Azienda Agricola Montalbera was founded at the start of the 20th century in the area between the municipalities of Grana, Castagnole Monferrato, and Montemagno. The winery holds a single body of 100 hectares of vineyards here, along with 10 hectares in the nearby Langhe region, where the Morando family which owns the enterprise has its roots. The grapes grown range from Viogner to Moscato d'Asti, Grignolino d’Asti, and Nebbiolo del Monferrato, but the primary varieties of the winery are the Barbera and the native Ruchè. The Morando family has mainly focused on the last of these, saving it from extinction and dedicating many years to enhancing its value, succeeding in creating a Piedmontese red wine with a distinct identity. Montalbera owns about 60% of the Ruchè vineyards in the entire DOC zone. One of a range of different products produced by the company, Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato Laccento is made from 80% perfectly ripened grapes and 20% which are allowed to reach slight over-ripening on the vine. This combination results in the greater concentration of all of the wine’s aspects. A slightly transparent ruby red in colour with light flashes of garnet, this wine shows hints of dog rose, raspberries, currants, dried leaves, cinnamon, and orange peel on the nose. In the mouth, it is extremely soft with smooth tannins and an excellent freshness and full flavour which work together to streamline the body of the wine, making it really pleasant to drink. Ageing takes between nine and ten months in stainless steel followed by another six to eight months in the bottle before the wine is placed onto the market. This wine is a faithful everyday companion, lending itself well to first courses with meat sauces and vegetable risottos. It is perfect for pairing with spicy dishes.
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