2020 Zoppi Cristina Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato

100% organic Ruchè from ten acres of estate vines in the rolling hills of Monferrato at almost 1000’ elevation. Hand harvested and fully destemmed. Native yeast fermentation and aging in stainless steel. Minimal (30mg/L) sulphur addition at bottling. 800 cases made. 

This rarity is intensely aromatic, with strong notes of roses, violets, lavender, earthy spice and truffle; the color is deep; and the fruit is rich with blackberry and plum with vibrant acidity, finishing with peppery, savory notes and chalky tannins.  Medium bodied and very dry.

Cristina Zoppi and Ezio Chiara met while working for a small company that supplied parts for Fiat. In 1991 they decided to start a life in agriculture and moved to Ezio’s family farm, located northeast of Asti in the zone of Monferrato. Here, in the commune of Viarigi in a hilltop hamlet named Pergatti Collina, Ezio’s family raised its own animals and had a small business raising crops, including vines. Cristina joined in the family work full-time while Ezio stayed on the job with the Fiat company, lending a hand on weekends. The dream was always to have their own label with their own wine. As Ezio’s father grew older, he proposed that Cristina take the helm of her own business. He had taught her everything he knew of viticulture, which he in turn had learned from his father, and he was ready to retire. Specific vineyard parcels were bequeathed to her and papers were drawn up: the legal name became Azienda Agricola Zoppi Cristina. The wines are made with the acclaimed enologist Cristiano Garella at the Crotin winery in Monferrato. 

91 points, Wine Enthusiast. "Pronounced aromas of red rose mingle with leather, tilled earth, spice and truffle. On the savory palate, fresh acidity and chalky tannins accompany blackberry, Morello cherry, peppercorn and an earthy hint of game."