There isn’t very much of this Italian grape around – only about 40 ha of vines exist in Piedmont.  A DOCG since 2010, opinion is divided as to whether or not this is an indigenous Italian varietal or one that came from France in the 1700s and that adapted to the hills around Asti.

Either way, it makes tasty, tannic and nicely perfumed wines. This Ruché has a deep ruby shade and is developing with high toned aromas of cranberry, red plum, garrigue and light black licorice – fennel.

The palate is dry with medium plus acidity, high alcohol and medium plus tannins that show some grip.  Complimented by a better than average finish, flavours include fresh plum, strawberry, cranberry and dark Mission figs with black pepper alongside some sage, rosemary and thyme.

We found the alcohol to be a little hot, but time or double decanting fixed that problem and once the alcohol relaxed, the edges also disappeared and more fresh fruit and herb emerged. Over the course of the evening, a deep, dark cherry revealed itself.  On the second day, deeper garrigue and licorice were evident.

WSET Very Good – awesome wine.  Buy and drink or lay down for 1-3 years.