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Luca Ferraris – Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato OPERA PRIMA 2017

Luca Ferraris – Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato OPERA PRIMA 2017

$55.00
$55.00
$7.33 100ml
Quantity

Luca Ferraris – Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato OPERA PRIMA 2017

Luca Ferraris OPERA PRIMA 2017 is the flagship expression of Ruchè, a rare indigenous grape from Castagnole Monferrato in Piedmont, produced from carefully selected fruit from the Bricco della Gioia vineyard. Conceived as a wine capable of serious ageing, OPERA PRIMA deliberately takes Ruchè well beyond its usual light, floral style, combining the variety’s natural aromatic character with greater concentration, structure and depth. The 2017 was an unusually concentrated vintage, with reduced yields following spring frost and a hot summer.

The wine displays a deep ruby colour with garnet and cardinal-red reflections and an unusually complex bouquet of ripe red berries, blackberry, dried plum and cherry in liqueur, intertwined with rose petals, violet, liquorice, sweet tobacco, mint and fine spices. On the palate it is rich, warm and full-bodied, with impressive concentration, vibrant underlying freshness and firm yet remarkably elegant tannins. Dark fruit and balsamic notes are complemented by subtle vanilla, spice and tobacco from the oak, while the finish is long, powerful and savoury.

The 2017 underwent extended skin contact and fermentation, followed by 36 months of maturation in 500-litre French-oak tonneaux, with a further minimum of six months in bottle. The relatively large-format oak is used to soften and integrate the tannins without overwhelming Ruchè’s distinctive floral and aromatic personality. At 16% alcohol and only 0.79 g/L residual sugar, this is a genuinely dry, powerful wine rather than a sweet or semi-sweet interpretation.

OPERA PRIMA 2017 is therefore an extraordinary and highly individual Piedmontese red, closer in ambition and structure to a serious aged red than to the typically fragrant, lighter style associated with Ruchè. Now approaching a decade from vintage, it should be developing fascinating tertiary notes of dried flowers, tobacco, leather, balsamic herbs and spice, while its concentration and tannic structure suggest further ageing potential. Particularly compelling with truffles, game, braised and roasted meats, and medium- to long-aged cheeses.

Serving Temperature

16-18°C

Product Details

  • Producer: Luca Ferraris
  • Country: Italy
  • Region: Piedmont/Monferrato
  • Grape: Ruchè
  • Vintage: 2017
  • Bottle Size: 750 ml
  • ABV: 16%