Ruchè is a truly original grape of Piedmont: an aromatic red grape grown almost only on a few hills of the Asti Monferrato. The appellation covers the whole of seven municipalities in the province of Asti: Castagnole Monferrato, Grana Monferrato, Montemagno Monferrato, Portacomaro, Refrancore, Scurzolengo and Viarigi. The vineyards lie between 120 and 400 metres above sea level and cover about 204 hectares, with an output of 8,250 hectolitres. The DOC dates from 1987, the DOCG from 2010.
A grape of mysterious origin
According to one tradition, Ruchè was brought in the twelfth century by Cistercian monks from Burgundy. The name's etymology is also uncertain: some link it to vineyards around a small church dedicated to Saint Roch, now gone; others to a Piedmontese word. What is certain is that for a long time the grape survived in only a few vineyards, before being rediscovered and promoted.
The rules
The regulations require at least 90% Ruchè, with Barbera and Brachetto up to 10%. Minimum alcohol is 12.5%. The Riserva, and wine with a vineyard name on the label, age for at least two years, one of them in cask, and cannot be released before 1 November of the second year after the harvest.
In the glass Ruchè is ruby with purple glints, with intense aromas of rose, violet, dried petals, red fruit and pepper: a nose almost like an aromatic white, surprising for a red. On the palate it is soft, with delicate tannins and a slightly bitter note on the finish.
At the table
Ruchè is an excellent wine for flavourful medium- and long-aged cheeses such as Castelmagno, Grana Padano and tome, and for typical Piedmontese dishes: bagna càuda, finanziera, agnolotti. It also pairs well with game. The same hills produce Barbera d'Asti and the wines of Monferrato.
