2012 Illuminati Riparosso

Illuminati Riparosso is one the stars of the contemporary wine scene. This delicious all-rounder wine, rated 2 Bicchieri (2 glasses) by Italy’s prestigious Gambero Rossa, will cut through the creamy pillowy textures of Président Camembert like an Italian rapier. The juicy vibrant fruit enhances richness and volume on the palate.

Whenever I think of Illuminati Riparosso, from the high-altitude Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine region of Italy, I think of vineyards sprawling above an azure-coloured Adriatic Sea, the rugged Gran Sasso Mountains and one of Italy’s great winemaking families.

Founded in 1890, Illuminati is one of the region’s most important producers. This ample yet juicy red wine, made from the Montepulciano grape variety, is as expressive and generous as the people who make it. Aged in Slovenian oak for 8 months, it is typically vibrant with red currant, black cherry aromas, rich buoyant flavours, fine chalky textures and lovely mineral length.

A pairing that will not disappoint.