Crivelli Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato

This was well past its prime a/o a poor cork. I enjoyed the better part of a case of this during some months in the tiny village of Castagnole as this was released - loved all of them. That said, I prefer these wines w/in three/four years of release, as a rule. Positive exceptions are always welcome! I've always loved his (now their, as his son has since taken the reigns) Grignolino, too.

Red berries and floral aromas. Nothing fancy but fun nonetheless. 15% alcohol. Yummy.

Raspberry, aniseed, dried flowers. Open knit tannins, slightly coarse but suits the style of wine. Plays to the beat of it’s own drum. I like that.

The nose showed exotic dried florals, with crushed ripe raspberry, dusty sweet spices, hints of orange zest, a savory herbal tinge and stoney-minerality. On the palate, I found a wine of contrasts, showing soft textures, offset but tart red berry fruit and perfectly balanced with juicy acidity yet leaving a coating of dry fruit extract. Notes of spicy clove, cinnamon and inner violet floral tones filled the senses, leading into a long and dramatic finish with gentle tannin, lingering spiced …

I enjoyed this wine. As David said, it is uncomplicated, but tasty. Fruity, dark cherry, soft but there is some fine tannin as well. There is something here that reminds me of Cru Beaujolais.

Fresh, red berries, bright and cheery. Great antidote for a lousy week. It’s not complicated, just friendly.

Berries - nothing special - very dry