Winemaker Tasting Mar. 6
SOTTIMANO Barbaresco
featuring MR. ANDREA SOTTIMANO
Sat. MAR. 6 in West Concord
wines open 1-5pm, winemaker 3-5pm

“These 2006 Barbarescos from Rino and Andrea Sottimano are divine.” - Antonio Galloni, WA

Why do top Italian winemakers request to do their tasting at VINTAGES? Because there is a difference they recognize in our effort, commitment, and knowledge of great Italian wine, and our special expertise in the wines of Piedmont: Barbaresco & Barolo. This ten-year commitment sets us apart from all other stores. Our customers reap the benefits of the work we do to gain this type of access to high-caliber, artisan winemakers. THANK YOU - your continued support will enable us to offer you these exceptional events. Please take this opportunity to meet Andrea Sottimano on Saturday in Concord - special pricing for those who order or purchase wine on Saturday in the shop –nearly 30% off!

WINE TASTING: Sat. Mar. 6, Belmont
DOM. JEAN-MARC BURGAUD BEAUJOLAIS
SAT. MAR. 6, 3-6pm, BELMONT

Blown away by BEAUJOLAIS!
VINTAGES’ Eric Broege visited Jean-Marc Burgaud in Beaujolais last week. The wines Eric tasted with Jean-Marc were amazing, truly defied any gamay expectation. They are the epitome of authentic, artisanal wines for the same price as typical mass-produced wines.  They are agile, fine and elegant, yet cutting, precise, with power & intensity. In the film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” fine, precise power carried the day, not blunt force. Power & complexity - it’s not what comes to mind in the context of Beaujolais, but it’s there for Burgaud. Jean-Marc Burgaud is a benchmark for superb wine at daily drinking prices.

DOM. JEAN-MARC BURGAUD
2008 Chateau de Thulon  Beaujolais Villages $12.99
“Smells of cherry and holly berry, with high-toned, distilled-force concentration. In the mouth, this is juicy and satisfying; with faintly bitter cherry stone and holly berry notes nicely integrated into a generously juicy finish. Like so many of the better wines of this vintage, it combines a palpable sense of extract with delicacy and lift.” –WA

2008 Regnie “Vallieres” $14.99
“Saturates the palate with ripe, bright cherry fruit and persistent floral perfume; finishes with buoyancy and mouth-watering juiciness. Drink it young, but also hold a bottle or two for 2-3 years as there is an underlying density belied by the wine’s levity.” –WA

2008 Morgon “Les Charmes” $16.99
“Shows a striking nose of fresh strawberry, citrus oils, ginger, heliotrope, narcissus, and clean red meatiness. Its deep meatiness and seamlessly ripe fruit inhabit a palate of refined, satiny texture and lead to a long, savory finish.”

2008 Morgon “Cote du Py” $17.99
“Burgaud’s 2008 Morgon Cote de Py is scented with cherry, red currant, and narcissus. It combines cut and brightness of fruit with clean meatiness and stony minerality.”–WA

2008 Beaujolais Rose $11.99
EB notes: “Great! Ripe and drinkable, balanced, top notch!

PRE-ARRIVAL OFFER
MONTEVERTINE 2006 Le Pergole Torte $110
96 pts. ($90/bottle pre-arrival case price)
$225 for 1.5L. “Run, don’t walk — call now!”

“I was blown away by the two wines I tasted from Montevertine and proprietor Martino Manetti.”–A Galloni, WA

Eric Broege visited Montevertine last April and tasted through these beautifully pure and exquisite expressions of sangiovese with Martino Manetti (and took his photo below). We are thrilled to offer this rare & exceptional wine to our clients.

“What a pleasure it is to taste the 2006 Le Pergole Torte now that it is in bottle. The wine reveals superior density and richness in an especially generous style for this wine. Notes of smoke, licorice, leather and underbrush develop with air, adding layers of complexity to the dark red fruit. Today the tannins are a bit on the firm side as is typically the case when this wine is young, but it is impossible not to admire the 2006 Pergole Torte for its superb purity. The heat of the vintage has given the fruit in these high altitude vineyards a level of ripeness and depth that is unusual, all while maintaining the classic sense of structure that defines the best Pergole Tortes. Run, don’t walk — this is breathtaking juice no one who loves Italian wine will want to be without. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2031. 96 pts.” --Antonio Galloni, WA

Also –
2005 MONTEVERTINE IGT $42 ($35.70 case price)
“There will be no 2005 Pergole Torte. Instead, all of the estate’s best fruit went into the 2005 Montevertine (Sangioveto, Canaiolo, Colorino). The wine is sweet and generous on the palate, where pretty notes of over-ripe, candied cherries, spices, leather and cured meat come to life. 90 pts.” –WA

Call Eric at 978-369-2545 to reserve your 2006 Montevertine LE PERGOLE TORTE.

wine tasting Feb. 26 & 27
Small Domaines–Big Flavor: Wines of Rosenthal
Concord & Belmont
Fri. FEB. 26, 4-7pm, Belmont
Sat. FEB. 27, 2-6pm, Concord

Importer and wine merchant Neal Rosenthal has traveled the backroads of France for more than 30 years, seeking out small family domaines that take great pride in their land and their traditions. There’s a difference you can taste in these authentic, artisan wines – the warmth and enjoyment that comes from something handcrafted and homemade!

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2008 DOM. CHEVEAU Macon Fuisse “Les Grandes Bruyeres” $22 (Macon, Burgundy)
Nicolas Cheveau is the third generation to uphold the family tradition of their Maconnais domaine.  At this 14-ha estate based in Pouilly, grapes are hand-harvested and farmed without fertilizers.  100% Chardonnay from  40-yr-old vines from a small parcel just south of Mâcon.
 
2007 CH. DE L’EPERONNIERE Savennieres Croix Picot $25 (Loire Valley)
After Pierre-Yves Tijou retired and sold Chateau Soucherie, his youngest son Mathieu has continued his family’s legacy with Chateau de l’Eperonniere. Mathieu Tijou has produced this aromatic and beautifully complex & compelling Chenin Blanc –truly exceptional!
 
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2008 COMMANDERIE DE PEYRASSOL La Croix Vin de Pays de Mediterranee  (Provence, France) $14.99 Commanderie de Peyrassol, once owned by Templar Knights centuries ago, was transformed by the Rigord family in the 70’s.  Philippe Austruy purchased Peyrassol in 2001, and has taken Provencal tradition to heart with tantalizingly pale roses, aromatic whites and luscious reds.  “La Croix” is a  blend of Grenache, Syrah, and a touch of old-vine Cabernet– a great match for hearty, warming dishes.
 
2007 DOM. FAILLENC SAINTE MARIE Corbieres $15.99 (Languedoc) Corbieres is a large area in western Languedoc with a dramatic landscape and a long history under vine. Faillenc Ste. Marie, however, is a very small domaine certified ‘organic’ that has been brought to life by the Gibert family. Jean-Baptiste Gibert has now taken the reins. This distinctive style of Corbieres rouge is intensely flavored and concentrated, yet lively on the palate. Blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault.
 
2006 MAS CAL DEMOURA L’Infidele Coteaux du Languedoc $25 In the 70’s, when most Languedoc producers were closing down, Jean-Pierre Jullien named his domaine “Cal Demoura” (one must remain).  Today, the estate is run by Burgundy-trained Vincent and Isabelle Goumard.  “L’Infidele” is considered the historic cuvee of the domaine, blending Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Carignan. A rich and full, yet complex and vibrant red.
“L’Infidele displays an uncanny combination of palate richness and viscosity with vivacious brightness of fruit and fine-grained tannin.“ –WA

A toast to the newest member of the VINTAGES’ team: McLean Oakeson

McLean recently moved up to Boston from Richmond, Virginia. In her former life, she was the wine shop manager of Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Cafe, as well as the board director (and singer) of a classical chamber choir. She also recently received her CSW, Certified Specialist of Wine, from the Society of Wine Educators.

We are excited to welcome McLean to VINTAGES and to Boston! Next time you’re in the Belmont shop, please stop and say hello!

On the Wine Route: VINISUD & Burgundy

VINTAGES’ intrepid wine director ERIC BROEGE is spending 8 days in France, tasting 300 wines today and tomorrow at VINISUD in Montpellier and braving the chilly cellars of Burgundy later this week.  VINISUD is the annual wine fair for 1,500 Mediterranean wine producers from southern France, Spain, Portugal and more. From value picks to grand crus, Eric tastes and evaulates them all, selecting only the very best for a coveted place in our cellar and yours! So far, some great finds in Gigondas & Vacqueyras, not yet in the U.S.

Some Like it HOT! Sexy Sicilian wines dressed in designer labels!  Perfect for Valentine’s Day

WINE TASTING FRI. FEB. 12, 4-7PM, Belmont & SAT. FEB. 13, 2-5pm, Concord

An exciting new line of wines from FEUDI del PISCIOTTO in Sicily, featuring labels designed by Italian fashion icons! 

Hot sunny weather, beautiful coastlines, luscious wines—who needs roses when you can bring your Valentine a beautiful wine from Sicily’s Feudi del Pisciotto? Stop by the tasting Friday (Belmont) or Saturday (Concord) and pick up the perfect bottle for a relaxing, romantic evening!

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2008 FEUDI del PISCIOTTO Carolina Marengo Grillo $36
Cultivated in Sicily since the Phoenicians, Grillo, the primary grape of Marsala, moves center-stage in this lushly

-fruited white with aromas of baked apple and quince.  Elegant and crisp, Grillo is a flexible food partner from lobster to tandoori chicken.

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2008 FEUDI del PISCIOTTO Carolina Marengo Frappato $36

This big, bold Frappato will surprise anyone who is familiar with its lighter expression in Cerasuolo di Vittoria.  All the fragrance and fruit amped up in a lush package.

2007 FEUDI del PISCIOTTO Versace Nero d’Avola $36

Sicily’s signature red grape, Nero d’Avola established Sicily’s world-class potential long before cab and merlot arrived on the scene. Deeply aromatic with lush flavors, this powerful and seductive Nero d’Avola evokes dried berries and violets in its elegant framework.

2007 FEUDI del PISCIOTTO Valentino Merlot $36

An exuberant yet elegant Merlot imbued with remarkable structure and power.  Its plush texture and distinctive Sicilian character make it an irresistible complement to romance.

2006 FEUDI del PISCIOTTO Missoni Cabernet Sauvignon $36

While Cabernet can thrive in the Sicilian heat, the higher altitude and coastal location of the vineyards provide the perfect climate for this structured, voluptuous Cabernet.

BAROLO & BARBARESCO from VIETTI

VINTAGES tastes with Luca Currado of VIETTI winery (Barolo)
Small in size, but rich in cru vineyards!
VINTAGES’ Eric & Carolyn enjoyed a spectacular wine dinner last night at PREZZA in the North End with LUCA CURRADO of the historic VIETTI winery in Castiglione Falletto, Barolo. One unique and exciting aspect of VIETTI: they own parcels of 15 different grand cru vineyards in Barolo! Meticulous work in the vineyards and cellar optimizes the rich expression of each site’s distinctive character.

“I can’t think of too many estates in Piedmont that have raised the bar higher than Vietti has over the last decade or so. Virtually every wine that emerges from these cellars is outstanding, and many are profound. Winemaker Luca Currado and staff have taken the early groundbreaking work of Alfredo and Lucia Currado and built upon those successes, reaching an unprecedented level of consistency and quality across their entire range.” — Antonio Galloni, WA

The following VIETTI wines are available to order: Continue Reading »

SALE EXTENDED! Celebrate VINTAGES’ 10th Anniversary! Save big on in-stock BAROLO & BARBARESCO thru Sat. February 13!

20% off 12 bottles*
25% off 24 or more*

*Sale includes Barbaresco & Barolos $50 and over. Wines on special are excluded.

PIEDMONT is near and dear to VINTAGES’ wine-soaked heart. The best Valentine we can offer to our wonderful customers and long-time supporters is a BIG SALE on our signature collection of outstanding Barbaresco & Barolo!

Producers include:

and much, much more! Come on in for best selection!

SUPERBOWL
“Pass the Salsa”* Spanish Wine Tasting
Concord & Belmont
Fri. FEB. 5, 4-7pm  * Sat. FEB. 6, 2-6pm
Faced with another SuperBowl sans Pats, our consolations are few, but tasty! Join us this weekend for a tasting of rich, juicy Spanish wines perfect with chili, chips and more! Even though Bill, Tom, and the rest of us will just be passing the salsa this year, we can still drink in style while watching what might have been.
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2008 BODEGA CONCLASS Verdejo $12.99 (Rueda)
Ricardo Sanz’s family has been making wine in the Rueda for six generations.  Now, with his more modern methods, he produces his own line of wines.  This is actually a blend of Verdejo, Viura, and Sauv Blanc—dry with crisp citrus notes, great with ceviche!

2008 MARTIN CODAX BURGANS Albariño (Rias Baixas) $12.99 A project between importer Eric Solomon and Luciano Almoedo, a champion of Rias Baixas and its most famous white grape. A refreshing, juicy Albariño—the perfect answer to white chili or some serious guacamole.

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2005 BODEGA MUSTIGUILLO Mestizaje (El Terrerazo) Special $12.99 (was $15.99)
A blend of 70% Bobal, 10% Tempranillo, 10% Cab, 10% Garnacha.  What’s Bobal?  A native to Valencia known for its bullhead-shaped grape bunches (i.e. boval) that’s quickly gaining an international audience.  Mustiguillo is a winery dedicated to Bobal’s history and significance in viticulture!

2007 CAPÇANES Mas Donis Barrica Old Vines (Montsant) $12.99
From village commune to kosher producer to quality wine co-op, Capçanes has been crafting its philosophy and wines since 1933.  Mas Donis starts with 10-50 year old Garnacha vines (85%), adds a helping of Syrah and a healthy amount of time in oak (barrica).

2007 BODEGAS Y VINEDOS MAURODOS PRIM’A Toro (Toro) $23
Mostly Tinto de Toro (Tempranillo family) with a touch of Garnacha, this gets the royal treatment with 12 months in French & American oak.  “A serious example of Toro at a nearly frivolous price.” (WA)  Couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

NEW! 2007 CELLER CAL PLA Porrera Black Slate (Priorat)$23 Debut blend of 60% Garnacha, 40% Carinena — vines 60-100 years old!  Vi del la Vila is the village appellation of this concentrated blend.

*SuperBowl Salsa!