Welcome to Drink This, Not That!—your guide to discovering wines beyond the usual suspects.
If you always reach for the same bottle, consider this your invitation to mix it up. Every other week, I’ll introduce you to a lesser-known but equally (if not more) delicious alternative to a wine you already love. It’s an easy way to expand your palate, support winemakers who are keeping tradition alive, and bring something unexpected to your next gathering.
Because if we celebrate diversity in life, shouldn’t we do the same in our wine glass?
Here’s what we’ve explored so far:
What is Schiava?
Schiava hails from Trentino-Alto Adige and South Tyrol in Northern Italy, where it’s also known as Vernatsch. In Germany, this variety thrives in Württemberg under the name Trollinger. Despite its wide cultivation, much of it is consumed locally—because the locals know a good thing when they taste it!
It’s a light, refreshing, and charming red wine that’s seriously perfect for spring and summer. Known for its fresh acidity and fruity, floral aromas, Schiava is the ideal red wine to serve slightly chilled, and you’ve got the ultimate picnic or patio wine. It’s what one might call a porch pounder.
Schiava vs. Beaujolais vs. Pinot Noir Key Differences
Schiava shares similarities with Gamay and Pinot Noir—light-bodied, fruit-driven, and fresh—but has its own distinct charm. Its flavor profile is all about juicy, candied-berry notes like strawberry and cherry, often complemented by floral hints of rose petal. Some versions even show a whisper of smoke or bitter almond for extra intrigue. Unlike Gamay’s earthiness or Pinot Noir’s layered complexity, Schiava remains effortlessly drinkable and straightforwardly delightful.
Where is Schiava Grown?
Schiava thrives in Northern Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige and South Tyrol, regions known for their alpine influence and cool-climate wines. Across the border in Germany’s Württemberg region, the same grape flourishes under the name Trollinger.
The vines ripen late and require warm, well-drained soils—often found in Keuper or shell limestone formations in Germant. Historically, Schiava has been a staple in these regions for centuries, favored for its ability to produce consistently fresh, fruit-forward wines.
Why Try Schiava?
Looking for a chillable red? Schiava is your answer.
Love bright, juicy fruit flavors? Expect loads of cherry, strawberry, and floral aromas.
Want something low-alcohol for casual sipping? Most bottles stay around 12%.
Tired of the same old Pinot and Gamay? Shake things up with this under-the-radar gem.
Top Producers to Try
If you’re ready to explore Schiava, look for these standout producers:
Cantina Terlan – Classic Alpine expression with bright red fruit and floral notes.
Franz Gojer – Delicate yet complex, with a beautiful balance of acidity and minerality.
Girlan – Fresh and juicy, with a silky-smooth texture perfect for warm days.
Elena Walch – Elegant, perfumed, and slightly more structured than the average Schiava. Available on Wine.com.
Nals Margreid – A textbook example of how vibrant and drinkable this variety can be.
Note that in Alto Adige you’ll frequently find Schiava in wines called St. Magdalener, which is a subzone of the Alto Adige DOC and indicates the wine is actually a blend of Schiava and Lagrein (typically at least 85% Schiava and up to 15% Lagrein or other local red grapes.)
I really enjoyed this St. Magdalener Alto Adige DOC Classico from Weingut Untermoserhof. Check out my tasting video below and if you want to try this one for yourself, you can order it from Flat Iron Wine & Spirits.
Final Thoughts
Schiava is one of those wines that makes you wonder why it’s not more popular. It’s easygoing, food-friendly, and effortlessly enjoyable. Whether you’re a Gamay lover looking for a twist or a Pinot Noir fan seeking something more playful, Schiava is worth adding to your rotation.
Have you tried Schiava before? Let me know if you have any favorite producers in the comments below.
And if you want to keep discovering hidden gems like this, hit ‘subscribe’ and join the Sip with Nik crew for more wine adventures. 🍷✨
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