Ferdinando Zanusso founded I Clivi in the mid 1990's when he purchased a small vineyard of old vines in the heart of Collio in his native Friuli. At the same time, his son, Mario, returned to Friuli after earning an economics degree in Milan. Mario helped his father in the vineyard, and after completing his civil service obligation, he realized how much he loved working among the vines and decided to dedicate himself full time to I Clivi. Ferdinando expanded their vineyard holdings — always on the steep hillsides of Collio Orientali and Collio, always in the prized ponca soils of calcareous clay and always with old vines. Together, Ferdinando and Mario work with fanatical attention to detail in the vineyards and cellar to express the quality of their terroir. All grapes are grown organically and winemaking is conducted with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of their fruit. Low yields from 60 to 80-year-old vines, gentle pressing and minimal intervention in the winery combine to produced some of the most pure, refined and expressive wines in Friuli.

Ferdinando and Mario's 100% Schioppettino is sourced from 50-year-old vines grown in ponca soil (marl and sandstone) on a southeast-facing slope in Prepotto, in the Province of Udine — historically considered the best cru for Schioppettino. All grapes are destemmed and undergo spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel. The wine is aged for 12 months in tank, perfectly preserving the bright fruit flavors and freshness of the wine. Vibrant, luminous ruby color. Intense aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, violets and green, white and black pepper spice plume from the glass. On the palate, there is incredible transparency and finesse to the wine with a saline minerality that is combined with a pronounced, filigree acidity framed by juicy tannins. The finish is delicate and refreshing with lingering red fruit and spice flavors that call you back to the glass for more. This is a stunning wine from one of Friuli's most elegant producers, and with only 500 cases made, a wine that is not to be missed! Enjoy with a plate of artisanal salumi (including Prosciutto di San Daniele, of course) alongside a Frico Friulano — a Friuli specialty made with Montasio cheese, potatoes and onions.