Description
CHALMERS PROJECT SCHIOPPETTINO 2025
Almost extinct in the early 20th Century, Schioppettino was lovingly revived in the 1970s and now flourishes mostly in the northeastern parts of Italy along the Judrio Valley close to the Slovenian border. The detailed variety is prized for its overt and distinctive white pepper and spice notes and firm but fine tannins.
On a 2015 trip to visit Rauscedo nursery Kim and Tennille Chalmers were in a restaurant in Cividale del Friuli when they were approached by the President of the Association of Schioppettino producers of Prepotto who had overheard them speaking about the grape in English. A wonderful and inspiring exchange ensued with the local experts fascinated to hear of Australian Schioppettino and giving hearty approval
for the selection of the Heathcote site as ‘perfect’ terroir and climate for their beloved grape which needs good air drainage, warm days, cool nights and mineral soils.
The 2025 Schioppettino fruit off our Heathcote vineyard was too tempting NOT to make this year looking so perfect and healthy. The nose shows bright juicy blackberry, raspberry and blood plum, savoury earth showing its Heathcote roots, slightly smoky with vanilla and liquorice spice. While smelling rich and intense, it’s medium bodied with fine sandy tannins and a crunchy finish.
