Ronchi di Cialla “Ciallabianco”
CIALLA DOC, italy | 2020
Just recently hitting its 46th year since its founding, the Ronchi di Cialla winery stands out as a gem in the Friuli region which is located in the far northeastern reaches of Italy. Ronchi di Cialli winery rests within the larger Friuli Venezia Giulia’s most northerly sub-region: Friuli Colli Orientali. The Friuli is known more internationally for their mild-mannered Pinot Grigios and . The Friuli Colli Orientali sub-region is a unique area bordering Slovenia to the south focusing on a few native varietals (mostly white) that flourish in its soils. Ribolla Gialla, Picolit, and Verduzzo are a few varietals specific to this area that also make up the blend of the wine you are about to taste, but there is another reason why this bottle is a standout: it is a monopole. This means that only Ronchi di Cialla winery can produce wine from this area which was given its own DOC status in 1995.
These 40-year-old vines (along with two indigenous red varietals: Schiopotino and Refosco) were planted at the winery’s founding in the tiny 4.6 hectare family-run estate vineyard. This is one of the few wineries in Italy that strictly make wines from native varietals making it a quintessential winery of the Orientali region.
Ciallabianco is 60% Ribolla Gialla, 30% Picolit, and 10% Verduzzo, and after four decades of life, the fruits harvested from these vines are showing incredible complexity. There is no wonder why the family doesn’t want anyone else taking claim to the land. The wines made from here are an absolute standout and have been revered throughout the world for their elegance and potential for long aging. This blend was barrel fermented and aged for 11 months in the same barrels, while also retaining incredible acidity balancing out the weighty frame showcasing subtle notes of poached pear, apricot, melon, jasmine, and chamomile. It would be killer with and fish dish, medium intensity cheeses, or vegetable souffle. Annual production of this gem averages about 600 cases depending on the vintage.