Schiava - Another grape variety from the north of Italy

 

A recent post by Grapefriend introduced us to a little known grape variety called Schiava!

 

Grapefriend made the following comments: "This used to be most grown grape in the region (Alto Adige), basically used to make table wine in bulk.

 

Schiava actually means “slave” in Italian – a real workhorse grape for them back in the day. Now people have dialed back the yields and are pumping out some really nice wines.

 

 

It’s whole purpose is to be a very light, easy drinking red that you can even serve with a little chill. There’s always a note of tarragon/herbal goodness too which makes it phenomenal with charcuterie, especially the regional fave speck

 

Schiava is often blended with a small dose of Lagrein – a super heavy red that gives a dose of color and tannin".