Colli Orientali del Friuli Schioppettino

While certainly the nicest Schioppettino I’ve had it’s difficult to justify the price point relative to other wines of its caliber. Medium bodied with energetic, bright red fruit, pepper, and faint earth. Well balanced fruit with juicy acidity and soft, powdery tannin. Impressive, but still needs to prove a $40 price tag.

I had no expectations going in for this one— I had never heard of the grower or the varietal (Schioppettino - “little rifle”) before. Spicy pepper and blackberry on the nose, it manages to maintain both of those whilst adding tannins and acids for a balanced, yet very interesting wine. It’s all the more interesting for being a part of the “Vini Veri” movement: no pesticides or GMOs, or alterations to fermentation. Well worth a try.

2007

Not exactly sure if Riedel makes a Schioppettino glass yet so a Bordeaux stem will have to do. This 2009 is full bodied; herbs and red fruit predominate but showing surprising acidity. Not much to speak of in the way of tannin.

Definitely different - more smoke, dark fruit, and pepper

Lovely wine underneath the slight cork taint

An alive peppery nose with notes of wild boysenberry, undertones of herbs (marjoram) and vanilla. Beautiful opaque dark ruby in color. On the palate more pepper and boysenberry complimented with allspice. Underbrush and a slight tannic, dusty vanilla finish. Medium acidity with medium plus tannins.

2010 vintage - intense purple black, aroma of candied licorice, forest berries, mulch, taste quite firm/forward acid, black berries, tight acid, bitter medicinal finish, dark and brooding schioppettino

Perfect red blend for a hearty Italian meal - pork ragu, roasted pig or Florentine steak. Hints of roses, berries and smooth tannins....

2013