Alcohol: 13.5%
Grape(s): 100% Montepulciano
Localization: Abruzzo, Italy
Tasting Notes: Offers a vibrant and earthy profile. On the nose, expect tangy aromas of cherry, blackberry, blood orange, fennel, and topsoil. The palate is dominated by notes of orange and blackberry, with lean tannins and vibrant acidity accentuating its earthy character. It has a medium-plus body, with textured and persistent tannins, complemented by black fruit, smoke, and dried herbs. The finish is harmonic and persistent, with a final hint of licorice
Food pairing: It pairs well with roast red meats, braised meats, game, and noble poultry; ideal with lamb and goat meats.
Notes: The grapes are generally harvested in the first ten days of October, after careful selection, they are destemmed, pressed and vinified according to the traditional “red” method with a long maceration of the skin in stainless steel winemakers at a controlled temperature of 28°C. Once the malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine is left to age in 25 hl Slavonian oak barrels for a period of approximately 6 months, at the end of which it is bottled. It is then refined in the bottle for 2-3 months before being released for sale.
The Domain: The story of Illuminati Vini is a tale of tradition, innovation, and passion for winemaking. It began in 1890 in the Abruzzo region of Italy, where Nicola Illuminati founded the winery, originally named Fattoria Nicò. Over generations, the Illuminati family has cultivated their craft, blending artisanal techniques with modern innovation.
The winery is located in Controguerra, a picturesque area nestled between the Gran Sasso mountains and the Adriatic Sea. This unique location provides an ideal microclimate for growing grape varieties like Montepulciano, Pecorino, and Trebbiano. Dino Illuminati, a key figure in the family's history, played a significant role in gaining recognition for the region's wines, including the prestigious DOCG Colline Teramane.
Today, the winery spans 130 hectares and is led by Stefano Illuminati and the latest generation of the family. Their commitment to sustainability, experimentation, and excellence has earned them international acclaim, with their wines celebrated for their quality and character.