Ruché is a black-berried grape variety from Piedmont, historically associated with the hills of northern Asti. Its origins are ancient: nineteenth-century records link it to Moscatellina or Moscatellino, whilst the name Ruché refers specifically to the Portacomaro area. The grape variety was promoted in the 20th century thanks to the work of Don Giacomo Cauda and was first awarded the Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) status and subsequently the Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOG) status for Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato.
The mature leaf is small to medium in size, wedge-shaped, three- or five-lobed, with a cup-shaped, folded margin and an almost hairless underside. The bunch is medium-large or large, cylindrical and elongated, generally winged and moderately loose; the berry, medium-small, is spheroidal or slightly ellipsoidal, with a very pruinose, thick skin of a blue-black-violet colour. Its cultivation is concentrated in the municipalities of Castagnole Monferrato, Grana, Montemagno, Portacomaro, Refrancore, Scurzolengo and Viarigi, in the heart of the Asti Monferrato region.
The wine has an intense ruby-red colour, often enlivened by violet hues. On the nose, it reveals distinctive aromas of violet, rose, small red berries, morello cherry and spices, with a recognisable and refined aromatic profile. On the palate, it is dry, smooth, warm and well-structured, with good length. The more ambitious versions develop greater complexity, balance and depth with ageing, confirming their potential for a long life.
