Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato D.o.c.g.
La Tradizione®
Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato, a rare indigenous wine, is produced in a limited area of the Monferrato Astigiano, in only seven municipalities including and centring on Castagnole Monferrato, which more than any other is blessed by the sun which bathes its hills. The dry, calcareous soil makes this area ideal for the cultivation of this indigenous variety.
There are no reliable records which recall the origin of the name (Ruchè), but the most credible theories have it that Ruchè arrived in Piedmont in medieval times, brought from France by monks who planted it around a monastery of which there is no trace today, but which was a holy place dedicated to San Rocco.
Some contend that the name derives from “roncet”, an infectious degeneration of the vine which in past times struck all the local grape varieties save for bar one resilient type which would be called Ruchè. From recent studies run by MONTALBERA and thorough analysis of the variety (DNA study carried out in cooperation with scientific centre BIOESIS) and its organoleptic characteristics, it seems plausible that it has its origins in the ancient vines of Haute Savoie. From time immemorial, it has been unique to the Asti district and is, to all effects, given its centuries-old tradition, an Asti district variety. DOCG status was bestowed on the wine with its 2010 vintage, this a further recognition of the great qualities of this rare local varietaL.
Area of production:
Castagnole Monferrato, Piedmont.
Vine training system:
low trained Guyot system with 8-9 buds on the fruiting cane.
Grape variety:
100% Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato in pureness.
Vinification:
traditional red method with pomace soaking 10-12 days in the must.
Ageing:
maturation in stainless steel tanks and subsequently in the bottle positioned horizontally for at least 3 months. Longevity of 3 to 5 years.
Colour:
medium intensity gaudy-red with slight violet reflections when young, tending to garnet after fining.
Nose:
intense, persistent, half-aromatic, fruity with hints of rose petals and violets in the first years, developing spicy notes over time.
Palate:
warm on the palate, harmonious, good body and balance, slightly tannic.
Bottle:
noble Bordeaux 500 g. Uvag green color.
Closure:
cork 26×45 single piece.
Sizes available:
Matusalem bottle 5 L.
Magnum bottle 1.50 L.
bottle 0.75 L.
bottle 0,375 L.
ABV:
from 13 to 14 degrees according to year.
Total acidity:
4.6-5.5 g/L.
Residual sugar:
3-4 g/L.
Dry extract:
28-30 g/L.