, allowing producers to unify the territorial indications under a single mark, while keeping their local typicity. This DOC takes in a great variety of grape varieties, both native and international, and allows a flexible production of white, red, rosé, sparkling and lightly sparkling wines, often vinified as a single variety.

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Who makes it: Il Roncal

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The vine of Schioppettino

Schioppettino

Schioppettino is a black grape variety native to Friuli Venezia Giulia, in particular the Colli Orientali del Friuli area. This variety, also known as Pignolo Nero, has an ancient and fascinating history going back centuries, and it has recently drawn attention for its quality and distinctiveness. It is grown only in specific areas, where the climate and the soil help bring out its distinctive character.

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Schioppettino: the area of the Colli Orientali del Friuli

Colli Orientali del Friuli

Colli Orientali del Friuli

The Colli Orientali del Friuli, in the north-eastern part of Friuli Venezia Giulia, are one of the most prestigious and historic wine areas of Italy. This hilly territory, which stretches between the province of Udine and the Slovenian border, has a unique terroir with soils of Eocene origin known as "ponca", rich in marl and sandstone. These soils, combined with a mild climate influenced by the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, create ideal conditions for producing high-quality wines.

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Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Schioppettino

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Violet

Secondary aromas: Pepper, Spice

Tertiary aromas: Leather

Tasting notes: An elegant red wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, typical of the Schioppettino variety.

Sulphites yes
Body Full-bodied
Acidity Medium-high
Tannin Medium-high
Sweetness Dry
Finish Media
Colour Ruby red
Clarity Clear

Winemaking methods used for Schioppettino

Alcoholic fermentation and maceration

Alcoholic fermentation and maceration is the key process in winemaking, during which the sugars in the must are turned into alcohol through the action of the yeasts. At the same time, in red wines and in some macerated whites, maceration takes place, that is contact between the must and the skins, which allows colour, tannins and aromas to be extracted.

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Ageing methods used for Schioppettino

In Stainless Steel (7–18 months)

Ageing in stainless steel for between 7 and 18 months is a winemaking choice aimed at obtaining more structured, complex wines, while retaining the varietal purity and aromatic precision typical of an inert material. Unlike short ageing periods, here the wine is left to mature for longer in stainless steel so that it stabilises naturally, develops slowly and gains greater balance, without any aromatic interference from wood or oxidation.

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Time on the lees for Schioppettino

  • No contact with the lees