Schiava

The original name of Schiava was Farnatzer or Vernetzer, it is a red German / Italian wine variety that was likely first originally cultivated in the wine regions of south Tyrol and Trentino, but today is almost exclusively cultivated on steep, sunny locations in the Württemberg wine region of Baden-Württemberg.

Its first ever documented historical mention dates back to the end of the Middle Ages, and it has played a central role in Alto Adige wine growing since the sixteenth century.

At some point the grape migrated northwards to the southern regions of Germany though the exact date of its arrival is unknown.

Also known as Vernatsch, in Germany, produces a light wine that is low in tannins, with a moderate alcohol content. The grape produces mostly red, though some dark color rose styles are also produced. In Württemberg, the wine is often slightly sweet with some residual sugar leftover after fermentation is completed. 

Italian styles of Schiava tend to be similarly light but are more often dryer and more noticeably acidic.