Schioppettino di Prepotto Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2021 - Grillo Iole

The authentic character of Friuli in a great native red wine

Schioppettino di Prepotto Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2021 by Azienda Agricola Grillo Iole expresses the distinctive personality of one of Friuli Venezia Giulia's most fascinating native grape varieties.

Schioppettino, also known as Ribolla Nera, is an ancient Friulian variety that has found its ideal home in the hills of Prepotto, where it has become a symbol of the local winemaking tradition.

Elegant and refined, this red wine combines freshness and structure with the distinctive spicy character that makes Schioppettino immediately recognisable. Rather than relying on power and concentration, its appeal lies in the balance between finesse, depth and personality.

Grillo Iole's interpretation highlights the elegant side of Schioppettino through careful winemaking and ageing in wood, adding complexity without overshadowing the natural character of the grape.

The winemaker's notes

"Schioppettino is a grape variety that demonstrates just how important the relationship between wine and territory can be. It has a unique character: remarkable freshness, an elegant structure and a natural spiciness that makes it immediately recognisable."

— Yuri Stefani

Why we chose it

We chose Grillo Iole Schioppettino di Prepotto because it embodies one of the qualities we value most in great Italian wines: identity.

It comes from a rare native grape variety with a profound connection to a specific place, capable of expressing its origins through distinctive aromas, flavours and personality.

An ideal bottle for those looking to discover an outstanding Italian red beyond the country's most famous appellations, yet with a character and history every bit as compelling.

The territory

Schioppettino finds its historic home in the hills of Prepotto, in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, an area particularly well suited to producing wines of remarkable elegance and character.

Located close to the Slovenian border, this landscape is shaped by rolling hills, cooling air currents and significant differences between daytime and night-time temperatures. Together with the distinctive soils of the area, these conditions help preserve freshness while encouraging aromatic complexity.

The relationship between Prepotto and this native grape variety is so significant that Schioppettino di Prepotto has its own geographical designation within the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC, reflecting the unique identity of the wine and its place of origin.

The winery

Azienda Agricola Grillo Iole is a family-run winery based in Prepotto, deeply committed to preserving and expressing Friuli's native grape varieties.

The estate cultivates some of the area's most representative varieties, combining careful vineyard management with precise winemaking to produce wines that authentically reflect the character of the Colli Orientali del Friuli.

Its philosophy is centred on quality, respect for the land and a strong sense of place, resulting in distinctive wines that remain true to their origins.

Technical details

Denomination: Friuli Colli Orientali DOC – Schioppettino di Prepotto

Vintage: 2021

Grape variety: 100% Schioppettino

Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia

Area: Prepotto (Udine)

Soil: Hillside soils typical of the Colli Orientali del Friuli

Vineyard management: Grass-covered vineyard, non-irrigated

Harvest: Hand-harvested with careful grape selection

Vinification: Destemming followed by red-wine fermentation and approximately 18 days of skin maceration at a controlled temperature of 26–27°C, with regular pump-overs

Ageing: In wood to develop complexity and harmony while preserving the varietal character of Schioppettino

Alcohol: Approximately 13.5% ABV

In the glass

Colour

Bright ruby red with violet highlights.

Nose

Elegant and intense, with aromas of red berries, cherry and violet, followed by black pepper, cloves and subtle balsamic notes. The distinctive spicy character of Schioppettino emerges with remarkable precision.

Palate

Fresh, balanced and structured, with refined tannins supported by vibrant acidity that gives the wine energy and definition.

The finish is long and harmonious, with lingering red-fruit and spicy notes that beautifully reflect the distinctive personality of Schioppettino.

Food pairings

Perfect with:

• Frico friulano
• Braised meats
• Game
• Roasted meats
• Grilled meats and ribs
• Mature cheeses
• Traditional Friulian cuisine