Ronchi di Cialla Is Launching a Schioppettino Revival
Wine producers exist in two categories: those who follow market trends and those who protect their land by making wine while preserving natural heritage. Ronchi di Cialla represents the most authentic embodiment of this latter spirit.
One of my most memorable winery visits was going to this winery. The two brothers, Ivan and Pierpaolo, have a unique approach that stems from their shared passion and academic background in entomology. By applying their studies, they have cultivated a thriving ecosystem, introducing specific insects to the vineyard that eliminate the need for any pesticides. The result is a natural garden where plants and animals coexist in symbiosis. I was fascinated by the depth of their knowledge and the sheer biodiversity of the vineyard. It was an eye-opening experience that revealed the vital role insects play in the environment.
For more than 50 years the Rapuzzi family has protected the Schioppettino grape of Friuli. They have been able to demonstrate its aging potential to the world. During the 1970s Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi began their mission to preserve local grapes—this was during a time when the local wine industry chose to replace indigenous grapes with international varieties. The family saved Schioppettino from extinction when it actually became illegal to plant and its vineyards decreased to only a few. Their efforts to preserve the grape variety protected an essential element of Friuli's cultural heritage.
What makes this producer stand out compared to others in the area is the Cialla Valley that serves as their main production area. It forms a natural amphitheater within the Colli Orientali region and is their exclusive production area—the Cialla name appears exclusively on Ronchi di Cialla labels. The winemakers at this location produce wines from Eocene marl, called in Friulian dialect Ponca; these are soils that allow the wine to age remarkably well while maintaining its distinctive characteristics. The family releases their wines after years of aging only when they determine the wines have reached optimal readiness.
We have a unique opportunity to offer you wines straight from their cellar collection, which has aged for years at the Cialla winery.
Library Releases from the Cialla Monopole
The wines below are grouped by style, each one telling a different part of the Cialla story. The range of vintages on offer is a testament to the estate's philosophy of patience and the remarkable aging potential of these native Friulian grapes.
Cialla Bianco
This is not your typical Friulian white. The Cialla Bianco represents a masterful combination of Ribolla Gialla, Verduzzo, and Picolit grapes. It is a complex wine with textural elements and savory characteristics that require aging. The wine presents itself as structured with mineral notes that will evolve over time. The wine reveals dried apple, chamomile, and beeswax notes, plus a strong salty core that develops complexity and depth as it ages.
1997 Ronchi di Cialla "Ciallabianco" $79.99
1998 Ronchi di Cialla "Ciallabianco" (1.5L) $169.99
1999 Ronchi di Cialla "Ciallabianco" $69.99
2000 Ronchi di Cialla "Ciallabianco" $69.99
2000 Ronchi di Cialla "Ciallabianco" (1.5L) $149.99
2022 Ronchi di Cialla "Ciallabianco" $36.99
Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso di Cialla
The Rapuzzi family transforms wild, rustic Refosco grapes into refined noble wines. The wine presents dark flavors like black cherry underlined by wild herbs, earthy minerality, and spicy notes within a framework of structured tannins. The grape's firm tannins are expertly integrated, which indicates the wine will age remarkably well.
2001 Ronchi di Cialla Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso $119.99
2005 Ronchi di Cialla Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso $99.99
2007 Ronchi di Cialla Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso $89.99
2015 Ronchi di Cialla Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso $59.99
Schioppettino di Cialla
The grape Schioppettino represents the core essence of Ronchi di Cialla because they have dedicated themselves and have been integral to its survival. Schioppettino stands as one of Italy's rarest red grape varieties because it produces distinctive flavors of black pepper, wild berries, incense, and violet notes. The wine combines the aromatic elegance of Syrah with a distinctive Alpine crispness, providing an intellectual depth as well as deep satisfaction to those who drink it. We’re grateful to the family for believing in this abandoned treasure.
1995 Ronchi di Cialla Schioppettino di Cialla $129.99
1999 Ronchi di Cialla Schioppettino di Cialla (1.5LT) $229.99
2018 Ronchi di Cialla Schioppettino di Cialla $69.99
Friuli's Golden Nectar: The Sweet Wines
Verduzzo di Cialla
The winemaking process called passito results in a sweet wine with a strong structure. The wine stands apart from typical dessert wines because it keeps its firm tannins and crisp acidity to support its rich dried apricot, almond paste, and honey flavors. The wine presents complex savory notes without ever reaching a cloying state.
2006 Ronchi di Cialla Verduzzo di Cialla (375ML) $39.99
2008 Ronchi di Cialla Verduzzo di Cialla (375ML) $44.99
Picolit di Cialla
Picolit is one of Italy's most precious dessert wines because of its exceptional rarity. The natural process of flower pollination failure results in each bunch producing only a few small, intensely flavored berries. The wine is an ethereal and delicate drink with haunting scents of honeysuckle, white peach, and acacia. It is sweet while maintaining an incredibly light and agile texture. The 2015 Picolit presents a rare opportunity to experience one of the world's most distinctive grape varieties.