Schiava Gentile is part of the Schiava family and produces light and fresh red wines in Trentino and Alto Adige.
There are a number of varieties that are often grouped and referred to simply as Schiava. Although similar in their ability to produce pale and relatively light red wines, they are technically not the same. Schiava Gentile, sometimes called Schiava Piccola in reference to its usually small bunches, is a late ripening variety with a reputation for low yields and therefore quality juice. There are not many producers bottling Schiava Gentile by itself and so we don’t have much opportunity to understand its true potential. Instead we see the grape used as a blending component where it contributes light red fruit characteristics such as cherry, cranberry, strawberry and red currant. Grown predominantly in the Alpine foothills of northern Italy it’s of little surprise to note that acidity is high and floral perfumes are prominent.
