Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The 3.8830-hectare vineyard lies at Corona, a hamlet of Mariano del Friuli in the province of Gorizia. It occupies cadastral parcels 1362 (part), 1369 and 1403 on land-registry sheets 1 and 5. The vines were planted in 1982 on a calcareous mineral base rich in iron sesquioxides but poor in organic matter and other nutrients. These restrictive conditions slow vegetative growth and contribute to very low yields.
The vineyard faces south, with rows running east–west. Spacing varies between 2.70 × 1.20 m and 2.70 × 0.80 m, corresponding to 3,086 vines per hectare. The vines are trained to Guyot with seven to eight buds per cane. Light summer trimming balances foliage and fruit, and no fertiliser is applied. Rootstock is SO4, with Friuli Venezia Giulia clonal selection.
Grapes
100% Schioppettino from the Isonzo del Friuli DOC zone. Yield is 3,500–3,700 kg per hectare, approximately 0.8 kg per vine.
Vinification
The fruit is allowed to become slightly overripe, with picking timed from the ripening curve to accommodate the variety’s naturally high fixed acidity. Harvesting is exclusively by hand. The grapes are destemmed and gently pressed, then undergo an extremely long maceration and primary fermentation on the skins. Well water provides cooling, keeping the temperature at no more than 29°C. Fermentation may last from two weeks to 35 days. The wine then rests in AISI 316 stainless-steel tanks.
Ageing
Maturation continues for at least five years in 2,000-litre oak casks. After bottling, batches of 500 bottles are packed in large chests and held in a temperature-controlled warehouse for further ageing. The combination of lengthy maceration and elevated fixed acidity is intended to support prolonged development.
Tasting profile
Intense ruby red with granite-toned nuances and violet reflections. The wine combines substantial body and pronounced fixed acidity with a velvety texture and full warmth. Its youthful aroma recalls wild blackberry, raspberry and blueberry. With age, the bouquet develops towards underbrush, musk, spices and aromatic wood.
Label / history
Schioppettino is presented as one of Friuli’s most distinctive indigenous varieties, probably originating in the territory between Udine and Gorizia. Its cultivation and production remain limited because the vine is difficult both to grow and to transform into a wine that expresses its potential.
