# Ronchi di Cialla Schioppettino RiNera (2023)

- **Producer:** Ronchi di Cialla
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Schioppettino
- **Region:** Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €22
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, redcurrant, strawberry, cherry, violet, black pepper, white pepper

## About this wine

Ronchi di Cialla is a historic estate situated in the isolated Cialla Valley within Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy. Founded in 1970 by Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi, the winery achieved legendary status by rescuing the ancient Schioppettino grape from near extinction. Today, brothers Ivan and Pierpaolo Rapuzzi continue this heritage, managing the vineyards as biodiversity-rich ecosystems. The RiNera cuvée offers an accessible, fresh expression of the variety, named after its traditional local synonym, Ribolla Nera.

## Interesting facts

- In 1970, Schioppettino was officially declared extinct and illegal to plant until the Rapuzzi family led its revival.
- The estate owners are trained entomologists who use natural ecosystems instead of chemical pesticides.
- RiNera takes its name from Ribolla Nera, the ancient local designation for Schioppettino.

## Food pairing

The vibrant acidity and fine, low-to-medium tannins of young Schioppettino create a remarkably food-friendly red wine. Its signature black pepper spice and bright red fruit complement savory cured meats, rustic pasta dishes, and roasted white or light red meats without overpowering them.

## Wine making process

Harvested by hand from estate vineyards rooted in Eocene marl and limestone (Ponca) soils, the grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks using native yeasts. Following complete malolactic fermentation, the wine matures for 12 months on fine lees in stainless steel, with approximately 15-20% aged in neutral oak barrels for 12 to 18 months prior to bottle refinement.