The red wine variety Schioppettino is a very high-quality grape variety from Friuli that has been known for over 100 years, but was in danger of being forgotten over the course of the 20th century. The variety, first mentioned around 1877, has been experiencing a remarkable renaissance in recent years. For a long time it was thought to be a black variant of Ribolla Gialla, but it has turned out that it is a completely separate variety whose origins are obscure. The origin of the name is also not clear; on the one hand it is assumed that it goes back to the sparkling character of the wines, but on the other hand it is perhaps derived from the hard skins of the berries. The late-ripening variety is particularly susceptible to drizzling after a cool, wet spring, and downy mildew also causes problems. The drying out of the branches also poses a danger. Today, thanks to the commitment of some top producers, a few hectares are standing again in Friuli, especially in the Collio and the Colli Orientali. The variety is usually produced as a pure variety, but it is also suitable for blending, especially with the Refosco grape variety. The best-known producers today who are re-devoting themselves to this variety are Girolamo Dorigo and Le Vigne di Zamó.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Pocalza, Schioccoletto, Scoppiettino, Ribolla Nera, Schiopetino
