Vineyards
Vigneto il Cavaliere
The vineyard “il Cavaliere” with its 2.13h, is among the largest single-body Ruchè vineyards existing in the production area and was the first vineyard in the Ruchè area to be planted with “giropoggio”, in fact the rows follow the sinuous course of the hill to better enjoy the position. Established in 1997, it is located on the southern slope of the hilly ridge that goes from Portacomaro to Scurzolengo. Vineyard with full southern exposure, at an altitude of 260 m asl. It has a tenacious, more compact soil, because the clay fraction is more abundant, with a calcareous stratification in the subsoil. The water is mostly retained by the silicates of the clays, while it slips away into the subsoil where we have the stratifications. The soil is very poor so as not to bring too much vigor to the vine. The altitude and southern exposure allow the capture of solar energy to have wines of great concentration and structure while maintaining a high elegance.
Vigneto Bricco Alto
In 1998 our family acquired this beautiful jug, located on the southern side of the hilly ridge that goes from Portacomaro to Scurzolengo. Vineyard with full southern exposure, at an altitude of 270 m asl. The soil has a prevalence of fine clays, with sands and calcium carbonate. Planted in 2001 it has always given exceptional results, the perfect inclination and perfect exposure to the winds make it a vineyard with unique characteristics. In the highest part of the vineyard, the jug, the color of the soil is white, very thin, dusty; in drought summers, due to the poverty of organic substance, it appears as a lunar soil, arid, white and reflecting the light of the sun. In summer, the plants often go into stress, due to water shortages: it seems that only the Ruchè has the strength to live here. Sometimes we provide exclusively organic fertilizations or with mature manure from organic stables, to help the vineyard retain water in depth. This vineyard is fundamental for our Pro Nobis
Vigneto Nebbiolo Il Cavaliere
Only vineyard with a variety other than Ruchè. It was planted in Grignolino in 2001, given the dominant position towards the south with perfect characteristics for the ripening of the grapes, subsequently converted by grafting with the Nebbiolo vine. This part of the jug is well sheltered by the hill from the return of winter cold and from the North-West winds; in fact, it has an excellent microclimate for growing grapes. For our company it is one of the first Nebbiolo vineyards planted in Monferrato, Doc since 2019 with the superior mention, it wants to be the demonstration of the strength of the territory. Due to its extraordinary characteristics, it can be said that this vineyard favors natural organic cultivation, in fact it is the part of the vineyard where we have fewer failures and fewer problems of fungal diseases.
Vigneto Bricco Basso
Located a few tens of meters from the Bricco Alto vineyard, Bricco Basso has a very different soil. Vineyard with full southern exposure, at an altitude of 230 m asl. It has a fresh soil, because the clayey fraction, linked to limestone, is more abundant. The water is mainly retained by the silicates of the clays and drainage is guaranteed by the slope. The distance in the space between Bricco Alto and Bricco Basso is minimal and this is particularly interesting if we compare the differences between the two soils: Bricco Basso more tenacious and compact, Bricco Alto looser and leaner. A precise difference is found in the organoleptic characteristics of the two Ruchè: Bricco Basso is more rounded and juicy, with warm tones and dark fruit; the Bricco Alto, on the other hand, is longer, vertical and mineral. This is one of the fundamental vineyards for our ‘Na Vota.
Vigneto Ca’ du Gidio
Flat vineyard located north of the estate, where the sun comes in steadily and at the right angle from sunrise to sunset. Always one of the most expressive and most fragrant vineyards precisely because it is fresh and sheltered. Soil rich in clay and silica sand, with an important presence of gypsum which gives the Ruchè grape its characteristic scent of rose and pepper. One must vineyards that gives more fruit to the wine obtained, the fragrance of the red pulp and its perfume are a fundamental part of our ‘Na Vota wine, in fact Ca’ du Gidio has always been included in the blend of the 4 vineyards that make up our wine more present in catering.
Vigneto Mezzena
The Mezzena vineyard is the historic production nucleus of our company, “the home vineyard”, in fact. Planted in 1980 by my father Giuseppe Cavallero, it was the first vineyard in the history of Ruchè to exceed the size of one hectare in a single piece. At the time it was an act of faith and courage towards this vine and towards its main standard bearer, Don Giacomo Cauda, parish priest of the nearby town of Castagnole Monferrato. Vine facing east north-east, with a beautiful sequence of regular rows, well ventilated and well organized between 210 and 250 m asl. The soil has a prevalence of fine clays, with sands, calcium carbonate and an important presence of gypsum.
Another key vineyard for the success of the ‘Na Vota’ and for the harvesting of the grapes for drying. In fact, the part towards the east is very lean and poor in structure, leaving the plant only what is necessary for the success of very few bunches that enjoy a perfect characteristic for their drying.
Vigneto Piatin
The Piatin Vineyard is the scenario of my childhood, it was the closest vineyard to home and at the beginning of the 70s it was the vineyard followed mainly by my grandfather Stefano Cavallero, who during the summer allowed me to accompany him and enjoy the constant breeze that came from the valleys with its scents of freshly cut hay. Vineyard facing east north-east, with a beautiful sequence of regular rows, well ventilated and well organized between 210 and 250 m asl. The soil has a prevalence of fine clays, with sands, calcium carbonate and an important presence of gypsum.
Fundamental vineyard for the success of ‘Na Vota
Vigneto Pratolongo
In 1963 our family acquired this beautiful vineyard of only 2500 square meters, located in the flat part east of the company body, It is the smallest plot of our vineyards. From here the view over the valley is truly stupendous, the alpine crown of the Monte Rosa massif seems close at hand and cheers the spirits. The microclimate is excellent, the best in the Ruchè area, a true paradise for the vine, especially in terms of plant health. A steady light breeze in the morning ensures that all fungal infections are naturally kept at bay and so are insect attacks. It is a spontaneous organic vineyard. The soil, of Tortonian Miocene origin, has bluish gray marl, rich in calcium carbonates and manganese; they are clays mixed with very fine sands, with limestone, called Sant’Agata marl. From here come the most concentrated grapes which, together with the grapes from the Piatin vineyard, form one of the most important selections of the company.
