Montalbera La Tradizione Ruchè Monferrato 2016

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.