Those looking for bold fruitiness should go elsewhere. Here, the focus is on an alluring Middle Eastern spice box of aromas and flavors — cinnamon and cloves — and dried flowers. Light on the palate, the flavors in this lively wine nonetheless persist. You’d never realize it weighs in at 15% stated alcohol. The potentially severe tannins of Ruché are nowhere to be found. Ferraris has transformed them instead into fine ones that lend support, which makes it ideal for current consumption. Try it even slightly chilled this summer. Balanced and harmonious, this wine is for those who embrace the savory side of life.
Ferraris, Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG (Piedmont, Italy) 2020
By Michael Apstein