Tag Archives: ribolla nera

Ronchi di Pietro Schioppettino Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2013

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ronchischio

Estate: The Ronchi di Pietro estate is located in the Colli Orientali del Friuli region of northeastern Italy, more specifically between the Friulian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, which creates a microclimate that allows for the gradual ripening of the grapes. The father and son team of Franco and Fulvio Zorzettig proudly helm the 75 hectare estate that was founded over 70 years ago by Franco’s father Pietro. The family practices “sustainable growing methods and earth-friendly farming”.

Philosophy: “Put one’s heart and soul into something.”

Winemaking: The vineyards are located on gently rolling hills with an average altitude of 400 meters. Schioppettino grapes were sourced from a single vineyard ‘Ronco Grassi’, with soils rich in minerals. The wine was aged in stainless steel tanks and oak barriques for 8 months.

Notes on the Grape from the Winery: “Ribolla Nera, called Schioppettino in the municipality of Prepotto and surroundings, is definitely a Friulian indigenous grape variety. According to some people, the word Schioppettino would refer to the crackling in the bottle of its sparkling wine, being once bottled while still young it completes malolactic fermentation in the bottle, thus becoming slightly fizzy, while according to others it would relate to the fact that its grapes, fleshy and crunchy, seem to crackle in the mouth when one tries to eat them.”

Tasting Notes: Red-violet in colour with aromas of fresh berries and peppery spices. A light, bright backbone and silky tannins highlight berry flavours [think blackberry, raspberry and strawberry]. Green peppercorn, licorice and hints of fennel pollen linger between each sip. Engaging and versatile, this is fantastic on its own or with a wide variety of dishes.

100% Schioppettino [Ribolla Nera]
Friuli Colli Orientali DOC
Italy
Produced and Bottled by Azienda Agricola Ronchi San Giuseppe di Zorzettig Francesco & Fulvio S.S.A.
13% Alcohol
$22 [average price]
Enjoy now thru 2018

Ronchi Di Cialla Ribolla Nera 2009

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In reading the absolutely delightful and enlightening Vino Italiano: The Regional Wines of Italy by Joseph Bastianich and David Lynch I have become obsessed with trying to find just about every indigenous Italian grape they discuss. When I read how the almost extinct, but now making a comeback Ribolla Nera grape exhibits “a shotgun blast of tannin on the tongue” I knew I had to track down a bottle. When Ronchi Di Cialla Ribolla Nera 2009 arrived at my doorstep from one of my favourite NYC wine shops, I was quite enthusiastic to give it a pour. Ronchi Di Cialla was founded in 1970 by Dina and Paolo Rapuzzi and has remained a strictly family run business. The estate focuses on indigenous varieties especially those of which are on the verge of disappearing, such as Ribolla Nera, Refosco and Picolit. They practice integrated farming, with an emphasis on low environmental impact. The vineyards are entirely free of any chemicals, biological products are used to a minimum degree and fungi and parasite control is managed by a computerized micro-climatic unit.

Inky purple with a red-violet rim, after decanting intense aromatics of blackberry, cinnamon and nutmeg radiating from the glass. Subtle fruit flavours of blackberry and dried cherry were joined by firm tannins that seamlessly progressed into a lengthy finish of charcoal and black pepper notes. Smooth, elegant and well-structured this is a captivating glass that plumps up delightfully with a meal.

100% Ribolla Nera
Colli Orientali del Friuli
Italy
Estate Bottled by Azienda Agricola Ronchi Di Cialla, Prepotto
12.5% Alcohol
$22
Enjoy now thru 2016