In 1970, Mario began renting vineyards around the Archbishop's Palace in Capriva, Friuli. These vineyards, which he would later purchase in 1989 after numerous delays, were in a state of disrepair at the time.

Mario was fully aware that the true wealth and strength of the business lay in the soil and the vines. He worked tirelessly to transform the old, unkempt terrain into carefully tended vineyards that could fully express the potential of the unique "Ponca" terroir, a characteristic Friulian soil composed primarily of clay and limestone.

Over time, Mario's children - Maria Angela, Carlo, and Giorgio - joined him in running the family business. They carried on Mario's project with sensitivity, respect for tradition, and a genuine passion for winemaking.

In April 2014, the Rotolo family acquired the business from Mario and his children. However, the new owners remained committed to maintaining Mario's original mission and production philosophy, ensuring continuity in the estate's approach.

Mario's winemaking philosophy did not involve reinventing the wheel. Instead, he focused on deeply understanding the soil, climate, and unique character of his Friulian hills through careful observation and a harmonious relationship with nature. This spirit of respect and study of the terroir continues to be the foundation of the business today, as it pursues a project of total sustainability.

This sustainability project includes measures such as planting and maintaining forests to positively balance the inevitable production of CO2, the careful use of low-impact products, and the use of highly efficient wood-fired boilers that utilize clippings from the vineyards for central heating.

The dedication to allowing the land and its inherent qualities to guide the winemaking process is at the heart of the Schiopetto style. The estate strives to create wines that are closely tied to the territory, using personality and elegance as the instruments to stand the test of time.

Schiopetto Friulano Collio 2019

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