Schioppettino DOC 2018, Vigne di Zamo’

The Le Vigne di Zamò Schioppettino 2018 Friuli Colli Orientali (FCO) DOC is a complex and elegant red wine made from the native Schioppettino grape, also known as Ribolla Nera. This 2018 vintage is highly regarded for its distinctive spicy character and structural integrity, reflecting the unique terroir of the Rosazzo hills in Udine.

Sensory Profile

• Appearance: The wine displays an intense ruby red colour with notable violet reflections.
• Aroma: It features an unmistakable and impressive bouquet. Expect a fusion of red berries (wild blackberries and raspberries) wrapped in intense spicy notes of black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, with deeper undertones of incense, leather, and coffee.
• Palate: Harmonious and well-structured with silky tannins and a persistent finish. It balances its complexity with a pleasant freshness that enhances its drinkability.

Vinification and Aging

• Harvest: Grapes are 100% Schioppettino, manually harvested in early October from the estate’s Rosazzo vineyards.
• Process: The grapes are destemmed and macerated for 15 days in truncated-conical wooden vats or temperature-controlled stainless steel. This is followed by traditional pressing and racking.
• Maturation: The wine matures for 18 months in barriques (where malolactic fermentation is also completed) before being blended and bottled. It typically undergoes additional bottle aging (up to two years) before release to ensure a refined profile.
• Technical Specs: It typically has an alcohol content of 13.5% vol.

Recommended Pairings

This wine is emblematic of Friuli and should be served at 16–18°C.

• Main Courses: Excellent with roasted red meats, game, and meat stews. It also pairs well with pasta in rich meat ragù.
• Regional Specialties: Ideal with mixed boiled meats or traditional Polenta taragna.
• Savory & Sweet: Pairs beautifully with mature Alpine dairy cheeses or, for a more experimental match, fine dark chocolate.