Montalbera Ruche La Tradizione 2019

Enrico Riccardo Morando’s family estate in Castagnole Monferrato, Montalbera, is famous for its production of the relatively unknown but indigenous variety, Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato, known as the 'Red Prince of Monferrato'. Found in seven neighbouring villages within the Asti province in Piemonte, Ruché refers to both the DOCG, which was granted in 2010, and the variety. The origin of this grape is unknown but it is thought that it was introduced by the Haut Savoie. Their winery is found at the highest point of the DOCG at 270m above sea level and is completely surrounded by the estate's vineyards, meaning the vineyards have a range of different exposures and soil types. The vineyards cover six entire hills, which dip down into a valley cultivated with the traditional Piedmontese hazelnut. The vines vary in age from 7 to 30 years, and are trained in low Guyot trellises. All agricultural work is done by hand. With a total of 175 hectares, 82 hectares are planted with Ruchè, which comprises 60% of the entire production of this appellation. Other planted varieties are Barbera d’Asti, Grignolino, and Viognier.