Every wonder when your planning a dinner party, who the perfect couple is to invite, I’m suggesting these might be the one’s.
Illuminati Riparosso- Montepulciano d Abruzzo 2018
Nicola Illuminati started the Winery in 1890 and has been in the family ever since making wine for 130 years. I guess that means they have it down- one sip of this wine and you’ll agree. This is the very definition of a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday wine!
This is a bottle to grab and drink without fear or concern of not enjoying it whilst keeping the budget intact. Medium bodied, approachable and way too easy to drink. Nose tempts you with cherries, herbs and red current while the palate pulls you in with layers dark berries, red cherries, red current with interesting notes of floral and tobacco with a smooth mouthfeel that begs you to take another sip. Given the ratings and the price, this is a no brainer!
Sassetti Livio- Brunello Di Montalcino 2014
Livio Sassetti established the winery in 1967 and his passion for making Brunello’s led him to be one of the founders the Consorzio (Consortium) del Brunello di Montalcino. The vineyard is situated in the Montosoli area, just north of Montalcino, considered by many to be one of the prettiest hill top villages in not only Tuscany but all of Italy. The vineyard is only 16 hectares and is ideally situated to grow exceptional Sangiovese. The winery is also the home to almost 1,000 bottles of earlier vintages of wines produced by his family, the earliest dating back to 1915. A sanctuary of sorts where history is preserved and traditions are revered.
This vintage shows all the pedigree you would expect from such a long history of winemaking. The 2014 is 100% Sangiovese Grosso and I would suggest some decanting time- and hour should be enough. Nose is enticing with wonderful structure, elegance and finesse evident from the first sip. Drinking beautifully now but could be laid down for another 8-10 years.
Loads of dark cherries and blackberries on the palate with secondary notes of mushrooms, cooking spices and a nice earthy note on a long finish.
Vine to Table 
One of our favorite value wines! Great for entertaining- We had a big party (right before the pandemic) and the Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano was on every table flowing. Cheers!
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