Dino Illuminati and family
The area around Controguerra and Nereto, situated on the North of the Abruzzo region, between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, is endowed with a fortunate, natural position for its climate and renowned from ancient times for its typical wine vineyards.
It was here that Nico Illuminati, an impassioned master in the art of winemaking, lived during the latter half of the last century. Around the year 1890 he initiated the activity of wine production and set up the then known Estate of Nico - "Fattoria di Nico."
Today the Estate has become much larger under the guidance of Dino Illuminati, grandson of Nico. He has brought the family-owned winery to new heights with advanced wine technology, applying the same skilled craftsmanship of his illustrious grandfather, in an ideal fusion of the traditional and the modern.
The Estate vineyards extend over 150 acres of the finest terrain of the whole region. The nature of the terrain is a perfectly balanced mix of clay and sand with marked presence of siliceous substances (potash, magnesium, lime, and components of silicate). The terrain is loose, deep, and fertile on considerably high, hilly grounds, twelve hundred to fifteen hundred feet above sea level.
All of the vineyards have south/southwestern exposure. At present there are 150 acres of vineyards in production which makes the Estate the largest privately owned winery in the region. Of the 150 acres of vineyards, 75 acres are of Montepulciano grape varietals for the production of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo red wine. Sixty acres are of Trebbiano grape varietals for the production of the Trebbiano d'Abruzzo white wine and 15 acres are of selected, experimental varietals. This is a commitment by Dino Illuminati to the upgrading of all of his varietals and the development of newly selected production of the proprietor's Reserve wines.
Dino Illuminati has won many awards, including the "Gran Canal" award two years ago at the Veneto Wine Festival. It is given to the "winemaker of the year" for outstanding work in experimentation and evolution of traditional and new varietal wines. This year he won the prestigious "Oscar" for national recognition as one of Italy's finest wine makers. As well as the "Diploma di Medaglia d'Oro" for outstanding winemaker, at the 1997 Vinitaly in Verona.

RIPAROSSO Montepulciano d'Abruzzo D.O.C.
"Riparosso" is a D.O.C. wine made from 100% Montepulciano grape from the vineyards situated in the township of Controguerra at 300 meters above sea level. "Riparosso", the name of this wine comes from the neighboring gullies known as "Ripe" and the soil, which verges on red (Rosso). Illuminati's best known red wine, "Riparosso" is red wine at it's friendliest. Rich,as found in a good Cabernet, Smooth like a velvety Merlot & warmly reminding one of Chianti in the past. Ripe fruit and soft tannins are the hallmark of this easy drinking red wine. Perfect for appetizers, paired with grilled "white" meats, or to enjoy with cheese.
2 Bicchieri in Gambero Rosso Three years in a row! The Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide has Given it "Top 100 Best Buys" noting, " Dark ruby with purple highlights. Moderately light bodied. Full acidity. Reminiscent of cranberry, raspberry, cherry. Tart young red fruit with some grainy tannins on the palate.Texture is almost silky in the mouth. Good structure with pleasant cherry tartness on the finish."


ZANNA Montepulciano d'Abruzzo D.O.C. RISERVA
"Zanna" is a single vineyard designated D.O.C. Riserva wine composed of 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grape.
Zanna comes from the Abruzzesi dialect, meaning " the fangs of the wolf", implying this is the red Illuminati wine that gets "to the heart of the matter, cuts to the bone; the red wine that goes for the jugular."
"Zanna" is rich and deep in color, with aromas of orange rind and chestnut, and full-bodied flavors with tender tannins and a slight spice of the oak. This is a wine to enjoy over the next 10 to 15 years.
Vintages in Abruzzo resemble California in their splendor, with long warm summer days, an almost perfect growing season, a rich harvest (those in Tuscany and Piedmont are not always as fortunate), and an ideal fermentation. The wine ages 42 months of which 12 are in small French barrique, Allier, Troncais, Navarre.
2 Bicchieri in Gambero Rosso ~1995 & 1998 Vintages! "Zanna" has been under the guiding the hand of Giacomo Tachis and his team, headed by Giorgio Marone. They are considered the Top Group of consulting enologists in Italy. Giacomo Tachis is the architect of Tignanello, Sassicaia and Solaia. Grapes used : Montepulciano


Lumen IGT
This is Illuminati's "Superbruzzo", known as "Lumen". Lumen was conceived by Dino Illuminati and the eminent enologist, Dott. Marone, assistant to the famous enologist Dott. Giamoco Tachis, to serve as a vehicle to show how red wine from Abruzzo can achieve a world class status. This famous team of enologists, world renown for their role as the architects of such great wines like "Sassicaia", "Tinganello" and "Solaia", have created another great red wine, this time a blending of Montepulciano and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is primarily Montepulciano blended with varying percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon, depending on the outcome of the harvest. The 1993 vintage was the premier release of this wine. From mature vines only the outer clusters of ripe grapes go into this wine. Free run juice is gathered then the remaining grape pomace is gently pressed by the most innovative technology available. At the end of the secondary fermentation of the two wines, they are put together in small 225 lt. casks of different qualities of oak and aged for 18 to 24 months. Then the wine rests in bottles, in the cellar, for more than one year before its release. This is an elegant, dry, rich red wine that can only get better with aging. Very collectible. Very rare. Before serving decant for two hours and serve at room temperature.

Rose, White, Metodo Classico and Dessert Illuminati Wines