Ruché
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato is a small production red varietal wine grape from Italy's Piemonte region. It was granted DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) status by presidential fiat on October 22, 1987.
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[edit] Origins
There is some debate about the origins of the Ruché grape. One leading theory is that the varietal is truly indigenous to the hills northwest of the town of Asti. Another theory is that the grape is a local variation on a French import. It has been grown in the area for at least one hundred years but has only recently been marketed and consumed outside of the immediate vicinity of its production. Ruché has now been "discovered" and production is increasing accordingly.
[edit] Locations
The current DOC, or EU recognized area of production, covers only about 40 hectares (100 acres) of vines around the villages of Castagnole Monferrato, Refrancore, Grana, Montemagno, Viarigi, Scurzolengo and Portacomaro.[1] Ruché is, therefore, one of the lowest production varietals in Italy.
[edit] Character
Ruché is a very distinctive, medium bodied wine with clear notes of pepper and wild berries. The wine is quite floral on the nose. Its body is characterized by a pleasant acidity and soft tannins. It pairs well with slow-cooked beef and formidable northern Italian cheeses and mushrooms like gorgonzola and porcini, respectively.
