A quite interesting tw0-part article in PalatePress:
Ruche/Part I
Ruche/Part II
on the awakening interest in the Ruche grape in Monferrato. I've followed Ruche from the very start when I was introduced to it by DarrellCorti when he brought in the Scarpa wines in the late '70's. One of which was a "Ruchet di Monferrato" '78. I was quite taken by it because of its very strong floral/rose petal/aromatic character. It's a grape variety they should be planting all up & down the coast of Calif. The origins of Ruche are unknown and it's thought to be indigenous to the area of Asti. It can resemble Nebbiolo sometimes in that it can have a bit of a tannic bite. It used to be made in a partially-sweet style from stuck fermentations but better growing know-how has allowed lighter/dry versions to be produced.
Tom