Cialla and Prepotto represent one of the most distinctive areas of the Colli Orientali, in the hilly region bordering Slovenia, where vineyards, woods and secluded valleys combine to form a wine-growing landscape with a strong character. The territory is characterised by ponca, the typical alternating layers of marl and sandstone of Eocene origin, which provide well-drained soils rich in minerals. The valley’s topography, together with the breeze and temperature variations, promotes the gradual ripening of the grapes and helps to preserve their freshness and aromatic complexity.
The flagship grape variety is Schioppettino, an ancient indigenous variety also known as Ribolla Nera, historically linked to Prepotto itself and revived through a major programme of selection and replanting. Its wines express structure, tension, spicy notes and a remarkable capacity for ageing. Alongside the Schioppettino reds, Cialla also produces wines from Ribolla Gialla and Picolit, whilst local tradition includes other Friulian varieties such as Friulano and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso. Production methods prioritise hand-harvesting, careful maceration on the skins and ageing processes that complement the wine without overshadowing its terroir-driven identity. The Cialla sub-zone, recognised in 1995, and that of Schioppettino di Prepotto, established in 2008, underscore the historical and viticultural significance of this area.