The Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG Opera Prima is the product of a single vineyard, and the vineyard is nourished like no other on the estate. “I wanted to dedicate this wine to my grandfather Martino,” says Luca, “and see that it stands up to years of aging.” The vineyard here is steep, late in ripening with loose limestone soil, which in nutrient-poor, supports the vine of strength. The grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously selected. The juice ferments in large oak barrels. The wine then aged in 500 liter tonneaux oaks (mixed new and old) over 24 months, with continuous tasting. This long process ensures that the colors stabilize and soften the tannins. The wine then bottle aged another year. “My goal is that this wine should go with a good Barolo,” says Luca, “and it is correspondingly expensive.” The nose is peppery spice and a garden with flowers, the palate ripe raspberry and cherry, medium to full-bodied, tannins are soft and acid-stimulating, a fully ripe finish is reminiscent of a fine red fruit.