Ronchi di Cialla, Colli Orientali del Friuli Schioppettino 1992

Ronchi di Cialla is an iconic producer in Friuli in northeastern Italy. It was founded by Dina and Paolo Rapuzzi, who established the tradition of keeping back-vintages of their top bottlings at the winery, releasing them decades later at their drinking peak. That practice brings this 30+ year-old red wine to you now. It's made entirely from schioppettino, a local grape variety that Dina and Paolo brought back from extinction in the 1970s. They craft the peppery, savory red variety in a firm, high-acid style that requires significant age to soften and unwind in the bottle.