| Producer | Ronchi di Cialla |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Friuli-Venezia Giulia |
| Varietal | Refosco di Peduncolo Rosso, Schioppettino |
| Vintage | 1996 |
| Sku | 1167459 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Tasting Notes: The 1996 Ronchi Di Cialla Ciallarosso, a blend of Refosco di Peduncolo Rosso and Schioppettino, is a rich and broad wine from a generally warm vintage. It displays a dark red color with a light brown rim, showing its maturity while still remaining lively. On the nose and palate, the wine offers complex aromas and flavors of cocoa, coffee, smoke, and red cherries, with a backdrop of red and black fruits, spices, and an elegant floral nuance that emerges with aeration. The structure is well-defined, with integrated tannins and a clear acidity that keeps the wine fresh and provides a long, persistent finish.
Estate History: The Ronchi di Cialla winery was founded in 1970 by Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi with the specific mission of preserving and championing the ancient native grape varieties of Friuli, which were at risk of extinction at the time. They faced significant challenges, including the fact that the key grape, Schioppettino, was no longer legally permitted for cultivation. The Rapuzzis successfully reintroduced Schioppettino to its natural habitat in the Cialla valley and were instrumental in its eventual re-legalization and inclusion in the DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) regulations. The estate is now run by their sons, Pierpaolo and Ivan, who continue the family's commitment to low-intervention, biodiversity-friendly farming practices and the production of age-worthy wines that express the unique character of the Cialla valley.
