Illuminati

In nearly 130 years of history, the Illuminati vineyards have grown from 15 to 130 hectares in size in Controguerra (Teramo), a special wine-producing area between the Gran Sasso mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Dino Illuminati is a long-standing icon and advocate for this unique piece of land and was the driving force behind the DOC recognition of this part of Abruzzo and the Colline Teramane appellation is now the only DOCG in the region. The company's success is now ensured by Stefano Illuminati, supported by his brother Lorenzo and the latest generation of the family (Stefano's son is also called Nicola). Their vision is an innovative approach to winemaking, which still keeps an artisanal touch.
The Illuminati family represents all that is great about modern winemaking, with their innate understanding and possession of some remarkable vineyard sites, a respect for tradition and family that dates back to the winery's inception in 1890 and a totally up-to-the-minute technological interest which sees their winemaking facilities equipped to best practice standards. Quality, not quantity drives Dino Illuminati and his family and their wines are characterful, impressive and fiercely individualistic. The focus is on Montepulciano, the king-grape of central Italy, made in traditionial fashion and offered in excellent, drinkable mealtime bottlings to more nuanced, muscular vineyard selections, most offering terrific value. Little has changed at the winery except that Cavaliere now works with the family younger generations. Yearly production is slightly over 1 million bottles.