Ronchi di Cialla Friulano Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2024

In 1970, Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi (then sales reps for Olivetti typewriters!) bought an abandoned property in a small valley in Friuli, not far from the Yugoslavian border. The property had been abandoned since the Iron Curtain fell 25 years earlier, but had incredible potential for growing local grape varietals. In the course of founding Ronchi di Cialla (“hills of Cialla”), Paolo and Dina not only bucked the trend of planting French grape varietals, but singlehandedly rescued local grapes from the brink of extinction, most notably the schioppettino grape, for which they won the Risit D’Aur award for their preservation work. Today the winery is certified as biodiversity friendly by the World Biodiversity Association and is run by Paolo and Dina’s sons, Pierpaolo and Ivan (who both happen to be published entomologists!) This delectable white wine is made from 100% friulano grapes, organically grown and fermented in stainless steel with 3 months of lees aging. Layers of crisp green apple, white flowers, and a savory mineral core add up to a refreshing, elegant sipper with clean, balanced acidity and a lingering, savory finish. Organically grown, low-intervention/natural wine.