2025 Billy Button ‘The Surreptitious’ Schioppettino
Schioppettino is one of Italy's hidden gems—a rare red variety originating in the Friuli region of North-Eastern Italy. Once on the brink of extinction, it survived thanks to the dedication of a handful of growers who quietly preserved and propagated the vines during the 1970s (this was done in secret as it was so rare that it was no longer an authorised variety in the region). Today, it remains an uncommon variety, particularly in Australia.
Renowned for its naturally high levels of rotundone—the compound responsible for the distinctive black pepper spice found in varieties such as Shiraz—Schioppettino in the Alpine Valleys produces beautifully aromatic wines with vibrant red fruits, spice and savoury complexity. Although its late-ripening nature is well suited to our region, it remains an incredibly challenging variety to grow in the vineyard, predominantly due to its poor fruit set and early season basal leaf senescence. This often results in very small volumes being made, making it extremely sought after by its followers.
Say 'skee-op-eh-tee-no'
Production Notes
Fruit was handpicked in mid-March and gently destemmed directly to an open fermenter where it was inoculated with selected yeast. The ferment was gently plunged twice daily and allowed an additional week on skins once complete. Pressed and transferred to a Flexcube for maturation on lees for 12 months prior to crossflow filtration and bottling in July 2026.
Vintage Snapshot
A warm finish to the season this year resulted in favourable ripening conditions for this late ripening variety. The resulting wine is beautifully balanced, showcasing ripe fruit, with fine talc-like tannins, and a delicate perfumed lift
Tasting Notes
Bright ruby in the glass, this wine smells and tastes like it looks! Lifted aromas of cherry, raspberry and pomegranate are complimented by a subtle red pepper spice and a delicate perfume of red roses on the periphery. The palate is lively and racy with bright red fruit, framed by fine talc-like tannins.
Optimal Drinking Window – now until 2036
Technical Details