Piedmont Wine Region of Italy Luca Ferraris Bric d'Bianc Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato Piedmont is made up of a variety of climates as it is surrounded on three sides by mountains. In fact, DOCG Piedmont translates to at the foot of the mountains. PIEDMONT (ITALY) The Alpine zone is very cold, while the lowlands tend to have continental climates with very cold winters Luca Ferraris Agricola is the largest family owned and dry, hot summers. agricultural company in the seven municipalities of the Ruchè-growing region. Originating in the early Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato is one of the lowest 1900's, the family vineyards faltered during the production varietal wines in Italy. Ruchè, a rustic red industrial era. Luca reestablished not only the winery, Italian wine grape variety from the Piedmont region, is but also the rare Ruchè grape, bringing it back to the varietal base of Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato. notoriety in the region. It was not until 2010 that the A maximum of 10% Barbera or Brachetto may be Italian DOCG recognized Ruchè! blended. Very small production, it covers only about 100 acres (40 hectares) of vines around the villages Grapes: 100% Ruchè. of Castagnole Monferrato, Refrancore, Grana, Viniculture: Stainless steel; 3 months in the bottle, Montemagno, Viarigi, Scurzolengo and Portacomaro. unfiltered. It is also found in neighboring province of Sustainability: Ferraris is certified sustainable Alessandria. agriculture. Alcohol: 14% vol. Regional info credit: Chiara Ferraris, GuildSomm, Appearance: Ruby red with purple rim Wikipedia Nose: Roses and cherries. Palate: Candied orange & plum, ripe raspberries, summer cherries, & a clean dry finish. Pairing: White & red meats, pasta, young & medium aged cheeses, game. J. Strecker Selections, LLC Seattle, WA 98115 Web: jstreckerselections.com Phone: 206.783.2009 .