Ronchi di Cialla, Schioppettino Rinera 2021

The schioppettino grapes which make this RiNera grow in two one-hectare vineyards owned by Ronchi di Cialla. Cjastenet faces southwest at an altitude of 150-200 meters above sea level, while Puoje faces southeast and is located between 160 and 180 meters above sea level. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures and undergo malolactic fermentation, before 15-20% of the wine is matured in barrels for 12-18 months. The RiNera is then further refined in bottle for one year. 

Ronchi di Cialla, a 28 hectare historical Friulian Estate, is a small, family run business. Established in the 1970s, they have established a reputation as one of the finest producers of age-worthy wines in Fruili.

‘Ronchi’, in Fruili’s dialect, means hills cultivated by vines; ‘Cialla’ is a small valley surrounded by woods with chestnut, oak, and wild cherry trees. Located in the Cialla valley, one of three sub-zones in Colli Orientali del Friuli, it is a picturesque area with perfect growing conditions for the indigenous grapes. The company philosophy has always been to work solely with indigenous varieties, such as, Ribolla, Refosco, Schioppettino, Verduzzo, and Picolit. In fact, the Rapuzzi Family restored and revitalized the Schioppettino grape from near extinction, defying the odds and local wine laws.