Duo of Exotic Piedmont Reds

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, here comes another weird  due of Piedmontese grape called “Ruche” and "Grignolino." Never heard of them? You're not alone, very few have. Where do we begin: Castagnole Monferrato is the DOCG for Ruche with a tiny amount of wine being produced by only something like 5 or 6 producers. I hate to make comparisons as great wines should exist on their own like iconic artists, but for the sake of simplicity, Ruche has the aromatics of a Nebbiolo -- mountainous, airy, herby and wild -- with the acid and tanginess of a great Barbera. That doesn't really do it justice and some purists may balk at my analogy. Let them. Try for yourself and give me a better analogy. 

Grignolino d'Asti is it's own DOC in the Asti region and much better known to the world than Rucche. Grignolino is it's own monster with similar characteristics to Dolcetto, but that doesn't necessarily do it justice. 

Crivelli is a biodynamic producer with ancestral roots going back a century. His wines are as a pure of an expression as they come, with his Ruche being perhaps the most interesting.  And btw, did you see the label above? You can never claim boringness on Italian wine labels ever again.....

2017 Crivelli Ruche Monferrato di Castagnole
Was: $24.99 3-Pack: $17.99/Bottle
Strange nose filled with mountainous flavors that makes you want to yodel or something with loads of energy, smoke and profound berry notes. There is a strange gathering of all things good and wholesome with freshness and earthiness rolled into one. On the palate, the flavors maintain that lingering mountainous essence with wholesome roundness, plush fruit and mouth watering acid. One of the more unique Italian varietals you will try in recent memory. 
  Razor sharp fruit sensation on the nose with nose hair singeing power. Intense acid with incredible ballerina like fruit rolling over the palate, hints of cedar and herbal notes.