Ferraris – 2024 Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG Vigna Del Parroco

Ferraris – 2024 Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG Vigna Del Parroco.

In 1964 a priest in the small village of Castagnole Monferrato did something quite extraordinary. Don Giacomo Cauda, newly arrived at his post and planted ten rows of Ruchè. A grape that wasn’t known very well, and was used as a table grape, but where he has always believed that it should be used as a monocepage.

Sixty years later, those same vines are still producing. The 2024 vintage marks that sixty-year milestone, making it not just a wine to taste, but a wine with a story worth telling.

About the Region 

Within the Piemonte area, tucked between the appellations of Barbera d’Asti and Moscato d’Asti, lies a small, lesser-known DOCG area called ‘Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato where the Ruchè grape thrives and is quietly building reputation. 

Within seven municipalities (Castagnole Monferrato, Grana, Montemagno, Portacomaro, Refrancore, Scurzolengo and Viarigi), Ruchè is planted on vineyards with altitudes between 120 and 250 meters high. Soils predominantly consist of silt, limestone, and clay. The climate is mild with warm summers and cool nights, allowing the grapes to develop aromas while keeping a fresh character. 

Ruchè has been planted in the area for centuries, and was nearly extinct when Don Giacomo Cauda came around, believed in the quality of this grape, and grew the success of the grape where he first planted this grape in Vigna del Parroco in 1964, after which the ‘Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOC’ was created in 1987. In 2010, this area even gained the DOCG status. With the elevation to DOCG comes that grapes planted on northern slopes after 2010, cannot be used in the DOCG wines. The maximum yield allowance is eight tons per hectare. There is a minimum alcohol percentage of 12.5% and there are no ageing requirements within the DOCG rules. The wines must consist of at least 90% Ruchè. If a wine is not made as a monocepage Barbera and Brachetto are often added into the blends. 

About the Grape 

Many stories can be told about Ruchè. Some say it’s fully indigenous to Piemonte, and some say that Ruchè finds its origin in Burgundy. Possibly brought by monks in the 18th century. DNA analysis does find some similarities with Pinot Nero which would make theories of it being brought from France plausible. 

Not being able to conclude on its original heritage does not make it a less compelling grape. On the contrary, Ruchè is a variety of considerable aromatic distinction: rose petal, violet and red fruit like cherry, raspberry and ripe plum, are its most recognisable primary characteristics. They are often accompanied by a signature note of black pepper and, in more structured expressions, hints of balsamic herbs or liquorice. Acidity is moderate and tannins are fine and polished. 

About the Winery 

In 2001, Luca Ferraris took over the Ferraris winery from his grandfather and started to restructure the domain. Where before all grapes were sold to cooperatives, from now on Luca was invested to use the grapes to create his own wines. 

Just like Don Giacomo Cauda, Luca Ferraris has been deeply devoted to the Ruchè grape which makes it only logical that he was able to take over the Vigna del Parroco vineyard in 2016. Ever since, this historical heritage is the flagship of the Ferraris winery. 

Besides Ruché, Ferraris Agricola also plants Viognier, Barbera and Moscato. 

About the Wine

Once harvested, the grapes will ferment in roto fermenters. A fermentation tank, where blades are gently rotating to extract colour and aroma while protecting the delicate character of the grape. After 10-15 days, 80% of the wine is transferred to Stainless steel tanks, and 20% will ripen on oak barrels for another 6 months, where malolactic fermentation takes place. 

The result is a bright ruby-red wine which in case of the 2024 vintage has gained a slight orange rim. In the nose intense aromas of red and black fruit such as cherry, strawberry and blueberry lead, followed by the smell of fresh roses and a touch of balsamic vinegar adds a savoury depth. 

On the palate the wine delivers on its promise. Accompanied with plum, raspberries and a hint of black pepper. The body is medium, the acidity is bright and the tannins are smooth and soft giving enough structure but not at the expense of its elegance. The finish is of medium length, leaving a pleasant trail of black pepper and red fruit. Very well balanced and at its best when still young.

Conclusion

The Vigna del Parroco is a wine with character. Aromatic, balanced and deeply rooted in the history of its appellation. While being in the shadow of more prominent names within Piemonte, it deserves a place in any serious conversation of Italian Piemonte wines. 

We therefore conclude this wine with 90 DWA points. 

This review is written by our own Michelle van de Vosse. Many thanks to Ferraris Agricola for its dedication and commitment to Ruchè. This wine is imported and distributed in the Netherlands by Verkerk Wijnimport, and available for consumers through Enoteca Sprezzatura.

Taste Date:     June 2026

Website:         Ferraris Agricola