Illuminati, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC (Abruzzo, Italy) 2014

A steal, this wine is in the “buy it by the case” category. Always a good buy, the 2014 vintage is especially noteworthy because Illuminati made no riserva that year.  Grapes from their 45-year old vineyard that usually go into the riserva wound up in the Riparosso, imparting extra density, concentration and refinement. The remarkable thing about this wine is its balance of fruit and firmness and earthiness. Grander than the prices implies, it finishes with an attractive bitter note that makes it a wonderful choice with robust pasta dishes or a simply grilled veal chop.