22 Oct Please The Palate Wine of the Week: San Rucci 2022 Ruche, San Benito County, Central Coast

Ruché, pronounced Roo-kay, is a nearly-lost red grape from Piemonte, Italy that was rescued in the late 20th century when a local priest revived his church’s old Ruché vines and began crafting a dry wine. Even today, production remains small in Italy. So to find a Ruché grown and made in the United States is all the more surprising, which is why the San Rucci 2022 Ruché from San Benito County is the Please The Palate Wine of the Week.

About San Rucci Winery

Rooted in Italian heritage and California soil, San Rucci Winery carries a story that spans generations. The name itself blends two family legacies – San Filippo and Becherucci – uniting Sicilian and Tuscan traditions under one label. The family’s winemaking journey began over 90 years ago when Francisco Becherucci emigrated from Tuscany and made wine at home for family gatherings in Bakersfield.

That passion was passed down through generations until Francisco’s granddaughter married into another winemaking family with Sicilian roots. Their son, Anthony (Tony) Merz, grew up surrounded by barrels, bottles, and Sunday dinners where wine was always part of the table. Today, Tony and his father, Bill Merz, a classically trained winemaker educated at Fresno State, lead San Rucci Winery. Together, they blend tradition, quality, and innovation, producing handcrafted wines that honor their Italian ancestry while reflecting the California terroir they now call home.

Tony and Bill work with many traditional grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Petit Sirah but they also work with Italian varieties including Nebbiolo, Falanghina, Vermentino, and Ruche.

Tasting Notes

Aged in neutral French oak to highlight the purity of the grape, this organically farmed wine captures Ruché’s natural charm. It opens with bright red fruit notes of wild strawberries and ripe cherries, followed by savory undertones of black pepper and delicate floral notes. On the palate, the texture is silky, tannins are smooth, and there is an aromatic lift

Food Pairing

A medium-bodied wine with soft tannins, the Ruché was perfect to pair with spaghetti with fresh tomatoes sauteed with garlic and mozzarella. You could also enjoy this wine with a hamburger.

Where To Purchase

Ruché is a challenging wine to find. There is so little of it produced, both in Italy, and especially in California. There were only 30 cases produced of the San Rucci Ruché, which retails for $48. To find this wine and any other San Rucci wine, visit their website.