For centuries, the Schioppettino grapes were cultivated in Friulli-Venezia Giulia, in Italy. In the middle of the 19th century, with the advent of phylloxera, Schioppettino was almost completely destroyed. In 1970, Paolo and Dina Rapuzzi founded the winery Ronchi di Cialla and managed to find about 60 surviving vines of Schioppettino. They made new cuttings and managed, in the space of 2 years, to create a first wine estate of 3,500 vines that marked the rebirth of the Schioppettino. In the words of Nick Jackson MW: "Schioppettino is a paradoxical variety: intensely aromatic, medium-bodied, with a mere 12-12.5% alcohol, high acidity and a lingering, perfumed finish, it is also, in spite of its lightness, capable of very long aging." The 2017 vintage is made with 100% Schioppettino grapes, aged in French oak barriques for 14-18 months and in bottles for 30-36 months. According to the producer the wine has capacity to age and develop in the next 20-23 years. So buy 2 bottles: one to drink now and another one for aging! Ronchi Di Cialla Schioppettino Di Cialla 2017 has a balanced ruby red color with bright reflections. It has aromas of  white pepper and small red fruits, currants and blackberries, intriguing balsamic and undergrowth (sous-bois) notes.