2019 Montalbera Laccento Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato

• 99pt Luca Maroni Piedmontese Wonder
• Annual 98/99pt Rating Since 2007
• "Clearly One of the Best Italian Red Wines...Masterpiece"
• Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About The Wine

If you want to know the secret to a long, happy life in NW Italy, it would likely involve lots of pasta, cheese, ragu, and possibly, this wine.

If you're just now hearing about the native Piedmontese variety, Ruchè it's because Ruchè is a native Italian grape produced in tiny amounts. Ruchè has found a home in the Piedmont region as a unique, local varietal. The variety has been a local secret rarely gracing tables outside of Italy and most often enjoyed by locals in Castagnole Monferrato for festivals and special occasions. Enjoy your holiday season like those in Castagnole and celebrate with a bottle of 99 point Ruchè!

For generations, the Morando family has believed and invested in Piedmontese viticulture. For years, they have passionately dedicated themselves to the development of Ruchè. Because of their ongoing commitment, today Montalbera arises as one of the great wineries of Piedmont and is the largest producer of Ruchè.

Rigor and planning. Interpretation and terroir. Winemaker Franco Morando’s expression of estate-grown Ruche grapes showcases the fruit’s tantalizing qualities in a thrilling, sumptuous package of darted acidity and come-hither smoothness. Intense aromas of wild berries and jam segue to a medium-bodied waltz of  blackberry, and black pepper, leading to a velvety finish.

If you are an Italian wine lover or just an arm-chair traveling oenophile, this is a must-have wine.

Tasting note

 100% Ruchè. Intense ruby red with slight purple reflections in youth, turning garnet after the first few years in the bottle. The nose on this wine is unlike almost any other; Think Lacrima di Morra with the body of Pinot Noir. It is intense, extended, slightly aromatic, and fruity with aromas typical of wild berries, jam, violets, and roses. The palate is warm, pleasant, and a rare silkiness.

Critical Reviews

Among all the exquisiteness and the fruity aromas that captivated my senses this year, this is by far the brightest in the nose. You can clearly distinguish in its rich bouquet of strawberry and raspberry, but also blackberry and sour cherry, blending in sublime sweetness and delicacy. Hints of rose and violet brings your olfactive senses at the highest and finest level. The silky tannins are smooth and intriguing and envelop any pungent expression of this wine. Clearly one of the best Italian red wines, a masterpiece of wine growing and wine-making.  ~99 Luca Maroni, I Migliori Vini Italiani.

Tre Bicchieri ~Gambero Rosso

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