Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato VIGNA DEL PARROCO 2017

Ultra-rare wine from the original 1.4-hectare priest’s vineyard of Ruchè!

Luca Ferraris – Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato VIGNA DEL PARROCO 2017

Luca Ferraris VIGNA DEL PARROCO 2017 is a historic and exceptionally rare expression of Ruchè from Castagnole Monferrato, produced from the vineyard that gave the wine its name. Planted by Don Giacomo Cauda in 1964, this is the oldest Ruchè vineyard in the area and the only officially recognised cru within the Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG. Since 2016, Luca Ferraris has been responsible for preserving and developing this remarkable old-vine site, continuing the work of the priest who helped rescue Ruchè from obscurity.

The 2017 shows the variety's wonderfully distinctive aromatic character, with an expressive bouquet of rose petals and violets, layered with ripe plum, blackberry, raspberry and black pepper. With bottle age, the floral perfume becomes increasingly intertwined with dried flowers, tobacco, balsamic herbs and subtle earthy spice. On the palate it is dry, supple and beautifully rounded, combining generous dark and red fruit with soft tannins, lively freshness and a long, savoury finish. The wine has considerably more depth and elegance than the typically light, immediately fruity style sometimes associated with Ruchè.

The 2017 is made entirely from Ruchè, with controlled-temperature fermentation and traditional pump-overs. Part of the malolactic conversion takes place in tonneau, followed by approximately nine months of maturation, before further bottle ageing. The result is a wine that combines the grape's naturally exotic floral perfume with the additional texture and complexity derived from mature vines and restrained oak.

At almost a decade from vintage, VIGNA DEL PARROCO 2017 is particularly fascinating to drink: aromatic, silky and savoury, but with enough concentration and structure to continue evolving. It is arguably the most historically significant Ruchè in existence, offering a rare opportunity to taste the character of the original vineyard that helped define the variety. An excellent partner for Piedmontese cuisine, truffles, roasted and braised meats, game, charcuterie and mature cheeses.