What is Ruché and where does it come from?
Origins and history
Ruché, sometimes called "Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato", originates from the small area of Castagnole Monferrato in the province of Asti. Although its exact origin is somewhat mysterious, it is believed to have either French or Piedmontese roots. The first documented evidence of Ruché dates back to the 1960s, but its history probably goes back much further. The name 'Ruché' is thought to derive from the word 'rocche', meaning rocks, and refers to the hilly hills and rocky soils typical of the region. The grape was almost forgotten for many years, but thanks to dedicated winemakers in Castagnole Monferrato, it had a resurgence in the 1980s. Today it is protected by DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status, which was awarded in 2010.
Ruché's unique characteristics
Ruché stands out from other grapes with its distinctive aroma and flavor. The grape is relatively small with a deep purple color and its thick skin produces wines with moderate tannins and a balanced structure.
Flavor profile
Ruché wines are known for their intense bouquet of flowers and spices. The most common aromas include: Floral: Roses and violets.
Fruit: Cherry, strawberry and plum.
Spice: Black pepper, cinnamon and sometimes a hint of nutmeg.
These wines have a medium body with fresh acidity, making them versatile and easy to drink. The finish is often long with a spicy, almost herbal character.
Climate and terroir in Piedmont
The influence of climate
Piedmont has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The area benefits from cool winds from the Alps, which help regulate temperature and preserve the acidity of the grapes. At the same time, the Po Valley and rivers provide humidity, which is crucial for grape ripening. Ruché thrives in Castagnole Monferrato and the surrounding villages. Here you'll find a mixture of clay and limestone in the soil, which gives the grapes their unique mineral character. The hilly slopes ensure optimal sun exposure, which is necessary for full ripeness.
Wine production: From field to cellar
Working in the vineyard
Producing Ruché wines requires careful work in the field. The grape is relatively sensitive to diseases such as mildew and therefore requires regular care.
Pruning: To control the yield, the vines are pruned heavily. This ensures that the remaining grapes develop more concentrated flavors.
Hand harvesting: Due to the delicate structure of Ruché, harvesting is typically done by hand. This makes it possible to sort and select only the best grapes.
Production in the basement
Once the grapes are harvested, the carefully controlled vinification process begins.
Fermentation: The grapes are often fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve their aromatic freshness. The temperature is kept low to bring out the floral and fruity notes.
Maceration: The skins are allowed to macerate with the must for a short period, giving the wine its characteristic color and structure.
Aging: Most Ruché wines are aged briefly in steel tanks or neutral oak barrels to preserve their primary aromas. However, some producers are experimenting with longer barrel aging to give the wine more complexity.
Varieties and styles of Ruché wine
Ruché primarily produces dry red wines, but there are variations in styles:
Classic Ruché: These wines are light to medium in body and highlight the floral and spicy character of the grape.
Reserve varieties: Aging in oak gives these wines a more complex profile with notes of vanilla and tobacco.
Experimental wines: Some winemakers are making sweet or sparkling wines with Ruché, showing the grape's versatility.
Examples of wines made with Ruché
A classic Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG is typically intense ruby red in color with scents of roses and red berries. It goes perfectly with dishes such as: Pasta dishes with mushrooms or truffles.
Lamb or veal.
Mature cheeses like pecorino or taleggio.
The future for Ruché
Ruché is still a niche grape with limited production, but its unique character and increasing popularity among wine lovers gives it potential for growth. More and more winemakers are experimenting with the grape and expanding its use, which could lead to even greater variety and quality.
