In Castagnole Monferrato, among the hills of Piedmont’s Asti province, Ferraris Agricola has made a rare local grape the centre of its story. Luca Ferraris and his family champion Ruchè, an aromatic red variety whose identity is closely tied to this small part of Monferrato. Their collection also includes Barbera, Viognier and Moscato, but Ruchè is the thread that connects the vineyards, the family’s ambitions and the estate’s role in sharing the region with a wider audience.
Ruchè is a red wine that can surprise even experienced drinkers: floral, spicy and expressive, with a personality quite different from Piedmont’s more familiar Nebbiolo. Ferraris explores that character through several bottlings, from an approachable introduction to more focused vineyard expressions and Opera Prima. Vigna del Parroco connects the estate to the local priest associated with the grape’s revival, adding another chapter to its regional heritage. For those who enjoy discovering unusual Italian varieties, Ferraris offers an inviting combination of family purpose, a distinctive native grape and wines that show a less expected side of Piedmont.
