Opera Prima is Ferraris's more ambitious Ruche selection from Castagnole Monferrato in Piedmont, associated with the Bricco della Gioia vineyard. It gives the grape's distinctive floral perfume a richer, more structured setting. Ripe fruit, savoury detail and oak maturation make it a compelling bottle for a substantial meal.
- Aromas: Rose and blackberry, with dried plum and cherry, followed by menthol, tobacco and spice as the wine opens.
- Palate: Concentrated and layered, with a firm frame supporting the rich fruit. Floral lift and freshness help balance the wine's depth and persistent finish.
- Style: A dry, full-bodied Ruche with greater concentration and maturation influence than the estate's more immediately approachable expressions.
- Winemaking: Selected fruit from the Bricco della Gioia area is used for a deeper expression of Ruche. Oak maturation develops texture and savoury complexity while keeping the grape's signature perfume in view.
- Cellaring: Drink now if well stored, with potential for further development in bottle. If ageing further, store in a cool and dark location. Before opening stand upright to settle sediment, and taste before choosing gentle decanting or further aeration.
- Food Pairing: Duck, roast lamb, braised pork or mature hard cheese; a richly flavoured mushroom dish also suits its floral, spicy character.
If Ruche's perfume has caught your attention, Opera Prima gives you more to explore. The roses are still there, but with darker fruit and a richer frame. Choose it for a dinner where you can linger over the glass and enjoy the details. Serve slightly cool, taste before deciding on decanting, and give the wine time to develop in the glass.