Dino Illuminati

Fresh cuvée of predominantly Trebbiano and thus typical for Abruzzo. Very harmonious and beautifully fruity in aroma and taste. SUPERIORE.DE

The rugged, red-tinged rocky landscape of Ripe in the immediate vicinity of the vineyards gave its name to the Riparosso. Its intense bouquet of delicately fresh character is beguiling, the velvety and mild taste absolutely seductive. SUPERIORE.DE

Campirosa Cerasuolo only gradually unfolds its fresh strawberry and cherry notes adorned with sweet flowers. On the palate, silky-soft and very convincing with its ripe red fruits and juicy acids. Hints of liquorice, exotic spices and nuanced tannins emerge on the finish and seem to linger for almost a minute. Campirosa is a charming favourite wine young, but can also age for another year in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wild strawberries and peppery roses waft up from the 2022 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Campirosa. This balances candies citrus against tart orchard fruits, all energized by zesty acidity. The 2022 cleans up quite well, leaving a subtle mineral tinge and licorice to fade slowly." Vinous

Passerina is a widespread autochthonous grape variety, especially in Abruzzo or Marche, which has awoken from its slumber in recent years. Pale yellow in colour, fresh citrus bouquet with exotic notes and equipped with a beautiful acid structure, it is an ever-reliable companion to Mediterranean cuisine and also a joyful pleasure on its own. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of citrus fruit and fresh ferns. Medium body with a pleasant, silky texture that gives a smooth overall feel. Loses a bit of intensity towards the end, then it leaves you with a fresh, saline note." James Suckling

Straw yellow, fine and richly scented of ripe fruit and white flowers, memories of meadow herbs and citrus fruits. Slightly spicy taste, full-bodied and nicely persistent. Good balance between structure and softness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of poached pears, flowers and ash follow through to a medium-bodied palate where the neat mix of fruity and savory character lingers long, thanks to well-balanced acidity. Delicious." James Suckling

Deep red colour, fascinating complex aroma spectrum on the nose. Dominated by the ripe berry scent, with hints of plums and tobacco. Powerful and intense on the palate, rich in extract, with juicy soft tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep dark ruby red. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex taste and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

The intoxicating Lumen from Montepulciano and Cabernet Sauvignon combines a deep colour with a full bouquet and reminds of blackberries, raspberries and plums. A dense structure supports the soft, flattering taste with ripe fruit and well-integrated wood components. Solidly built, with sympathetic tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep dark ruby red. Full, deep bouquet reminiscent of dark berries. Its classic and elegant taste with a delicate oak spiciness leaves nothing to be desired. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the gentle hills of the Colline Terramane subzone in northern Abruzzo, the Illuminati family cultivates its vines: Inviting aromas of wild berries, tobacco and liquorice; balanced in the mouth, the tannins well integrated, finishes with a long fruity finish full of character. Goes well with game dishes." Vinum

"Aromas of crushed herbs and spiced cherry show a pleasing depth on the nose. Medium in weight, the palate brings juicy red cherry, tobacco and earth, with slightly sandy tannins rising up on the finish. Sourced from a single vineyard in the Colline Teramane DOCG, it shows very good vibrancy and concentration." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2015 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna explodes from the glass with a seductive mix of crushed blackberries and Marasca cherries, infused with exotic brown spices, notes of rosemary and shaved cedar. Silky textures coat the palate, yet they are quickly contrasted by tart wild berry fruits and minerals as brisk acids tug at the cheeks. This The Zanna closes long and structured, clenching the senses in grippy tannin, while blue and purple-toned fruits and florals linger. The 2015 needs at least a few years of cellaring to help ease its tannic clout, at which point it should be a stellar rendition of Illuminati's Zanna." Vinous

True to the style of the house, the Riserva Pieluni has an excellent structure. Spicy, interwoven fruit aromas, underpinned by a fine hint of vanilla, intensify in the strikingly deep and long taste. The dense, pleasant tannin underlines the elegance of the top product of Illuminati from the Colline Teramane, probably Abruzzo's best denomination for Montepulciano. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep dark ruby red. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex taste and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna, with its dark purple hue, slowly comes to life in the glass. A blend of blackberries and currants is complemented by nuances of mint, chalk dust and exotic spices. The palate is washed by mineral red berries and mentholated herbal notes that unfold towards the end. A layer of fine-grained tannins saturates the palate and gives it a youthful structure, supported by a touch of residual acidity that maintains balance. Give it another year of ageing for best effect." Vinous

"Rich red and black berries with notes of shellfish, dried herbs and a hint of balsamic. Medium to full body with a relaxed palate where the firm, fine and polished tannins bring out a drier aspect of the fruit. This wine needs another year to come together better. Try it from 2023." James Suckling

"This balanced, polished red wine displays rich aromas of red cherries dipped in alcohol with accents of menthol and tobacco. The palate is soft and supple, with a perky cherry flavour wrapped in dewy herbs and cigar box accents. Gentle tannins and bright acidity give this red wine a coherent texture." Wine Enthusiast

"With a dark appearance and the bold concentration of a hot vintage, the Illuminati 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Riserva Zanna plays up its dense flavors of black fruit, spice and sweet earth. The bouquet is very generous, and this large-scale approach gives this wine plenty of latitude for grilled meat dishes." Wine Advocate