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!

RENATO RATTI BAROLO
Wine Tasting:
FRI. JAN. 8, 5-7pm, Belmont
SAT. JAN 9, 12-5pm, Concord
Presented by Eric Broege, wine director

What better way to begin the new year than with a taste of great Barolo? VINTAGES is very pleased to present the wines of our friend Pietro Ratti, owner & winemaker of the historic RENATO RATTI estate. Pietro’s family has done much to raise the profile of the Barolo region and literally put Barolo on the map! This is a great opportunity to taste a full range of new releases from a top Barolo estate, including three Barolos, a nebbiolo, barbera and a dolcetto. Terrific stuff!

“This is a wonderful set of new releases from Renato Ratti, one of Piedmont’s historic names. The 2005s are especially beautiful for their soft, textured fruit and well-integrated French oak.” –WA

2005 RATTI Barolo ‘Rocche’ $96 · 96pts
(15% off six pack = $81.60/btl)
Shows ripe strawberry and black cherry aromas, with hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and lots of fruit, vanilla and white pepper character. Long and rich. Best after 2012. 900 cases made. 96 pts. -WS

2005 RENATO RATTI Barolo “Conca” $86 · 94pts
(15% off six pack = $73.10/btl)
“Intense aromas of dried flowers and berries. Concentrated and full, with ripe fruit and supervelvety tannins. Long and gorgeous. Best after 2013. 575 cases. 94 pts.” - WS

2005 RENATO RATTI Barolo “Marcenasco” $50 · 96pts
“This fabulous Nebbiolo displays aromas of very ripe strawberry and cappuccino. Full-bodied, with super-velvety tannins and incredible concentration. All the tannins are coated with gorgeous fruit. Best after 2013. 5,000 cases. 96 pts.”- WS

2007 RATTI Nebbiolo d’Alba “Ochetti” $23  “Blackberry, spice and grilled meat aromas. Full-bodied, with soft tannins, ripe fruit and a spicy finish. Rich and generous. Like a very good Barolo. Drink now. 5,400 cases made.” -WS

2008 RATTI Barbera d’Alba “Torriglione” $19.99
“Sweet and smooth on the palate, with raspberry and cherry flavors complicated by a leathery nuance and framed by strong but harmonious acidity. Fine-grained with good length.” -IWA

2008 RATTI Dolcetto d’Alba “Colombe” $15.99
Classic example of dolcetto d’alba. Ratti’s dolcetto has always highlighted the elegance and versatility of this grape. Herb-tinged cherry fruit, with superfine, minerally tannins.

NEW RELEASE: CONTERNO BAROLO

2005 GIACOMO CONTERNO BAROLO “Cascina Francia” 95+ pts. $138

The annual release of the legendary MONFORTINO is always a vinous highlight - however, Roberto Conterno told us during our May 2009 visit to his cellar that the 2002 edition of MONFORTINO would not be ready this year. So instead, we celebrate the newly-arrived 2005 GIACOMO CONTERNO Barolo Cascina Francia, a truly exceptional wine.

CELLAR SELECTION:
2005 GIACOMO CONTERNO BAROLO “Cascina Francia” 95+ pts · $138
“The question of succession is always an issue in small, family-run wineries, but this is one example where the younger generation is building on past success by taking things to an entirely new level. I can only imagine how proud Giovanni Conterno would be if he could see (and taste!) the sublime wines that have emerged from this property in recent years.”

“The recently-bottled 2005 Barolo Cascina Francia is, as expected, somewhat closed down at this stage from an aromatic perspective. That said, it is impossible to ignore the wine’s richness and depth, both of which are impressive. With time in the glass hints of sweet roses, cherries, spices and tar emerge, all framed by impeccably silky tannins. … It is another superb Barolo from Giacomo Conterno. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030. 95+ pts.”–Galloni, WA

BAROLO, READY TO DRINK!
While we’re on the subject of outstanding wine, may we tempt you with another Giacomo Conterno Barolo, recently evaluated and READY TO DRINK? This 2003 Barolo Cascina Francia is stunning; rich, yet beautifully balanced, with complex aromas and flavors emerging over the course of an evening. Decanting recommended; and take your time with this wine– as difficult as it may be–otherwise you’ll miss the amazing display of tertiary aromas and flavors!

2003 GIACOMO CONTERNO BAROLO “Cascina Francia” 94 pts. Special $88
“The 2003 Barolo Cascina Francia is a remarkable wine for the vintage. This deep, powerful Barolo reveals awesome richness and an almost liqueur-like quality to its fruit that is balanced by the chalky mineral notes that provide freshness on the finish and help convey an impression of notable balance. In 2003 there is no Monfortino, and the Cascina Francia surely benefits from the addition of that juice which is mostly felt in the wine’s depth…Simply put, this is a stunning Barolo made all the more notable by the challenging conditions the vintage presented. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2023. 94 pts.” –WA

RENATO RATTI, Barolo
VINTAGES was delighted to host our friend Pietro Ratti, owner & winemaker, on his last visit to Boston in June. Here are the eagerly anticipated 2005 Barolos that we tasted in his cellar in La Morra earlier this year. What more can we say? BRAVO, Pietro!
Note: VINTAGES is offering special pre-arrival pricing on these high-scoring wines (see below). Call 978-369-2545!

2005 RENATO RATTI Barolo “Marcenasco” $50 · 96pts Highly Recommended
“This fabulous Nebbiolo displays aromas of very ripe strawberry and cappuccino. Full-bodied, with super-velvety tannins and incredible concentration. All the tannins are coated with gorgeous fruit. Best after 2013. 5,000 cases. 96 pts.”- WS

2005 RENATO RATTI Barolo Conca $86 · 94pts
“Intense aromas of dried flowers and berries. Concentrated and full, with ripe fruit and supervelvety tannins. Long and gorgeous. Best after 2013. 575 cases. 94 pts.” - WS 

2005 RENATO RATTI Barolo Rocche $96 · 96pts
“Shows ripe strawberry and black cherry aromas, with hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and lots of fruit, vanilla and white pepper character. Long and rich. Best after 2012. 900 cases. 96 pts.“- WS

2004 GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO Barolo “Monprivato” $100  96 pts.
VINTAGES EXCLUSIVE
“Mascarello’s 2004 Barolo Monprivato is an explosive wine with an almost Pinot-like expression of purity in its fruit. This round, sweet Barolo is extremely primary at this stage, with tons of dense fruit that almost cover the wine’s tannins completely. Subtle overtones of roses and tar develop in the glass, rounding out this majestic wine. Monprivato is one of the world’s very finest values in collectible, age-worthy wine, and the 2004 is another classic in the making. I was blown away by this wine’s sheer balance and harmony, both of which are remarkable considering the wine’s age. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034. 96 pts.” 

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Our warmest congratulations to VALTER FISSORE and NADIA COGNO of the ELVIO COGNO winery in Novello, Italy for being awarded “2009 Winery of the Year” by Wine & Spirits magazine! It’s a well-deserved honor for their authentic & enjoyable piemonte wines that offer excellent value.

VINTAGES was delighted to have Valter Fissore and daughter Elena (see photo at left) in our Belmont store in June for a tasting of the entire line-up — from the delectable A’nascetta white, to Dolcetto, Barbera, and several Barolos, including Ravera & Vigna Elena.

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BAROLO WINE TASTING with Valter Fissore, owner/winemaker of the ELVIO COGNO estate in Novello, Barolo. We are thrilled to have VALTER FISSORE of ELVIO COGNO winery presenting his superb range of wines on Sat. June 13 at our Belmont store. Valter is a rising star in Barolo, creating wines true to the land with a classic character and feel; rich, elegant, and memorable. Valter and his wife Nadia have a beautiful 17th c. estate in the village of Novello with spectacular views overlooking the vineyards of Monforte and Barolo.
“Cogno remains an under-the-radar source for delicious wines. This is an impressive line-up from top to bottom.” –WA

WINES featured at the TASTING June 13, Belmont:

2007 COGNO Anas-cetta Bianco $28
“The Anas-Cetta is often one of Piedmont’s finest whites, as it is again in 2007. Fresh, perfumed aromatics lead to sensations of mint, ripe peaches and apricots. This rich, soft-textured white offers excellent length and plenty of style. Simply put, it is a joy to taste.” –WA

2007 COGNO Dolcetto d’Alba $19.99
“Cogno’s 2007 Dolcetto d’Alba is made in a firm, sturdy style yet it offers compelling balance in its fresh bouquet and ripe dark fruit. The wine possesses a long, clean finish, not to mention terrific balance. This reliably excellent Dolcetto also happens to be a great value.“–WA

2006 COGNO Barbera d’Alba “Bricco dei Merli” $25 (special order only) “The 2006 Barbera d’Alba Bricco dei Merli is another super-refined effort. This is a Barbera of notable pedigree, with layers of dark fruit, licorice, tar and toasted oak that emerge from the glass. The Barbera spent 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% of which were new.”–WA

2005 COGNO “Montegrilli” Langhe Rosso $30
“The 2005 Montegrilli (50% Nebbiolo, 50% Barbera) shows off the style of this vintage in its perfumed aromatics and delicate, well-articulated small red fruits and toasted oak. It is a delicate wine with plenty of nuance and a long, refreshing finish. The Montegrilli spent 12 months in oak, 40% of which was new.” –WA

2004 COGNO Barolo DOCG $48
“Cogno’s 2004 Barolo is particularly beautiful in this vintage. Sweet, ripe tannins frame a core of perfumed red cherries, flowers, spices, smoke and earthiness as this soft-textured, feminine Barolo opens up un the glass. The wine offers terrific persistence as well as harmony.” –WA

2004 COGNO Barolo “Ravera” $75 (est.) “Three Glasses” winner!
“The 2004 Barolo Ravera is another beautiful effort. Ravera is a vineyard that typically yields wines with a firm tannic spine, yet this Barolo has plenty of fruit to provide an engaging counterpoint. Dark cherries, plums, tar and smoke all come to life as this elegant, medium-bodied Barolo struts its stuff. The Barolo Ravera is aged for a year in French oak (40% new) followed by a second year in cask. 91 pts.”–WA

2003 COGNO Barolo “Vigna Elena” $95 
“The 2003 Barolo Vigna Elena is the estate’s top bottling. This late-release Barolo spends 36 mos. in cask. It is a big, rich wine endowed with notable volume and depth in its black cherries, earthiness, minerals and tar. There is more than enough plumpness in the fruit to stand up to the tannins. This is a wine of notable harmony, not to mention a highly successful 2003. 93 pts.”–WA

BAROLO WINE TASTING & DINNER with PIETRO RATTI, June 11

WINE TASTING: 5:30-7pm, Belmont shop
WINE DINNER: 7:30pm, Il Casale restaurant (sold out)

Friend and winemaker PIETRO RATTI has been upholding and extending the great wine traditions of his family’s prestigious estate, RENATO RATTI, in the La Morra region of Barolo for more than 20 years. He has a superb line-up of wines from excellent vintages– we are thrilled to host Pietro during his visit to the Boston area on June 11. A great opportunity to meet Pietro Ratti, taste his beautiful wines, and take home your favorites!

WINES featured at the TASTING June 11, Belmont:
2007 Renato Ratti Dolcetto d’Alba “Colombe” $15.99
A limestone ridge, 550 m high with optimal exposure, cradles the Colombè vineyard. The resulting wine is a Dolcetto both fruity and intense with a pleasant rusticity typical of the wines of Mango.

2007 Renato Ratti Barbera d’Alba “Torriglione” $19.99  Rich in body and in color, warm and robust, pleasantly tart when young, a wine suitable to aging. The particular soils of La Morra yield to it a measured acidity along with superb elegance.

2006 Renato Ratti Nebbiolo d’Alba “Ochetti” $19.99
Class and vivacity are the distinguishing characteristics of a Nebbiolo d’Alba. An ancient wine from the Roero District,  it was already a regular fixture at the Royal Savoia Cellars in the early 17th Century.

2004 Renato Ratti Barolo “Marcenasco” $60
“Perfumed aromas of raspberry, marzipan, flowers and truffley underbrush. Suave, dry and firmly built, combining lovely sweetness and very good inner-mouth energy. Finishes long and shapely, with a suggestion of exotic fruits and tannins. 90 pts.” –IWA

2004 Renato Ratti Barolo “Conca” (Available in 1.5L format only- $192 special order)
“Red fruits, mocha and brown spices on the nose. Densely packed but tight, boasting a sappy core of dark raspberry and minerals, with its oak component in the background. The wine’s excellent acidity and solid minerality give it terrific cut. Finishes with firm tannins and a suggestion of exotic fruits. Pietro Ratti points out that this parcel, replanted in 1994, was his father’s original vineyard in 1965, but at the time the wine was simply bottled as Marcenasco. 91+ pts.” –IWA

2004 Renato Ratti Barolo “Rocche del’ Annunziata” $106 “Wild black cherry and mocha on the explosive nose; this is downright Burgundian. Full, lush and broad; an outsized wine with terrific verve and sappy depth. Offers lovely purity of fruit, along with excellent volume, sweetness and balance. This is from a southwest-facing parcel planted on sandy soil;  These vines are between 40 and 50 years of age. 93 pts.”

1999 Renato Ratti Barolo “Rocche” $100
“Very subtle and refined with lovely perfumes of chocolate, berry and spices. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a succulent finish. Refined. Ratti is improving at a quick rate. Best after 2007. 650 cases made. 91 pts.”–WS