Montalbera unveils “Il Fondatore” Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG Riserva 2021, paying tribute to the winery’s visionary founder Enrico Riccardo Morando, who established the estate in 1983. At Vinitaly 2024, “Il Fondatore” will be presented by the founder’s grandson, Franco Morando, showcasing a new label that reflects the rich heritage of the world’s largest producer of Ruchè.
Castagnole Monferrato, Piedmont, 10 April 2024 – Montalbera proudly presents “Il Fondatore” Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG Riserva 2021 in honor of the winery’s founder, Enrico Riccardo Morando, a revered Italian entrepreneur and pioneer of the Ruchè grape. Previously known as “Limpronta”, “Il Fondatore” celebrates his enduring legacy and 30-year-long commitment to elevating Piedmont’s winemaking tradition, contributing significantly to the economic reawakening of the entire Monferrato area. At the 56th edition of Vinitaly, held in Verona from 14 to 17 April 2024, the new release will be presented by CEO and General Manager, Franco Morando, who envisioned the label inspired by the winery’s original 1980s designs.
“I felt compelled to properly celebrate my grandfather” explains Franco Morando. “We based the label design on the original one used for Montalbera’s first bottling in 1987—an intentional choice, updated only slightly to meet modern legal standards but otherwise virtually the same as the label designed decades ago by my grandfather: cream-colored paper with the logo in gold leaf. The only ‘addition’ was the name Il Fondatore and my grandfather’s signature.”
With its broad shoulders and antique green glass, “Il Fondatore” is a limited-edition tribute to the winery’s heritage: 9,500 bottles and 95 magnums, commemorating Enrico Riccardo Morando’s 95 years. The founder’s mission now continues in the hands of Franco Morando, carrying on a family legacy dedicated to quality winemaking and enhancing Piedmont’s indigenous varieties across Monferrato and the Langhe.
“IL FONDATORE” RUCHÈ DI CASTAGNOLE MONFERRATO DOCG RISERVA 2021
“Il Fondatore” is crafted from carefully selected grapes cultivated across two hills with the highest elevations in the entire Ruchè DOCG appellation, exceeding 300 meters above sea level. These areas benefit from ample sun exposure – up to 70% of the day – as well as notable afternoon breezes, providing a cooling effect. The guyot-trained vines are kept low and flourish in well-drained, loamy soils, where they are cultivated sustainably using advanced technologies that prioritize environmental considerations. De-leafing is not practiced, keeping the grapes naturally shaded and cool, thus minimizing over-ripening and creating an ideal balance for this specific label. The winemaking process follows the traditional method for reds and includes 10-12 months of aging in second and third-passage French oak barriques from the forests of Allier, Limousin, and Fontainebleau, giving the wine its distinct character.
A defining characteristic of this wine is its freshness. “Il Fondatore” displays a rich ruby red color with garnet highlights, offering a complex yet balanced profile. It presents a fresh and silky texture complemented by robust, natural tannins and a clean nose typical of indigenous Monferrato varieties. Aging in second- and third-passage barriques preserves and enhances the fruit’s natural aromas, resulting in prominent notes of morello cherry, violets and spice. The mouthfeel is full, tense and fresh, evolving energetically into a powerful, savory wine that delivers a rounded, smooth experience. «A great Riserva that promises to mature beautifully over five years in the bottle» concludes Franco Morando.
MONTALBERA’S EVENTS AT VINITALY 2024 – HALL 10 STAND D2
During Vinitaly 2024 (Stand D2, Hall 10), from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday 14 April and Monday 15 April, Montalbera will showcase “Il Fondatore” alongside other exciting releases, including the new Timorasso DOC Derthona 2022 label. Franco Morando will personally share the stories behind these projects. Additionally, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday 16 April, the winery will host an unconventional tasting event pairing Fine de Claire Vendéennes du Large No. 3 oysters with Timorasso DOC Derthona 2022, in Montalbera’s classic, playful fashion.
Surrounded by an amphitheater of vines and hazelnut groves in Piedmont’s Monferrato, Montalbera is a living testament to Enrico Riccardo Morando’s dedication to producing exceptional wines and advancing the Ruchè territory. Since 1983, Montalbera has recognized and nurtured the potential of Monferrato, playing a pivotal role in the region’s economic resurgence. Today, under the leadership of CEO and General Manager Franco Morando, the winery remains at the forefront of Piedmont’s winemaking tradition, accounting for 60 percent of the world’s Ruchè production.
