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.

CAMPIROSA Cerasuolo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (Rose')
From the beautiful vineyard named Rosa (in memory of Dino's beloved mother) situated 300 meters above sea level, comes the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes that make this beautiful cerasuolo wine. These grapes are vinified without the skins under temperature controlled fermentation. The "must" that makes up Campirosa is obtained only from the first pressing which is called the "flower-must." The color recalls cherries, bright and clear. The wine has a rich vinous flavor and refined character not commonly found nowadays in "rose" wines.


COSTALUPO Controguerra D.O.C.
The Controguerra D.O.C. is unique in Abruzzo. It is, in fact, a recognition of the higher quality of wines produced in its territory where fortunately these vineyards are situated. The varietals of grapes selected for the production of the Controguerra D.O.C. wines are produced from a much more restrictive territory with a lower grape yield per hectare - much lower in respect to the old regulation "Trebbiano d'Abruzzo." The Costalupo in 1997 moved up to the level of "Controguerra D.O.C.," substituting the Trebbiano d'Abruzzo D.O.C. The grape varietals used in the Costalupo are Chardonnay, Passerina, Riesling, Malvasia, and Trebbiano; all varietals which accentuate the most delightful fragrances in this wine. It has a brilliant straw-like color and a dry, fresh taste with a delicately refined flavor. The aroma is fruity, floral and delicate.


"CENALBA" CHARDONNAY Controguerra D.O.C.
An Italian response to The New World Chardonnays, this is Illuminati's Central Coast Chardonnay (Italian Central Coast, that is). "Cenalba" , pronounced "chin-al'-bah" means "the dawn of dining", to suggest a wine that is suited well as an aperitif or with appetizer and first courses.
Cenalba is a Chardonnay and it is a crisp, fruity, rich, lightly dry Italian white. It has a lovely, flowery bouquet and a delicate and fashionable style.


Ciafre Bianco Riserva Controguerra D.O.C.
Ciafre, a vineyard designated table wine, is the outcome of a blending of these indigenous grape varietals: Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, Passerina Riesling, Garganega and Malvasia di Controguerra which are harvested from the vineyards of "Ciafre" situated at an altitude of 300 meters on the hills of Controguerra that slope down to the valley southeast of the Adriatic Sea. A favorable exposure to sunlight and continuously alternating breezes on dry ground which has loose terrain so that even in difficult vintage years this grape varietal will arrive at an optimum level of maturation. The grapes are carefully selected and gently pressed. The must is fermented in stainless steel at a constant temperature of 18¼ C. The color when very young is a pale straw color which acquires golden reflections as it ages. The aroma is delicate yet intense, with fruity and flowery fragrances. The flavor is delicately fresh with a lasting subtle taste of fruit.


DANIELE Controguerra D.O.C.
Daniele is a D.O.C., wood aged, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo from the small 5 acre estate designated "Podere Casa" These grapes come from 30 year old Trebbiano vines that were one of the first vines planted on the Illuminati estate. The grapes are harvested late in November, and after crushing, the "crush" is left for a short time in contact with the skins. Following temperature controlled fermentation, the wine is aged in French barrique which gives Daniele the unusual distinction of being as grand as some reds. It has a deep straw color with an excellent balance and appealing light fruit flavors with a big, long finish. The aroma is delicate with hints of vanilla and toasted grain.


LORE' muffa nobile, botrytis late harvest dessert wine
Lore is a beautiful golden dessert wine, which is made from the noble rot of Trebbiano and Malvasia grape varietals. The grapes come from the vineyard of Lore where the soil is a medium composite mixture of argillaceous clay and a moisture-rich subsoil. Very late harvesting is carried out over a few weeks where the cloisters are picked only at the time when the "noble rot" is the most beneficial. Vinification is done in small oak barrels, with limited skin contact. The color is golden with amber reflections as it ages. It has an intense honey-like bouquet with hints of flowers and vanilla. The taste is full and sweet with perfect balance. Compliments desserts such as cookies, hard cakes, and sharp or aged cheeses.


BRUT Metodo Classico
The basic wines of this sparkling Brut Metodo Classico, which is fermented in its bottle, is derived from the grapes of indigenous species of vines, of high genotypical stability and firmly rooted in the hilly terrain. The area varies from 300-350 meters in altitude, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The interaction between environment and species of vines, the selected method of cultivation, the careful blending of grape varietals and vintages and the long fermentation time in the bottle (3 years), come together to create perfection in this bottle of wine.
The Metodo Classico Brut when poured in a deep, crystal, fluted glass displays an uninterrupted stream of the most minute and fine effervescence which rises from the golden essence of this wine. The taste offers fresh and subtle perceptions of the aroma of almonds and fresh milled wheat.