Ronchi di Cialla

Undine, Friuli, Italy This historical Friulian Estate is strictly a family business. While Dina and Paolo Rapuzzi, who founded it in 1970, were attached by wine growing, their children Pierpaolo and Ivan belong to a generation that "grew up with vines". The policy of the estate was from the beginning to work only with indigenous varieties, such as Ribolla, Refosco, Schioppettino, Verduzzo and Picolit that in the Cru' Cialla found the perfect environment. After 40 years Ronchi di Cialla established on the market the reputation to produce some of the finest aged-worthy wines of Friuli. The sunny slopes of the small Cialla valley have been planted with vineyards for centuries. History and tradition suggest that Verduzzo, Picolit, Ribolla Gialla, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and Schioppettino were the most appreciated and popular vines. Schioppettino, in particular, is a variety, which is limited to an area spreading over a few kilometres of land between Cialla and Prepotto. Schioppettino had been about to disappear, was saved at the beginning of the 70s thanks to a bold and resolute decision made by Ronchi di Cialla. Ronchi di Cialla was one of the first winemakers to adopt integrated agriculture, with low environmental impact. As a matter of fact, all vineyards are planted with grass adopting natural methods; parasite control (both fungi and arthropods) is kept to its minimum degree by using highly transitory contact or biological products only, in order to get top quality grapes, which are totally free of chemical residues. Action to fight fungi is controlled by a computerized micro-climatic central unit; bugs are monitored by means of specific female pheromones traps. The grape harvest is rigorously and accurately carried out by hand. Grapes are then carefully selected and quickly submitted to the wine making process.