In the glass

Medium-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: black pepper, blackberry, violet, dried herbs, blueberry

Palate: red plum, white pepper, fine grainy tannin, long finish

The Rapuzzi family's flagship Schioppettino di Cialla. The Rapuzzi rescued Schioppettino from near-extinction in the 1970s, planting the first new Schioppettino vineyards at Cialla (Prepotto) since the variety nearly died out. Their work led to the Schioppettino di Prepotto sub-denomination.

What it pairs with

  • Wild boar pappardelle
    Gamey ragù meets the wine's black pepper and dried herbs; fine grainy tannin handles the boar fat.
  • Brasato al Refosco
    Friulian beef braise finds a peer in the wine's pepper and tannin grip.
  • Roast venison with juniper
    Black pepper and dried herbs echo the juniper; medium body holds the gamey meat.
  • Aged Montasio stravecchio
    The Friulian cow cheese echoes the wine's iron mineral; firm tannin scrubs the cheese fat.

History

Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi founded Ronchi di Cialla at Prepotto in 1970 and planted the first new Schioppettino vineyards in 1976, rescuing the indigenous variety from near-extinction. The 1977 first vintage of Schioppettino di Cialla anchored the modern revival. The Schioppettino di Prepotto sub-denomination, codified in 2012, recognises the village's historical claim to the variety.

  1. 1970 — Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi found Ronchi di Cialla at Prepotto
  2. 1976 — Rapuzzi family plants the first new Schioppettino vineyards at Cialla, beginning the variety's revival
  3. 1977 — First modern Schioppettino di Cialla vintage
  4. 2012 — Schioppettino di Prepotto sub-denomination codified in DOC Friuli Colli Orientali

Facts

Producer
Ronchi di Cialla
Grapes
Schioppettino (100%)
Classification
DOC Friuli Colli Orientali Schioppettino di Prepotto
Oak
Aged around 24 months in large Slavonian oak botti; 12 months in bottle before release
ABV
13.5%
Price
EUR 38 to 55 at retail
Drinking window
5-20 from vintage
First vintage
1977
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Ronchi di Cialla Schioppettino di Cialla

What does Ronchi di Cialla Schioppettino di Cialla taste like?

Black pepper, blackberry, violet, dried herbs and blueberry on the nose; red plum, white pepper, fine grainy tannin and a long finish on the palate. Medium-bodied with firm tannin and high acidity.

Why is Ronchi di Cialla important for Schioppettino?

Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi planted the first new Schioppettino vineyards at Cialla in 1976 after the variety nearly died out in the post-war decades. The Rapuzzi work anchored the modern revival and led to the Schioppettino di Prepotto sub-denomination codified in 2012.

When should I drink Schioppettino di Cialla?

Drink between 5 and 20 years from vintage. The wine cellars patiently; the pepper aromatics soften with age from year 7 onwards.

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