Ruché is a rare red grape variety originating from the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. With its soft, elegant palate, complex aromas and delicate tannins, Ruché wines are the perfect accompaniment to many traditional Italian dishes.

Ruché’s deeply coloured wines offer aromas of roses, violets, wild strawberries and spices, with fine tannins and a savoury, slightly bitter finish. Its medium to full bodied structure and high acidity make it a reminiscent of Nebbiolo.

Ruché is found in small pockets of the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, primarily in the hills surrounding the towns of Castagnole Monferrato, Montemagno and Moncalvo. Ruché is a sensitive variety that requires careful viticulture; it is best suited to cooler climates and clay-rich soils. The grapes’ thin skins make them susceptible to rot and require careful harvesting, with yields tending to be low. The wines are aged in stainless steel tanks and/or large oak barrels to bring out the delicate aromas and flavours. Ruché wines vary between medlim and full-bodied styles, depending on the producer and the terroir. Lighter-bodied wines offer fresh acidity and delicate aromas, while fuller-bodied wines feature more intense aromas and a richer texture. Ruché pairs perfectly with traditional Italian dishes such as osso buco, risotto and antipasti. Its soft tannins and moderate acidity also make it a great match for dishes featuring game and aged cheeses.

Ruché was once an obscure grape variety but in recent years gaining its own DOCG appellation, Ruché di Castagnole DOCG.