La Miraja Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOC, 2020

Bold and fruity, coming from a secret Piedmontese grape known as Ruché. Expect a wine with a dark ruby, almost purple color. On the nose this wine is deep and floral. Generous sweet fruits of dark cherry and even blueberry. This wine sees no oak fermentation which maintains its bright and fruity pop on the palate. “Ruche’ di Castagnole Monferrato” nearly matches the acidity of the Grignolino, above, but is much richer with less intense tannin. It’s a wine that is a bit of an outlier in Piedmont distinctly lacking the leathery earthiness that have become characteristic of Italy’s northwest region. For the Ruché expect something almost resembling a Rhône red. Ripe fruit with a smooth finish and tannin that doesn’t overpower.  This wine is a hidden gem.