Schiava, also known as Vernatsch, is a red grape variety with a long history in Northern Italy, particularly in Alto Adige. The name “Schiava” is thought to have origins in the way vines were trained in the past, with “Schiava” potentially referring to vines being tied to posts, thus being “enslaved”. While the exact origins are debated, the grape has been cultivated in the region for centuries, with records dating back to at least the 13th century.