WTN: Matthiasson Schioppettino

[David M. Bueker]

NV Matthiasson Schioppettino Red Wine - USA, California, Napa Valley (10/29/2015)
I am not sure what to think about this wine. First off, I have essentially zero experience with Schioppettino, so there are no preset expectations. first sip, and it's all grapey freshness. It's so grapey it's really a shock. A few minutes later it settles down a bit, thought it remains primarily essence of grapes. Some herbal nuances come in, and there is good purity. Light to medium bodied, with very little tannin, makes it quite easy to drink. It's just really different. I would like to try one again some time, but with a little more bottle age, to see what it settles into.

NV Matthiasson Schioppettino Red Wine - USA, California, Napa Valley (10/29/2015)
I am not sure what to think about this wine. First off, I have essentially zero experience with Schioppettino, so there are no preset expectations. first sip, and it's all grapey freshness. It's so grapey it's really a shock. A few minutes later it settles down a bit, thought it remains primarily essence of grapes. Some herbal nuances come in, and there is good purity. Light to medium bodied, with very little tannin, makes it quite easy to drink. It's just really different. I would like to try one again some time, but with a little more bottle age, to see what it settles into.

David,
First Schioppettino produced in Calif & it's a dandy. I thought it had a bit more heft than you describe it having. And I found a lot of herbal/peppery nuances that is characteristic of Schioppettino.
The story of the revival of Schioppettino in Friuli is here:
http://www.ronchidicialla.it/en/schioppettino/
I did a visit at Ronco di Chialla last month w/ Ivan Rapuzzi & his Mom, Dina. Alas..Paola died a yr ago. I took them a btl of the Matthiasson Refosco and Schioppettino, which Ivan was going to open w/ his brother later on.
It was a great visit...beautiful property tucked up by itself in this canyon. Saw the original Schioppettino vines. She served us a Salami from the North of Friuli called Pitina. Beef & sheep. Wonderful stuff. Wonderful folks.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Schioppettino. A terrific grape.
Tom

[David M. Bueker]

So the wine had a certain element to it that I could not describe. I didn't want to go there, but it was almost "foxy." I got zero pepper.

Actually, the first Schiopettino in CA is from John Holdredge, over in Russian River Valley; he had some vines over ten years ago, I believe.

Actually, the first Schiopettino in CA is from John Holdredge, over in Russian River Valley; he had some vines over ten years ago, I believe.

Yup. That be correct, Steve. Brain fart.
Tom

My goodness, does that mean you haven't followed John Holdredge from the start, Tom?

[David M. Bueker]

More savory tonight, but still very grapey.

Thanks for the link to Ronco di Cialla, Tom. Most interesting.
/Anders

Thanks for the link to Ronco di Cialla, Tom. Most interesting.
/Anders

You're most welcome, Anders. Interesting stuff. Ivan has some pretty amazing wines. Some TN's later.
Tom