Tenuta L'Illuminata Colbertina Barbera d'Alba 2018
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2015-
James
Suckling
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James
Suckling
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James
Suckling
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James
Suckling
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Wine
Spectator
Tenuta L’Illuminata is the first wine estates of Guido Folonari, heir to a historic Italian wine family. Located on the beautiful hills of La Morra in the Langhe hills, Tenuta L’Illuminata has a total area of approximately 11 hectares. Thanks to the privileged vineyards, located at an altitude of 250 meters above sea level, and the passion and professionalism of the team, the resulting wines boast greatest elegance, authenticity and drinking pleasantness.
“In our days, excellence is almost taken for granted. Yet the difference can be made on the service that one relates to the product, on the particular focus and attention paid to the consumer, wherever he might be.” Guido Folonari’s route began ten years ago with the development of a wine project between Piedmont and Tuscany, the most prestigious production areas in Italy. A philosophy based on excellence, on product quality, on the constant search for self-improvement, and on products typical to an identifiable territory. Well aware that the earth has its own needs and pace …... that have to be respected.
Friendly and approachable, Barbera produces wines in a wide range of styles, from youthful, fresh and fruity to serious, structured and age-worthy. Piedmont is the most famous source of Barbera; those from Asti and Alba garner the most praise. Barbera actually can adapt to many climates and enjoys success in some New World regions. Somm Secret—In the past it wasn’t common or even accepted to age Barbera in oak but today both styles—oaked and unoaked—abound and in fact most Piedmontese producers today produce both styles.
An historic village situated right in between the famous regions of Barolo and Barbaresco, Alba is also the name for the larger wine region surrounding the village.
In a sense, “Alba” is a catch-all phrase, and includes the declassified Nebbiolo wines made in Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as the Nebbiolo grown just outside of these regions’ borders. In fact, Nebbiolo d’Alba is a softer, less tannic and more fruit-forward wine ready to drink within just a couple years of bottling. It is a great place to start if you want to begin to understand the grape. Likewise, the even broader category of Langhe Nebbiolo offers approachable and value-driven options as well.
Barbera, planted alongside Nebbiolo in the surrounding hills, and referred to as Barbera d’Alba, takes on a more powerful and concentrated personality compared to its counterparts in Asti.
Dolcetto is ubiquitous here and, known as Dolcetto d'Alba, can be found casually served alongside antipasti on the tables of Alba’s cafes and wine bars.
Not surprisingly, given its location, Alba is recognized as one of Italy’s premiere culinary destinations and is the home of the fall truffle fair, which attracts visitors from worldwide every year.