Schiava is an indigenous grape grown exclusively on the hilly slopes of the Adige Valley (Alto Adige). In this bilingual region, Schiava is also called Vernatsch.
Some believe that the name originates from a special vine-growing method, others from the habit of tying the plants to supports to regulate its growth. There are no accurate information on the grape’s area of origin, but it seems to be of Slavic origin and that it reached Italy during the Longobard domination.
Schiava, with a ruby red or light garnet color, is a highly versatile wine; thanks to its low alcohol content it can be drunk also with cold cuts and soft cheeses for the typical mountain snack.
Alto Adige Schiava DOC 2014, 2015
