In the ever-changing world of wine, it is always exciting to see the industry pushing boundaries, and we are thrilled to be able to add the first Vegan wine to our portfolio, which already houses a host of sustainable wineries, low intervention winemaking and organic and biodynamic products. 
Our fabulous Ruchè producer Montalbera in Piemonte, has announced the first Vegan certified vintage of their Ruchè La Tradizione for the 2014 release. These already outstanding wines, will hopefully now appeal to an even wider audience eager to try vegan wines and an excellent option for vegans who would prefer to drink wines without any animal products present for the fining section of the winemaking process.

The Morando Family of Montalbera are champions of the local grape Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato, a real gem in the Piedmontese wine landscape that is often overlooked by its more famous neighbours. The winery is found at the highest point of the DOCG at 270m above sea level and is completely surrounded by the estates vineyards, meaning the vineyards have a range of different exposures and soil types. All 60 hectares of Ruché, which accounts for 60% of the entire DOCG's plantings are found on the hillsides and are worked by hand.

For La Tradizione the pomace is soaked for 10-12 days on the skins and matured in stainless steel tanks before bottle refinement of 3 months. This is an intriguing wine with a plethora of more floral and aromatic notes of parmaviolets, rose petals and saffron with spice notes developing in time. The fruit is almost secondary; wild stawberries, forest fruits and prunes, and it is an unbelievably moreish wine with light tannins and refreshing bright acidity.

Click here for more information on Montalbera and their wines.