SOTTIMANO Barbaresco
FRI & SAT. MAR. 12 & 13,  BELMONT CENTER
Fri. 4-7pm; Sat. 3-6pm

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

Young Andrea and father Rino Sottimano have been forging ahead over the past decade to produce wines of outstanding quality at their small estate on the border of Neive and Barbaresco.  Sottimano produces rich and concentrated Barbarescos with deep color and fine-grained tannins from their cru vineyards of Cottà, Currà, Fausoni, Basarin and Pajoré. Conscientious and sustainable viticulture is practiced; natural yeasts are used; no filtering or fining. Founded in 1974, the estate comprises 13 ha of Barbaresco vineyards in Treiso & Neive along with Dolcetto, Barbera and “dry” Brachetto. Annual total production is 5,000 cases.

SPECIAL PRICING ON 2006 Sottimano Barbaresco — nearly 30% off! FRIDAY & SAT. ONLY!

2006 SOTTIMANO Barbaresco Cotta (Neive) 93 pts.  Special $51 net (Reg. $70) “The wine shows plenty of softness in its dark fruit, licorice, tar and smoke in a generous, enveloping style, capped off with a long, resonating finish. As is often the case, the Cotta is the most accessible and sensual of these 2006s. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. 93 pts.“– WA

2006 SOTTIMANO Barbaresco Curra (Neive) 93 pts. Special $51 net (Reg. $70) “The 2006 Barbaresco Curra is a powerful, intense wine that impresses for its focus, length and balance. The Curra doesn’t have the immediacy or roundness of the Fausoni, but it compensates with incredible drive and persistence. Tobacco, licorice, roses, spices and red cherries add layers of nuance on the close. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. 93 pts.”-WA

2006 SOTTIMANO Barbaresco Fausoni (Neive) 94 pts. Special $51 net (Reg. $70) “The 2006 Barbaresco Fausoni reveals a gorgeous core of cherries in liqueur, menthol, spices and flowers in a surprisingly rich, round style for the vintage. The wine possesses terrific harmony and balance, with a round, polished finish. Floral notes reappear on the finish, giving the wine a pretty sense of lift. In 2006 the Fausoni is all about elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. 94 pts.”-WA

2006 SOTTIMANO Barbaresco Pajore (Treiso) 92 pts. Special $51 net (Reg. $70) “Sottimano’s 2006 Barbaresco Pajore shows its tell-tale notes of spices, menthol, minerals and dark fruit, on a medium bodied, sinewy frame. The Pajore offers terrific balance with notes of tar, smoke and licorice that come to life on the finish. Patience is the key here, but this remains the most compact and clenched of the 2006s. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. 92 pts.”-WA

2007 SOTTIMANO Langhe Nebbiolo 91 pts.  $22 “Sottimano’s Langhe Nebbiolo is made from young vines in the Basarin vineyard in Barbaresco and spends 14 months in French oak. It is a Barbaresco in everything but name… This is a very serious bottle of wine for $25.”–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. 13, Concord
DOM. JEAN-MARC BURGAUD BEAUJOLAIS
SAT. MAR. 13, 2-5pm, CONCORD

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. 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!

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

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.

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!

SORRY - Event cancelled - urgent family matter for Mr. Orzalese

ALTESINO BRUNELLO Seminar & Tasting featuring Mr. GUIDO ORZALESE, Managing Director

Mr. Orzalese will guide us through a tasting of Brunello di Montalcino at VINTAGES’ Belmont shop on Thursday, Feb. 11.

NEW TIME!

WHEN: Thurs. Feb. 11, 6:30-7:30pm
WHERE: VINTAGES Belmont Center
COST: $25/person, includes light appetizers
CALL: 617-484-4560 to reserve w/ cc

Wines in seminar:
2004 ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli $130
2004 ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino $75
2004 ALTESINO Rosso di Montalcino $30
2007 ALTESINO Rosso di Montalcino $30
2007 ALTESINO Rosso di Altesino $19.99
2006 ALTESINO Alte d’Altesi  $25

Founded in 1970’s, ALTESINO consists of three vineyards located NE of the village of Montalcino: Montosoli, La Velona and Altesino itself. The town is on a hill at an elevation of around 600m, which protects the Montosoli vineyard to the north, which lies at 390m. Altesino Brunello is sourced from a combination of these three vineyards, and in excellent vintages they produce a single vineyard Brunello “Montosoli.

Montosoli covers just 4 ha and is unusual in its north and NW exposure, rather than the sun-facing south. It is characterized by slightly lower temperatures, especially at night, so the flowering is a little longer and usually later than other areas. The hang-time at Montosoli is longer and it is usually the last vineyard to be harvested, a couple of days after Altesino and often 15 days after La Velona. The cooler microclimate is beneficial during summers of intense heat.

NEW ARRIVALS WINE TASTING: Italy & France

BELMONT: Fri & Sat. Jan. 29 & 30, 4-7pm Belmont
CONCORD: Sat. Jan. 30, 2-5pm

white
2008 CHATEAU DE LASCAUX Coteaux du Languedoc $17.99 (Southern France) compellingblend of Vermentino, Rousanne, Marsanne, Viognier

2008 MASARI Agnobianco $19.99 (Veneto)
elegant blend of Garganega & Durella

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2008 COLLE TICCHIO Cesanese del Piglio $17.99 (Lazio) 100% Cesanese grape near Rome; a refreshing red

2008 ALBINO ROCCA Rosso di Rocca $17.99 (Piedmont) juicy blend of nebbiolo, barbera & cab franc

2008 CEUSO “Scurati” Nero d’Avola $16.99 (Sicily)
Nero d’Avola - big, dark fruit, chewy tannins

2007 CATALDI MADONNA Montepulciano d’Abruzzo $19.99 (Abruzzo) dark, dense fruit, beautiful harmony!

WINE TASTING:

TERRE ROUGE & EASTON
Wines from an original “Rhone Ranger”

VINTAGES has enjoyed a long relationship with owner/winemaker Bill Easton and his two portfolios of wine from one very distinctive place: Sierra Foothills in California. Please join us on Saturday in Concord or Belmont to taste a selection of TERRE ROUGE & EASTON wines.

TERRE ROUGE means “Red Earth,” one of the hallmarks of the Amador & Sierra foothills region. The TERRE ROUGE portfolio focuses on Rhône varietals: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne. High elevation sites up to 3200′ contribute to the complexity of the Terre Rouge wines.

The EASTON wines focus on traditional California varietals that thrive in Amador County and the Sierra Foothills: old-vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Wines featured at the tasting on Sat:

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2005 EASTON SAUVIGNON BLANC Sierra Foothills 19.99  Made from 4 acres of grapes  in the Monarch Mine Vineyard, overlooking the American River Canyon at 2,300 feet. Aged for 9 mos. on lees in neutral French oak. No malolactic fermentation preserves the crisp texture. Wonderfully complex tropical flavors finishes with a minerality that speaks of the vineyard site. It is the perfect foil for seafood and absolutely satisfying as an aperitif.

2004 TERRE ROUGE 2004 Rousanne $25

This delightful white is made with a clone of Roussanne  that originates from the Chave vineyard at Hermitage. This difficult grape ripens unevenly, so it must be harvested in several passes. All the effort results in a silky-textured wine with a golden color and exquisite quince, honey-nut, and beeswax aromas. Luscious and on the verge of sweetness. Only 400 cases annually.

reds

2006 TERRE ROUGE “Tête a Tête” $17.99 “Tête-à-Tête” is an easy-drinking blend of Rhone varietals: Syrah, Mourvèdre & Grenache. Aged for 16 mos. in French barrel, this quaffer offers sappy, spicy, flavors and great texture.

2006 TERRE ROUGE Syrah $19.99

Made from younger Syrah vineyards that sit at different elevations. The upslope lots provide finesse and meaty, white pepper nuances, while the downslope lots provide structure, concentration, and a smoky, spicy Syrah sensibility. Together, a delicious harmony! Aged for 18 mos in French oak (25% new).

2007 EASTON Amador County Zinfandel $17.99

Amador County Zinfandel comes from 40-60 year-old vines planted on beautiful, rolling mountain slopes that have the classic, vermilion-colored, decomposed granite soil. The finished wine has black cherry and blackberry fruit aromas with beautiful balance and a sumptuous, juicy mouth feel.

2003 EASTON Fiddletown Old Vine Zinfandel $30

(Rinaldi-Eschen vineyard) These vines are about as old as they come in California, with some vines dating to the original planting in 1865!  This vineyard is farmed with simplicity: pruning, plowing, and finally picking when Bill knows the time is right. Crop yields are incredibly low, 1- 1½ tons per acre. Each year brings a different wine and a revelation. EASTON Fiddletown Zin is always 100% Zinfandel from the Rinaldi-Eschen Vineyard. The finished wine has thick, brambly blackberry fruit with pepper, anise, clove, and other exotic spices. Fat and mouth filling, this Zin has great persistence on the palate.

NOTE: Bill Easton will not be at these tastings. (We wish he could be!)

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.

CHAMPAGNE TASTING: EGLY-OURIET Grand Cru and more!

FRIDAY, DEC. 18, 4:30-7:30pm Concord

POP THOSE CORKS! Join us for this festive tasting featuring grand cru champagne from top grower EGLY-OURIET. Francis Egly’s outstanding, outsized grand cru champagnes have earned a cult following and raised the bar for distinctive bubbly with extended aging on the lees and disgorgement date on every bottle. Did we mention they’re amazingly delicious???

ROGER COULON Brut “Tradition” $50
“the rare Delicious! wine - that is, a wine that is not only tasty but truly exciting . . . this is the kind of wine you could give to or serve to a wine lover and have a friend for life.” - wsj

PIERRE PETERS BRUT Blanc de Blancs “Grand Cru” $58
“Vivid citrus and green apple aromas are complicated by subtle lees, spice and brioche qualities, as well as a slow-building floral quality. Firm and focused, offering tangy orange and orchard fruit flavors along with anise and sweet butter.”–IWA

GASTON CHIQUET Blanc de Blancs ‘Grand Cru’ $60
Exotically perfumed, smoky bouquet of pungent flowers, pear skin, orange, lime, sweet butter and minerals; smells like a Meursault. Fleshy orchard fruit flavors are complicated by musky herbs, turning nuttier with air.”- IWA

EGLY-OURIET Brut Tradition ‘Grand Cru’ $72  92 pts.
“The blend for the Tradition bottling is 75% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay, all from the grand cru villages Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay. “Energetic lemon, peach pit, pear, redcurrant and honeysuckle on the nose. Spicy, finely etched orchard fruit flavors are given depth and a refreshingly bitter edge by fruit skin and quinine. Gains weight on the broad, chewy, impressively persistent finish.” - IWA

EGLY-OURIET Brut Rose ‘Grand Cru’ $105  92 pts.
“Wild strawberry, cherry skin and potpourri on the nose, which is complicated by candied ginger and gentle leesiness. Supple red fruit flavors are firmed by dusty minerals and given bite by a late note of white pepper. A juicy, deeply flavored pink Champagne that could handle rich fish dishes or aged cheeses.”–IWA