Broilo. Schioppettino di Prepotto

Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC
Grape: Schioppettino 

Raspberry and black pepper, earthy mushroom and grilled peppers, mineral and complex. Seriously great full-bodied red.  13.5%

Link to Broilo producer page

The Schioppettino vineyard is 1.5 hectares and the vines were planted in 1970 and 1998 using cuttings from their own ancient clones that have been on the land for at least 100 years.

The grapes are picked by hand and macerated on the skins for fifteen days, alcoholic fermentation is with indigenous yeasts.  Malolactic fermentation and ageing takes place in used barriques for between 24 and 30 months.  The wine is given a light, paper filtration before bottling.

Massimo considers Schioppettino to be ‘the’ Pinot Noir, or even ‘the’ Nebbiolo of Prepotto.  Schioppettino is a unique grape and when such skill and experience comes into play, this wine can compete in International markets as one of the great reds.  I agree and it is a pity there isn’t more of it!