Ronchi Di Cialla Schioppettino 2018

Schioppettino is one of hundreds of indigenous Red grapes. But, its characteristics aren’t comparable to very many. It is primarily grown in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia in the Northeast at the border of Slovenia.

Although the grape can trace its roots as far back as the 13th century, it became out of favor in the mid 1900’s. When Friuli-Venezia got hit like most of Italy with phylloxera, most of it was replaced with Cabernet and Merlot which was far trendier and more profitable as well as easier to grow.

At some point, due to less than 100 known vines being planted, the grape had become forgotten. It was even left out of the official Italian Grape Registry, so when late winemaker Paolo Rapuzzi, founder of Ronchi di Cialla, founded his winery focused on Friuli’s native grapes, he was quickly met with plenty of resistance.

For one, The government told him it would be illegal to bottle the wine as such since it wasn’t in the register. Secondly, he was hit with an earthquake in his second year that destroyed his winery’s cellar! Most would have quit, Paolo did not. His Schioppettino was worth the fight.

Schioppettino is like a symphony in a glass, with its vibrant notes of spices, acidity, and red fruits. Its name, almost musical in itself, is said to come from the wine’s tendency to complete fermentation in the bottle, creating a slight sparkle that crackles on the palate. This grape, with its thin skin and high acidity, thrives in cooler temperatures, which bring out its crisp and complex flavors.

Assuming this will be the first Schioppettino for most of you, I brought you a knockout from the very best producer of this grape, Ronchi di Cialla. That’s not just me talking. Vinous didn’t mince words when they wrote, “This remains one of the absolute top producers in Friuli, frankly in a league of their own, thanks to the long-standing traditions that the Rapuzzi family have upheld and their unique terroir.”