The Schiava Gentile grape variety is part of the Schiava family, which also includes Schiava Grigia and Schiava Grossa. The origins of Schiava are almost certainly in Slavonia, a region of Croatia situated between the Sava and Drava rivers. From there, it arrived in Italy during the Lombard invasions, around the 13th century. The name may derive from its region of origin or from the fact that, since ancient times, these vines were trained in rows rather than left as free-standing bush vines. All Schiava varieties share a certain rusticity, meaning they adapt easily to different environments, have high productivity, and are early-ripening. The cultivation of Schiava in Italy is concentrated in Trentino-Alto Adige and the neighboring areas of Lombardy and Veneto.

Schiava Gentile has medium, orbicular, three-lobed, or entire leaves. Its cluster is medium-sized, pyramidal, loose, and winged. The berries are medium-sized, with skins rich in pruina, tender, and bluish-violet in color. The vines are vigorous, and harvest typically takes place at the end of September.

The most notable wines produced from Schiava are Santa Maddalena (St. Magdalener), from the area around Bolzano, and Caldaro (Kalterersee), from the area near the lake of the same name, also in Bolzano province.