Schioppettino di Prepotto: the liquid history of a territory

"Friuli is a small compendium of the universe, alpine plain and lagoon in sixty miles from north to south". (Ippolito Nievo, Le confessioni di un italiano).

From an archaic lagoon of arne and marenarie to the development of a millenary culture of vines and wine, more than 2000 hectares of vines and an ideal climatic balance: this is the Colli Orientali del Friuli, an area kissed by divine goodness.

Here between the Julian Alps and the Upper Adriatic, where the alternation of cool nights and warm days gives the wines a precious aroma, nature is accompanied by artistic testimonies that highlight the Friulian borderland character of this area, an exclusive and inexpressible feature that characterises this border region.

Oenological culture here is a heritage of ancient traditions and a civilisation of work that have allowed the salvation and then the triumph of an excellent native vine, the Schioppettino, which has its cradle in the village of Prepotto and tells a troubled story from the origins of its name to the risk of its extinction: Eliminated in the 1970s from the list of permitted varieties, it was reborn and reintroduced into the list thanks above all to the obstinacy of the well-known Paolo Rapuzzi, demonstrating the Friulian concreteness well expressed by the well-known phrase "E fasìn di bessói" ("let's do it ourselves").

An excellence, this indigenous red wine, Schioppettino di Prepotto, is produced exclusively in this municipality and is the result of a happy marriage between the vine and its territory of origin: a union that expresses typicality, quality and love for 'la patrie dal Friûl', the homeland of its inhabitants.

The nobility and pride of this terroir, understood in its strictest sense, is best expressed: good body, smooth tannins, excellent acidity and a burst of distinctive aromas and scents cannot fail to surprise wine lovers.

When you relax while tasting a glass of Schioppettino, try to savour together the course of events that have made its history, to imagine boundaries that no longer exist today, past seasons that at a distance of time give you a wine polished by wood and amphorae, the scents that only this part of the Colli Orientali can imprint on you.

Wine tourism, but not only...Prepotto and its surroundings are magical destinations for cyclists and hikers, as three international routes intersect in the municipality (the Alpe Adria Trail, the Cammino Celeste and Via Alpina) with the common goal of arriving at the unmissable fortified sanctuary of Castelmonte, which stands out against the pre-Alpine skyline; there are numerous cycle paths that cross the Judrio valley and paths that run along the ronchi ("roncs") through exciting landscapes.

Of course, after so much sport and tasting, you have to eat!

Friuli's gastronomic tradition is also rich and is the result, especially in the Colli Orientali, of exchanges with neighbouring populations. Taste a homemade frico around the warmth of a spolert, stuff yourself with cjarsons, match a good glass of Friulano with a plate of San Daniele ham and savour a slice of gubana, enjoy the warm welcome of the frasche or discover the small typical taverns.

If Schioppettino is the undisputed King of Prepotto, Friulano is Friuli's ambassador to the world, we'll tell you about it next time.

We are always happy to welcome you to our wine cellar!