Schiava from  Südtiroler Kälterer See DOC, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy; medium bodied and dry with notes of crunchy red fruits, ripe strawberry, bruised cranberry, and fresh herbs, with medium acidity and soft, dry tannins. Organic

Unfiltered Wine Club, June 2026, vintage 2024:

"Our next wine comes from the breathtaking Alto Adige region in northern Italy, where steep vineyards, alpine influences, and a blend of Italian and Austrian cultures create some of the country's most distinctive wines. Niklas Schiava is made by young winemaker Dieter Sölva, who studied at the renowned enology school of San Michele before returning home to work with vineyards surrounding Lake Caldaro. This wine is made entirely from Schiava, also known as  Vernatsch or Trollinger, a thin-skinned/low tannin grape variety that thrives in the cool foothills of the Dolomites. Dieter farms using Integrated Pest Management, an environmentally conscious approach that prioritizes vineyard monitoring, biodiversity, and natural solutions before resorting to chemical treatments. After harvest, the grapes undergo a brief five-day maceration followed by a cool fermentation in stainless steel and four months of aging in tank to preserve the wine's vibrant character. Pale ruby in color, the wine offers notes of crunchy red fruits, bruised cranberry, fresh herbs, and orange peel, with medium acidity and soft, dry tannins. This wine is a great summer BBQ red (I’m thinking grilled chicken, sausage and peppers, and burgers) and is a no-brainer companion to pizza. I also recommend pairing it with cured meats, leafy greens, tomato-based pasta dishes, anything with mushrooms, and smoked ham. With Schiava, there’s really no wrong answer when serving it with food. I strongly suggest popping this one in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before drinking, especially on a hot day."