One of the things I love most about wine is that every bottle tells a story. Sometimes that story begins in the vineyard. Sometimes it begins during a conversation with a winemaker. And occasionally, it begins by simply standing in the right place.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Francesca Mecchia of Vigna Petrussa in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. We spent our conversation discussing one of the region's most treasured native grapes—Schioppettino. Her passion for this historic variety was contagious, and by the end of our interview, I promised myself I would find a bottle.
As it turns out, I didn't have to look very far.
Last Thursday, I was in New York City and scored reservations at Ci Siamo (thank you very much Zach). While we were waiting to be seated, I found myself standing right next to the wine cellar. I started scanning the bottles, the way you do, and there it was. A bottle of Ronchi Di Cialla Schioppettino 2021, just sitting there like it had been waiting for me.
There wasn't even a decision to make. I hadn't looked at the dinner menu yet. I had no idea what I was ordering. I simply knew that bottle was coming to the table.
Everything Francesca Described Was in the Glass
The first sip immediately reminded me of everything Francesca had explained during our conversation.
Schioppettino is unlike many Italian red wines. Instead of being big, heavy, and tannic, it is elegant and energetic. The wine opens with aromas of blackberries, raspberries, currant, before finishing with the grape's unmistakable signature cracked black pepper spice.
That peppery finish is one of Schioppettino's defining characteristics, and Ronchi di Cialla captured it beautifully.
Despite being a red wine, it felt surprisingly light on its feet, making it an excellent choice even during the warmer months of summer.
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| Gnocco Fritto and the Caramelized Onion Torta |
A Nearly Perfect Food Wine
Our meal turned into an unexpected lesson in just how versatile Schioppettino can be.
It paired beautifully with the warm goat gouda cheese-filled puff pastry appetizer Gnocco Fritto and the Caramelized Onion Torta (that they are known for) we shared. The bright acidity and peppery spice balanced the richness perfectly.
My daughter ordered ravioli, another excellent match, as the wine complemented the pasta without overpowering it.
I ordered a delicate olive oil poached orata, and admittedly, I was a little concerned. Would a red wine work?
While it wasn't the perfect pairing, it was surprisingly enjoyable. Because Schioppettino is lighter-bodied with fresh acidity rather than heavy tannins, it respected the fish more than many red wines would have.
That versatility is one of the grape's greatest strengths.
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| olive oil poached orata |
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| ravioli |
What to Pair with Schioppettino
One reason I enjoyed this wine so much is its flexibility at the table.
Try pairing Schioppettino with:
- Charcuterie and aged cheeses
- Mushroom dishes
- Onion tarts and savory pastries
- Ravioli or mushroom-filled pasta
- Roast chicken
- Herb-crusted pork tenderloin
- Duck breast
- Grilled sausages
- Wood-fired pizza
Worth Seeking Out
Restaurant wine lists often make wines seem expensive, but this bottle was surprisingly reasonable in New York City. It was $68 and personally, that is not bad. I'd expect to find it retailing somewhere around $25–30, making it an excellent value for anyone looking to explore beyond the usual Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.
If you're someone who enjoys discovering lesser-known grapes, Schioppettino deserves a place on your list. It's distinctive without being intimidating, elegant without being overly serious, and offers something just a little different from the wines most of us reach for.
My conversation with Francesca introduced me to Schioppettino. (You can find the conversation here)
Finding a bottle by chance in New York City allowed me to experience firsthand everything she described.
Sometimes that's exactly how wine works. You learn about a grape, you become curious, and then one day, when you least expect it, it finds you.
And when it does, don't hesitate.
Order the bottle.
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