RiNera Ronchi di Cialla Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2021

Description

Ronchi di Cialla, a 28 hectare historical Friulian Estate, is a small, family run business. Established in the 1970s, they have meanwhile the reputation of being one of the finest producers of age-worthy wines in Fruili.

‘Ronchi’, in Fruili’s dialect, means hills cultivated by vines; ‘Cialla’ is a small valley surrounded by woods with chestnut, oak, and wild cherry trees. Located in the Cialla valley, one of three sub-zones in Colli Orientali del Friuli, it is a picturesque area with perfect growing conditions grapes. The company philosophy has always been to work solely with indigenous varieties, such as, Ribolla, Refosco, Schioppettino, Verduzzo, and Picolit. In fact, the Rapuzzi Family restored and revitalized the Schioppettino grape from near extinction, defying the odds and local wine laws.

Their viticultural practices involve minimal treatment with non-polluting products, while vinification is carried out naturally. Their continued commitment to agriculture innovation and ecologically-friendly methods have earned them their "biodiversity friendly" certification by the World Biodiversity Association. This accolade is granted to those with a commitment to progressive increases in biological diversity, conservation through the use of natural practices, and minimal interference farming techniques.

RiNera is made from the local grape variety Schioppettino, grown on two one-hectare vineyards owned by Ronchi di Cialla. Cjastenet faces southwest at an altitude of 150-200 meters above sea level, while Puoje faces southeast and is located between 160 and 180 meters above sea level. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures and undergo malolactic fermentation, before 15-20% of the wine is matured in barrels for 12-18 months.

'This is of pale ruby colour. The nose is perfumed with dried flower potpourri, ripe raspberries, wet earth, pepper, Mediterranean spices and herbs, savoury olive tapenade, pine forest - it's almost a bit sweet and sour. Dry on the palate with medium body, fine, ripe & classy tannins leading to sourcherries, red plums, hints of orange peel. Finishing with oriental spice and wet earth. Much pleasure in this glass of wine!'