Schiava (SKI-ah-va)

Italian name for a group of different varieties all of which grown in the north, usually near the Alps. The name may come from schiavo, “slave” in Italian, a reference to the way the vines are often trellised to limit their vigorous growth. The most widespread schiava is schiava grossa, grown in Trentino Alto-Adige where it makes light-colored fruity wines. The grape is also called vernatsch. In Germany, schiava is known as trollinger.