La Miraja, 2021 Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato

People

The castle of Castagnole Monferrato was originally constructed in the 11th century to serve as an armory, and was retrofitted as a wine cellar three centuries later; this history alone speaks to the pre-eminence of the vineyards surrounding this Piedmontese castle. Eugenio Gatti is the seventh-generation winemaker who crafts La Miraja’s (pronounced “me-rye-uh”) wines, and has worked in vineyards across Italy. He produces a mere 2,500 cases annually from La Miraja’s tiny 4 hectares of vines, so we’re extremely lucky to have acquired some of their stuff.

Place

In the 1960s, the parish priest of Castagnole Monferrato, Don Giacomo Cauda, dedicated his non-priestly career to resurrecting the Ruché grape from extinction. He urged his parishioners to plant their vineyards with this varietal, and it is thanks to their labors that the Ruché grape did not fall into forgotten obscurity. 50 years ago, in the 1970s, the Majole vineyard was planted with Ruché vines, making them Majole the single oldest extant vineyard dedicated to this uncommon varietal. Given its storied history and quality wines, Castagnole Monferrato was the first of seven villages to be named as a DOCG for single varietal Ruché, and is arguably Asti’s most famous Ruché appellation. 40% of this wine’s grapes came from the Majole vineyard, with the remainder coming from the Santa Eufemia vineyard, planted in 1992. The soils are comprised of iron-rich red calcareous clay.

Palate

This wine is quite aromatic, with a floral bouquet, baking spices, and bright red fruit on the nose and palate. Moderate tannins and bright acidity make this a wonderful accompaniment for mild curries, aged cheeses, and grilled meats.

Technical Notes

Hand harvested, crushed by basket press into stainless steel. Maceration for 10 days followed by fermentation with indigenous yeasts. 3 months aging in concrete, followed by 4 months in the bottle before release. 14% abv. 1,000 cases produced.