Introduction: Founded in 2007 by Rodrigo and Antonella Redmont in the hilltop village of Loreto Aprutino — a name derived from the Latin for laurel grove — iLauri is a small, sustainably minded Abruzzo estate with a clear mission: give voice to the region's most compelling indigenous varieties. Neola ("the Young One") is their entry into Passerina, an ancient Central Italian grape that is one of Abruzzo's most exciting and underappreciated white varieties. The estate runs entirely on clean, wind-generated energy, making sustainability a core part of their identity, not just a marketing claim.

Terroir: The Passerina vineyards sit at approximately 300 meters above sea level in Loreto Aprutino, in the province of Pescara, just 20 kilometers from the Adriatic coast. The hillside soils and the moderating proximity of the sea give the wine its defining combination of ripe fruit and refreshing salinity. Large-berried and late-ripening, Passerina thrives in this warm-but-breezy Central Adriatic climate, building aromatic concentration while retaining the natural acidity that makes it so food-friendly. Eco-compatible farming throughout; vegan certified.

Appearance: Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections, clear and bright in the glass.

Nose: Fresh and expressive — lemon-lime citrus, ripe green apple, apricot, and white pear are front and center, framed by exotic florals, a hint of sweet spice, and a distinct saline minerality. Light white pepper adds a savory edge that keeps the aromatics interesting and precise.

Palate: Light- to medium-bodied, crisp, and energetic, with a burst of citrus-tinged acidity and tart orchard fruit that carries across the palate. Toward the close the wine takes on a more tropical character — hints of pineapple and melon — while remaining lively and focused throughout. Fermented in stainless steel with cold maceration, there is zero oak influence; what you taste is the pure expression of the grape and the terroir.

Finish: Long and mineral-driven for the category, with citrus oil, exotic floral notes, and a savory spice dusting that lingers cleanly. The salinity on the close is a standout quality.

Food Pairings:
🥩 Meat: Pan-fried white fish with lemon butter and capers, grilled branzino, or linguine alle vongole.
🥦 Vegetarian: Tempura vegetables, ricotta-filled ravioli with lemon zest, or a light Caprese with fresh herbs.
🧀 Charcuterie Board: Fresh chèvre, mild pecorino, smoked salmon, green olives, and grilled artichoke hearts.

Overall Impression: A genuinely exciting discovery — a lesser-known indigenous white that punches well above its modest price. The 2023 Neola is fresh, mineral, and vivacious, and does a convincing job of arguing that Passerina deserves far wider attention outside Abruzzo. Serve well-chilled at 46–50°F; drink now through 2026.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 12.5% 
Farming Practices: Eco-compatible viticulture; 100% wind-generated renewable energy; vegan certified; sustainable farming practices throughout
Producer Name: Azienda Vinicola iLauri (Rodrigo and Antonella Redmont)
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Passerina Abruzzo DOC, Abruzzo (Loreto Aprutino, Province of Pescara)
Grape Varietals: Passerina 100%
Vintage: 2023
Wine Style: Dry White — Light- to medium-bodied, with high natural acidity, a clean saline minerality, and a fruit-forward yet precise aromatic profile. No oak, no malolactic fermentation — pure, fresh, and built for immediate enjoyment with food.
Winemaking Techniques: Hand harvest in mid-September; destemming with cold maceration; soft pressing; stainless steel fermentation 12 days at 16–18°C; no oak; 2 months bottle rest before release
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Screwcap