May 28, 2026
In this episode of Uncork Your Mind, Debbie Gioquindo, the Hudson Valley Wine Goddess, travels virtually to Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region to speak with Francesca Mecchia of Vigna Petrussa Winery.
Together, we dive into the story of Schioppettino, one of Italy’s most fascinating indigenous red grapes known for its black pepper spice, elegance, freshness, and incredible food pairing versatility.
Francesca shares the history of her family’s all-female winery, how Schioppettino was brought back from near extinction, and why preserving indigenous grapes is so important for the future of wine.
The conversation also explores:
• Friuli’s unique terroir and Ponca soil
• Traditional and modern winemaking practices
• Climate change in the vineyard
• The rise of quality-focused wine consumers
• Why wines with a sense of place matter more than ever
If you enjoy discovering hidden wine gems and hearing the stories behind the bottle, pour yourself a glass and join us for this fascinating conversation from northeastern Italy.
Learn more about Vigna Petrussa at:
https://www.vignapetrussa.it/
Uncork Your Mind is a podcast for curious wine lovers — the stories, the people, and the grapes worth knowing.