Cantine Sant’ Agata, Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato Riserva DOCG (Piedmont, Italy) “Pro Nobis” 2021 ($30)

This is an outstanding rendition of Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato Riserva, showing quite impressive depth and length but also some pleasant acidic tartness like what one would hope to find in Barbera from this area. Although it struck me as being less powerful but fresher than the “Genesi” Riserva 2019 from this producer, the floral perfume was as noteworthy in this bottling—if not more so. To be clear, this is not a fluffy, tart wine but rather one that finishes with plenty of tannic grip that requires food as an accompaniment for full enjoyment, but it will prove quite versatile for pairing, as it delivers a lot of aroma and flavor without a lot of physical weight.
93 Michael Franz