Schiava

What Is Schiava?

Schiava is a red grape of Alto Adige and Trentino, called Vernatsch in German. It makes pale, light, fragrant reds with red berries, cherry, violets and a typical bitter-almond finish, easy to drink and low in tannin.

The name probably means "Slav", and may refer to a way of training vines; the German name Vernatsch is linked to the Latin for "native". In Germany the same grape is called Trollinger. Schiava is a family rather than one variety: the main types are Schiava Grossa, Schiava Gentile and Schiava Grigia. It was for a long time the most planted grape in Alto Adige and was exported in large quantities to Austria, Switzerland and Germany; plantings have fallen, but quality-focused producers now make serious wines from old vines.

Where Schiava Grows

  • Lake Caldaro (Kalterer See): the hills around the lake south of Bolzano.
  • Santa Maddalena (St. Magdalener): the steep slopes just above Bolzano.
  • Merano and the Adige Valley: many old vineyards on the traditional pergola system.
  • Trentino: smaller plantings.

Schiava and Italian Denominations

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

  • Fruit: red cherry, raspberry, strawberry and red currant.
  • Other notes: violets, cotton candy, almond and a light bitter-almond finish.
  • Structure: light body, pale ruby colour, very soft tannins, moderate acidity, low to moderate alcohol.

Schiava is best young and slightly cool, around 14 °C. Wines from old vines and from Santa Maddalena are fuller and more complex.

Food Pairing

  • South Tyrolean food: speck, canederli (bread dumplings), goulash and Schlutzkrapfen.
  • Cured meats and charcuterie boards.
  • Light meat: roast chicken, veal and pork.
  • Fish: trout and char, unusual for a red.
  • Cheese: mild Alpine cheeses.

How to Choose and Where to Start

Start with a Santa Maddalena or a Lago di Caldaro from a good producer. Names worth knowing include Girlan (its Gschleier comes from old vines), Franz Gojer, Kellerei Kaltern, Erste+Neue, Cantina Bolzano, Muri-Gries, Tramin, St. Michael-Eppan, Elena Walch and Franz Haas.

Schiava is blended with Lagrein in Santa Maddalena, and like Pinot Nero shows the lighter side of Alpine reds. Read our best Trentino-Alto Adige wines, the best light Italian red wines for summer, or browse the grape varieties index.