Schioppettino
The Pepper Bomb
Schioppettino is grown in Prepotto, Colli Orientali and Friuli.
2other names
- Tastes of
- black pepper, violet, wild berries and plum
- Goes with
- frico, montasio cheese and game birds
- Also called
- Ribolla Nera, Pocalza
Where it grows
Prepotto, Colli Orientali and Friuli
The story
Schioppettino nearly died out in the 1970s—only a few old vines in Prepotto survived. The revival created a cult: the grape produces intensely peppery reds unlike anything else. The name means 'little explosion'—referencing the sparkle traditional versions had.
Insider story
Schioppettino from Prepotto fetches €50-100+ per bottle.
The pepper intensity rivals Syrah.
Mielke, Petrussa, and Meroi lead the cult.
Technical deep dive
Medium-bodied red with signature pepper.
High rotundone (pepper compound) levels.
Ages 10-15 years in top vintages.
Industry secrets
Schioppettino is Friuli's most expensive indigenous red.
Demand exceeds supply—waitlists are common.
For collectors
Investment grade B
- Auction records
- Top bottles fetch €80-150
- Blue-chip producers
-
- Ronchi di Cialla
- Petrussa
- Meroi
- Davide Moschioni
- Value picks
- Entry Prepotto Schioppettino ($35-50)
- Price trend
- Rising 10-15% annually. Cult status.
- Collector’s tip
- Ronchi di Cialla is the historic benchmark. Age 5-10 years.