The Rapuzzi family started championing local, native grapes in 1970 when Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi founded
the Ronchi di Cialla winery in a small valley near the border of Slovenia. The ‘hills of Cialla’ turned out to be a mild, temperate region with olive trees; chestnut, oak, and cherry woods; and an east-west orientation suitable for growing grapes. After the couple discovered 60 surviving vines of Schioppettino—a variety thought to be extinct due to the ravages of phylloxera—they planted the first modern vineyard of the grape, and petitioned the Italian government to recognize and permit its cultivation. Ronchi di Cialla continued to cultivate and grow its acreage, and were awarded the Risut D’Aur award for their work in helping preserve the biodiversity of the region. In 1989, the Italian government recognized Schioppettino as a DOC Colli Orientali del Friuli.
Today, sons Pierpaolo and Ivan continue the vision to make age-worthy wines all while supporting a healthy, thriving environment. The winery was recognized by the World Biodiversity Association as biodiversity friendly in 2015 and they continue to work with native varietals including Ribolla Gialla, Picolit, Verduzzo, Refosco, Pignolo, and Schioppettino.
