We may not have quite reached the summer equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, but summer weather is definitely here. We’ve just returned from the Midwest where the temperatures were in the 70s and 80s with similar humidity. The landscape was beautiful and green, but that humidity was not very pleasant. We’re now back to the dry heat we are used to in California.
A delicious and effective way to cool off in whatever kind of weather you’re experiencing is with a glass of chilled red wine. Chilled reds are one of my favorite categories of wine. I love the lighter body with generally red and tart fruit flavors and lighter tannins. I find the combination refreshing and very food friendly.
Schiava is the perfect example of a chillable red wine. It might not be a variety you’re familiar with, but it is worth getting to know; so is Peter Zemmer, the winery that makes the wine we’re tasting today. We received this wine as a tasting sample.
According to several references I consulted (1,2), Schiava (Ski-ah-va) refers to a group of unrelated grape varieties grown in Europe’s alpine regions. All are vigorous growers that make light-bodied red wines that are lighter in color. It’s called Trollinger in Austria and Germany.
In Italy, Schiava is grown mostly in Trentino and Alto Adige. In German-speaking Alto Adige it also goes by Vernatsch. It was once widely planted in this high-elevation, alpine region, but now only accounts for 8% of total acreage. See the Alto Adige Wine website for lots of information about the region and its grape varieties.
Peter Zemmer winery is a family winery now in the hands of the third generation located in the village of Cortina s.s.d.v. in the southern part of Alto Adige.
Alto Adige receives plenty of sunshine in a cool climate, experiences a large diurnal shift in temperature, and has complex, well-aerated soils consisting of dolomite, limestone and glacial deposits of gravel, sand, and clay.
Peter Zemmer makes more varieties of white wines than red wines and also makes a sparkling wine. White varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Müller Thurgau, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Red wines include Schiava, Pinot Noir, Lagrein and Merlot.
2025 Peter Zemmer Vernatsch-Schiava, Südtirol-Alto Adige DOC — translucent ruby with aromas of pomegranates and oat hay. Flavors are a combination of raspberries, red cherries and pomegranates with very fine tannins and lively acidity in a light body. 13% AVB. $20-$21
Food pairings include appetizers, smoked and cured meats, grilled or broiled meats and mild cheese according to the winery; I would add summer salads to the list. Twenty minutes in the refrigerator is enough time to chill this wine to the perfect temperature for a warm afternoon.
Thanks to Colangelo & Partners for organizing our tasting.
Cheers!
(1) MacNeil, K. (2015). The Wine Bible. Thomas Allen & Son Limited.
(2) Chaplin, C., Fanciulli, J., Hough, R., Farricker, J., & Keddie, C., (Eds). (2023). Italian Wine Unplugged 2.0. Jumbo Shrimp Guide.
