Riparosso - Illuminati - Montepulciano

Year: 2008
Bodega: Illuminati
Country: Italy
Region: Abruzzo
Grapes: Montepulciano 100%.

About the Montepulciano Grape:
Montepulciano is a grape. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a wine made from the grape, in the region of Abruzzo. Montepulciano is also a village in Tuscany, that happens to be nowhere near where the grape is grown. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is the name of a wine that has absolutely no Montepulciano in it (it’s Prugnolo Gentile, the local name for Sangiovese). So why is a grape named for a village so far away from where it’s actually grown? No one knows. Characteristics of the grape: plump, juicy, medium to full-bodied, low to medium tannins, cherry, red plum, hint of clove, sometimes slightly vegetal, more aged versions show some coffee and chocolate notes. (www.snooth.com)


Description:
- complex, semi-dry, lightly succulent
- un equilibrio maravilloso de la fruta y la estructura
- smell is strong and clear, heavy fruit notes of blackberries,black raspberries, maybe blueberries, those kind of things.
- smooth taste, lush seductive tannins

I've read that the Illuminati family of this winery (lead by Stefano Illuminati) feel a special kinship with Texas. They fly a Texas flag out in front of their winery and display on the porch a certificate signed by former Texas Gov. George Bush declaring Dino Illuminati, the family patriarch and Stefano's dad, an honorary Texan.

I would pair this wine with a Catalan fusion dish I created the day before: oven roasted in olive oil - eggplant, tomatoes, onions, garlics, and red peppers - dressed in olive oil, salt, pepper and red wine vinegar. And topped with pan roasted boneless chicken.

"You and I" by Lady Gaga

Powerful song for a powerful wine. Just makes you want to go out on the porch of a rustic farm house at dusk with it, and this song.

Personal Rating - 8.5 / 10
One of the best wines I've ever tasted. Now that I can no longer find my staple, favorite wine Periguita by Jose Maria Fonseca, this will be new go-to wine for regular weekend and weekday meals. It's so good.