Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The 110 ha vineyards lie at 295 m above sea level in northern Abruzzo, between the Adriatic and the Apennines. The estate’s soils contain clay, sand and traces of siliceous rock. The area has a favourable climate and natural conditions for viticulture, with grape-growing documented there since ancient times.
Grapes
Lumen is produced only in the best years, from carefully selected fruit.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested in the first half of October, destemmed and gently pressed. The two varieties ferment separately in stainless-steel tanks for 15 days at 28–30 °C. After malolactic fermentation, the wines are blended.
Ageing
The blend matures for 18 months in 225 L barriques made from different types of wood, followed by 12–14 months in bottle.
Tasting profile
Elegant.
Label / history
The name Lumen, Latin for “light,” echoes Illuminati, meaning “the enlightened.” The label reproduces part of a painting from a local church.
A local story holds that, after the Battle of Lake Trasimene, Hannibal discovered a wine with reputed healing properties near Controguerra and used it to restore his army’s strength.
Nicola Illuminati began growing grapes and founded Fattoria Nico in 1890. His grandson Dino Illuminati later continued the family winemaking tradition, combining established practices with modern technology.
