| Grape variety |
Ruchè |
| Synonyms |
Ruchè is also locally known as 'Rouchet' or 'Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato'. |
| Grape colour |
Red grape |
| History |
Ruchè is a grape with a story shrouded in mystery, with its roots traced back to the hills of Monferrato in the Piedmont region of Italy. The grape was nearly forgotten until the late 20th century when a local priest, Don Giacomo Cauda, championed its revival, leading to its recognition as a DOC in 1987 and later upgraded to DOCG status in 2010. |
| Ampelographic features |
The Ruchè vine carries medium-sized leaves that are generally wider than long, often with three to five lobes. The petiole is open in a V shape or a claw-like formation. The leaf surface is typically smooth with a light green shade, while the underside is devoid of any hair. The berries are medium in size, spheroidal in shape, and carry a grey-violet hue when ripe. |
| Characteristics of the wine |
Wines made from Ruchè are often unique and intriguing, showcasing a vibrant ruby red hue. The aromatic profile is rich with floral tones, most notably of roses, coupled with spicy nuances. The flavor profile is a fascinating contrast of dry, robust tannins against floral and fruit-forward notes. This grape variety is also utilized in crafting sweet wines, which exude pleasant aromatic notes of rose and small berries. |
