Ronchi di Cialla Ribolla Gialla, Friuli Venezia Orientali, Italy 2024

Ronchi di Cialla is a historic family estate dedicated to preserving the native varieties of Friuli’s eastern hills. Farming naturally and working entirely with estate fruit, the Rapuzzi family has long championed Ribolla Gialla as one of the region’s most expressive white grapes. Their 2024 bottling captures the purity, texture, and alpine freshness that define Friuli Colli Orientali, shaped by high-elevation sites and ancient marly limestone soils.

WINEMAKER: Ivan & Pierpaolo Rapuzzi

FARMING: Natural farming; no pesticides or herbicides

VARIETY: 100% Ribolla Gialla

TERROIR: Estate vineyards in Prepotto, planted on Ponca (marlstone and marly limestone), the signature soil of Friuli’s Colli Orientali. These mineral-rich, well-drained slopes—cooled by mountain airflows and influenced by the nearby Adriatic—produce whites with clarity, tension, and distinct aromatic lift.

VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested estate fruit fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, preceeded by 2 days of skin maceration.

AGING: Rested on fine lees in tank with frequent battonage. Bottled with minimal sulfur.

TASTING NOTES: Airy and fresh, the 2024 Ribolla Gialla opens with dusty dried flowers, crushed nectarine, and savory herbs. The palate is round yet vibrant, showing a touch of salinity and a gentle tropical nuance before shifting to mint and ripe melon. Juicy acidity keeps everything lifted, finishing long with mineral tension and citrusy precision. A total pleasure to drink.

FOOD PAIRINGS: Excellent with raw or lightly marinated seafood, grilled shrimp, herb-roasted chicken, vegetable risotto, or Friulian cheeses.

SCORES: 92 pts – Vinous