Schioppettino, also known as Ribolla Nera and, in the Slovenian region, as Pocalza, is an ancient indigenous grape variety from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, historically linked to the Judrio Valley and documented in the Prepotto area as far back as the Middle Ages. Long neglected, it was revived and promoted in the 1970s thanks to the selection of surviving vines, leading to the recognition of the Schioppettino di Prepotto sub-zone within the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC.
From an ampelographic point of view, it has medium-sized leaves, generally pentagonal and five-lobed, with a closed or semi-open petiole sinus. The bunch is medium to large, cylindrical-conical, often winged and moderately compact; the berry, which is ellipsoidal or spherical in shape, has a thick, firm and intensely pruinose skin, which is blue-black in colour. Ripening is medium to late.
Cultivation is concentrated mainly in Prepotto, in the localities of Cialla and Albana, and more generally in the eastern hills of Friuli, with some also found in the neighbouring Slovenian region of Primorska. The wine is distinguished by its intense ruby-red colour, often enhanced by violet hues, and by a broad aromatic profile, in which red and black berries, violets, pepper, delicate spices and balsamic nuances come to the fore. On the palate, it combines freshness, an elegant tannic texture and good structure – characteristics that encourage its development in the bottle. The name likely refers to the ‘crackling’ of the crisp grapes or the liveliness of young wines, which once developed a slight effervescence.
