La Miraja - Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato 2022

La Miraja is nestled within the original castle of Castagnole Monferrato, constructed in the 11th century and retrofitted to serve as a cellar in the 1400s. In this armory-turned-cellar, Eugenio Gatti turns out Barbera d’Asti, Grignolino, and his fabled Ruché. A seventh-generation viticulturist, Eugenio personally tends to the oldest vineyard of Ruché in Castagnole Monferrato, the original birthplace of Ruché. It is here that Eugenio Gatti devotes his life’s work to producing 840 transcendent cases of wine each year. 

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.

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.

Translucent red in color,  a wild nose redolent of violet, rose, iris, jasmine, cardamom, white pepper, and perhaps most surprisingly for a red wine, lychee. On the palate has a good dose of red berries. Perfectly ripened fruit, robust acidity, and moderate tannins enable this grape’s singular, beguiling aromatics to shine.

Pairs well with 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.

Producer: La Miraja

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Ruché

Appellation:  Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato 

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml