La Miraja Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato 2023

About the Winery: In this armory-turned-cellar, Eugenio Gatti, a seventh-generation viticulturist, turns out Barbera, Grignolino, Freisa, and his fabled Ruché. His oldest Ruché plantings are located in the famed Majole vineyard, one of the first sites in Castagnole Monferrato where the grape was planted with the intention of producing single-varietal wines. Castagnole Monferrato holds the illustrious honor of being the birthplace of Ruché. This grape is a unique red variety found primarily in the rolling hills northwest of the town of Asti, where only seven villages hold the distinction of producing wines under the DOCG.  La Miraja (pronounced “me-rye-uh”) is tiny by any measure, comprising less than 4 hectares under vine.  

Hand-harvested fruit is destemmed and then crushed by basket press into stainless-steel tanks, where it remains in contact with the skins for 10 days while native fermentation occurs. Following spontaneous malolactic fermentation, the wine rests in cement vessels for 3 months and then an additional 4 months in bottle prior to release.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes: On the nose,  A wild nose redolent of violet, rose, iris, jasmine, cardamom, white pepper, and perhaps most surprisingly for a red wine, lychee. On the palate, Fresh wild berries, red cherry, and pomegranate abound. Perfectly ripened fruit, robust acidity, and moderate tannins enable this grape’s singular, beguiling aromatics to shine.

Serving Suggestion: Charcuterie and medium-aged cheeses as well as the classic Piedmontese dish called bagna càuda.  This wine also pairs brilliantly with mild Indian cuisine, curry dishes, barbequed meats, and burgers.

Varietal: Ruche.