Between Ponca and Passion: The Story of Ronco Severo

In the Italian wine scene, there are producers who manage to interpret their territory with a unique, authentic, and instantly recognizable voice. Ronco Severo is one of them. Located in Prepotto, in the heart of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, the winery—led by Stefano Novello—is today one of the most personal and distinctive expressions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Friuli: a land dedicated to wine

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of the Italian regions that has always been closely linked to wine culture; in recent decades, it has earned an international reputation thanks to the quality of its wines, particularly its white wines. A distinctive feature of the Friulian terroir is the famous “ponca,” a geological formation composed of stratified marl and sandstone. This unique soil, combined with significant daily temperature fluctuations and the influence of air currents from the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, creates ideal conditions for growing grapes. It is precisely in this setting that Ronco Severo’s 11 hectares of vineyards are located, situated at an elevation of approximately 150 meters above sea level and cultivated in full harmony with the natural cycles of the vine.

The history of Ronco Severo

The history of Ronco Severo is intertwined with that of its founder, Stefano Novello. Raised in a family of farmers who, since the postwar period, had devoted themselves to agriculture, livestock farming, and viticulture, Stefano developed a deep connection to the land and to wine from a young age. After gaining significant experience in the commercial sector, he launched the Ronco Severo project, founded on the desire to produce authentic, artisanal wines deeply rooted in the local terroir.

The winery’s production philosophy is based on an organic and environmentally friendly approach. No herbicides or inorganic fertilizers are used in the vineyard, while in the cellar, winemaking is carried out without enzymes or selected yeasts and with minimal intervention. Extended maceration on the skins is one of the hallmarks of the winery’s style, resulting in wines of extraordinary aromatic complexity, characterized by intense colors, great structure, and remarkable aging potential.

The wines are neither filtered nor clarified, thus preserving their full character. This approach perfectly reflects Stefano Novello’s vision: to let the vineyard express itself as authentically as possible. Ronco Severo’s production focuses on the grape varieties most representative of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, alongside a few international varieties that find an original and distinctive expression here.

FRIULI COLLIO ORIENTALI FRIULANO DOC

Friulano is one of the region’s signature grape varieties, and in Ronco Severo it finds an intense and profound expression. Long macerations and careful winemaking yield a wine of great personality, capable of combining structure, elegance, and a distinct terroir character. A white wine that authentically embodies the Friulian tradition.

VENEZIA RIBOLLA GIALLA IGT

A historic grape variety of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Ronco Severo’s Ribolla Gialla fully expresses the richness derived from the ponca and extended maceration on the skins. The result is a complex, full-bodied, and dynamic wine, where freshness and depth coexist in perfect balance.

VENEZIA GIULIA MALVASIA IGT

Malvasia finds an ideal habitat in the Colli Orientali region to develop its aromatic profile. Stefano Novello’s interpretation emphasizes finesse and authenticity, offering an intense wine, rich in nuances, and characterized by an extraordinary ability to complement a meal.

FRIULI COLLI ORIENTALI PINOT GRIGIO RAMATO DOC

Among the winery’s most representative wines, the Pinot Grigio Ramato stands out, produced according to the Friulian tradition of skin maceration. Its characteristic coppery color hints at a complex, structured flavor profile rich in personality, in which the grape variety fully expresses its identity.

FRIULI COLLI ORIENTALI SCHIOPPETTINO DI PREPOTTO DOC

A native grape variety and the symbol of Prepotto, Schioppettino is one of the stars of Ronco Severo’s wine production. Spicy, elegant, and complex, it captures the character of these hills and the winery’s artisanal approach like few others do.

FRIULI COLLI ORIENTALI REFOSCO DAL PEDUNCOLO ROSSO DOC

A historic Friulian variety, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso finds an ideal environment in ponca soils to express its complexity and character. An intense and authentic red wine, it combines energy, structure, and the ability to age well.

FRIULI COLLI ORIENTALI MERLOT DOC

Alongside native grape varieties, Ronco Severo also cultivates Merlot, a variety that has long found a second home in the Colli Orientali del Friuli. Stefano Novello’s interpretation emphasizes balance and terroir, resulting in a rich, enveloping wine that is never excessive.