Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato "Opera Prima" DOCG

The Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG Opera Prima is the product of a single vineyard, and that vineyard is nurtured like no other on the estate. “I wanted to dedicate this wine to my grandfather Martino, ” Luca relates, “and see that it stands up to years of cellaring.”

The vineyard here is steep, late in ripening, with loose calcareous soil that is poor in nutrients, restraining the vine’s vigor. Grapes are hand harvested and rigorously selected. The juice ferments in large oak barrels. The wine then ages in 500 liter oak tonneaux (mixed new and old) over twenty-four months, with continual tasting.

This long process assures that the colors stabilize and the tannins soften. The wine then bottle ages an additional year. “My goal is that this wine should stand with a good Barolo,” Luca says, “and it is priced accordingly.” The nose is peppery spice and a

garden of flowers, the palate ripe raspberry and cherry, medium to full bodied, tannins are soft and acidity stimulating, reminiscent of a fine red Burgundy, with a fully ripe finish.