HOT NEW SINGLE VARIETALS SCHIAVA: YOUR GO-TO RED WINE FOR SUMMER
WHAT KIND OF WINE GRAPE IS SCHIAVA?
Schiava is a lighter-bodied red grape that tastes like bubblegum, cotton candy, roses, and sun-ripened strawberries.
This ALL CAPS CUOT AF, flirty little red wine tastes like Summer. It’s just a little bit darker than Rosé, and has the body and weight of a Beaujolais over a Pinot Noir. Lots of Schiavas are typically lower in alcohol which make them the ultimate picnic wine! Be sure to serve that sh*t with a slight chill. Schiava is also awesome because it is #solocupfriendly.
I love Schiava because it’s fun. And I’m a firm believer that not all wines have to be super serious. Some can be light and easy drinking.
WHERE DOES SCHIAVA GROW?
Schiava typically grows in the Northernmost part of Italy at the base of the Dolomites. This region is called Alto Adige, and you may remember that I did a Thurstqueen World Tour post on it a while back. If not, be sure to hit up this link for a refresher.
Schiava goes by many different names, and you can find it in Germany where it goes by the name of “Trollinger” in the Würtemberg Region. Sometimes it’s called Vernatsch or Black Hamburg as well.
Schiava is actually old AF, and there are studies that say the one of the oldest Vitis Vinifera vines planted on the Thames River in England is actually, Schiava.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A SCHIAVA?
One of the great things about buying a bottle of Schiava is you won’t have to shell out a lot of dough. You can find delicious Schiava for sub $30.00. With all that in mind, there are certain quality levels of Schiava to keep in mind if you really want to nerd out on the details.
TOP TIER SCHIAVA: EDELVERNATSCH
The Birkin Bag of Schiava. Edelvernatsch means, “noble local,” and is made with some of the poshest Schiava strains - Schiava Gentile.
MIDDLE TIER SCHIAVA: KLEINVERNATSCH
Just your run of the mill, mid-level Schiava. This wine is made with Schiava Grosso.
BASIC SCHIAVA: SCHIAVA
Honestly? This is most of the stuff I drink. I’ve found some awesome Schiava wines at the $15.00 - $25.00 price point in this category.
The biggest hurdle you’ll run into when picking up a bottle of Schiava is the fact that it’s really hard to find. And the truth is, not a lot of people know about this cute little Italian Red Grape, so the demand isn’t really there. That’s why I did this post, to spread the word. Once you find a bottle, I hope you do too!
PICK OF THE WEEK: Erredi di Cobelli Aldo Schiava 2020 $24.00 @ Stanley’s Wet Goods
The Erdi Di Cobelli Aldo Schiava is pure bottled fun. It’s a wine that bounces to its own beat — maybe the beat of Katy Perry’s California Girls circa 2010, I don’t know. This Schiava is playful, hip and whimsical. I couldn’t help but fall hardcore for that 11% ABV, making this the ultimate “Day Wine.”
The winery, Azienda Agricola Erdi di Cobelli Aldo rests on the steep, emerald slopes of Monte Corona in Alto Adige. In the 1800s, Giuseppe Cobelli settled here, and his heirs have been stewards of this land for multiple generations. The folks at Cobelli live by the law of ABF - always be fermenting - and the wines are vinified in the bones of the family’s old stable. They specialize in crafting wines out of indigenous varietals to the region — I mean, why wouldn’t you? Alto Adige has some incredibly crush-worthy indigenous grapes.
This Schiava has loads of aromas of cotton candy, bouncing around with juicy af strawberries and marzipan. It’s light, with bright acid and will probably slay with sushi. I’d probably pair this puppy with a California or Rainbow Roll, as that acid will cut beautifully through the creamy umami vibes of the crab, krab or what-have-you.
Is there a Schiava you like? Know where to find a good bottle of Schiava in your hood? Comment below!