Ronchi di Cialla Schioppettino Colli Orientali del Friuli Cialla, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

A rare gem from northeastern Italy, the Ronchi di Cialla Schioppettino Colli Orientali del Friuli Cialla, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, is a powerful testament to tradition, terroir, and perseverance. This complex, elegant red is crafted exclusively from the indigenous Schioppettino grape, a varietal the Rapuzzi family rescued from extinction in the 1970s. From the limestone-rich hills of the Cialla valley, this wine showcases impeccable balance, age-worthy structure, and a captivating aromatic profile that sets it apart as one of Friuli’s finest.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Schioppettino
• Region: Cialla, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
• Soil Type: Eocene marl
• Vine Age: 30 years
• Altitude: 130–240 meters above sea level
• Aspect: Southwest-facing vineyards
• Training System: Guyot
• Yield: 25 hl/ha
• Fermentation: In stainless steel tanks
• Aging: 14–18 months in barrel, followed by 30–36 months in bottle
• Annual Production: 8,000 bottles
• ABV: 13%
• Winemaker(s): Pierpaolo Rapuzzi & Ivan Rapuzzi

Sensory Description:

This wine opens with a deeply perfumed bouquet of soft fruits, herbs, and spice. On the palate, vivid flavors of licorice, black pepper, black cherry, and plum are framed by firm acidity and fine tannins. Hints of mint, violet, and eucalyptus lend lift and elegance, while a slightly balsamic note emerges with air. The finish is long, structured, and precise, leaving a lasting impression of red berries and herbal complexity.

Winemaker's Background:

Ronchi di Cialla was founded in 1970 by Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi with a singular mission: to preserve and celebrate Friuli’s native grape varieties. Situated in the Cialla subzone of Prepotto, the family-run estate is now helmed by their sons Pierpaolo and Ivan Rapuzzi, both agrarian experts and champions of traditional winemaking. The Rapuzzi family is credited with reestablishing Schioppettino as a legal and viable varietal, making them pioneers of one of Italy’s most important viticultural revivals.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in a large bowl-shaped glass after decanting. Ideal with herb-roasted lamb, aged Pecorino, game meats, and mushroom risottos.

This wine is a profound expression of place, history, and revival. With its unique character and masterful structure, the Ronchi di Cialla Schioppettino Colli Orientali del Friuli Cialla is a benchmark for Italian indigenous varietals and a celebration of what tradition can achieve when paired with vision and dedication.