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.

Back in stock!
2006 SAVIGNOLA PAOLINA Chianti Classico $14.99 (Reg. $17.99)
The ultimate value in Chianti Classico! 2006 was an excellent vintage in Tuscany, and Savignola Paolina is a “classic” wine from the village of Greve in Chianti. Aromas of ripe berries, with hints of flowers and ripe plums. Med-full bodied, with a solid core of fruit and fine, sweet  tannins.

NEW! TUSCAN Extra Virgin Olive Oil from SAVIGNOLA PAOLINA
This rich, creamy, yet translucent EVOO from Chianti winery Savignola Paolina is absolutely stunning! Early hand-picking into small cases and the immediate pressing of the olives creates an olive oil with lower acidity that is particularly rich in texture. Perfect gift for the foodie on your list!
Savignola Paolina Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 500ml $25
Savignola Paolina Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 750ml $35

2008 OTTELLA Rosso “Gemei” $14.99 VINTAGES exclusive!

This new release of a favorite merlot blend from the Veneto is back in stock! Dark cherry fruit, sweet tannins and smooth finish. A great go-to red for any occasion, and a great value!

WINE DOG DEALS!
“Ferdy the Wine Dog” sniffs out the good deals!

2007 VILLA ROSA “Poggio al Rovi” Toscano Rosso $11.99 (red)
We’re faced with many decisions when it comes to buying wine, some very basic; ” Does the wine taste good? Is it worth the money? Will people be happy with it? Will they come back for more? These are all issues that we consider with regard to our customers. Regarding the producer there are other questions to consider. Is the wine unique? Is it authentic or is it an approximation of the genuine article? Was the wine created to supply a vague world demand for a certain style? Or was it simply made, the way wine has always be made, for generations, for millennia, true and pure. A real wine. 

2007 VALLE REALE Trebbiano d’Abruzzo $12.99 (white) The Pozzoli family is proud of their vineyards located in the “green heart” of Abruzzo, on the hillsides above the hot coastal plains. Valle Reale vines benefit from a cooler microclimate with calcareous soil rich in fossil material, more extreme temperatures and longer maturation of the grapes. The trebbiano has a late-harvest quality, a little richer, ripe orchard fruit, supported by underlying minerality and salinity. A tremendously satisfying white for the money!

“TRUE TUSCANY”
Wines that truly express the soul of Tuscany are off the beaten “Strada del Vino.” VINTAGES investigates.

“2007 MONTEVERTINE “Pian del Ciampolo” $27
Earlier this year I was able to visit Martino Manetti at his historic estate in Radda, to see first-hand what makes Montevertine such a singular estate in the heart of Chianti Classico. High altitude, cool micro-climate, stony mineral-laden, old-vine vineyards, and an unshakable commitment to their signature varietal, Sangiovese (modern name for ‘Sangioveto’). Montevertine was the first winery in Chianti to make 100% Sangiovese wine in 1977. Also, they were the first to use French barrique (although you would never know it from tasting the wine). “Pian Del Ciampolo” is the ‘house wine’ of Montevertine, consistently revealing the elegance, grace and finesse of the estate for a lot less $ than their benchmark wine, “Le Pergole Torte.” Pale ruby color, followed by beautiful aromas of delicate cherry fruit, powdery minerals, and notes of wild herbs. An exceedingly fine and elegant wine! A finesse favorite, featured in Saturday’s wine tasting in West Concord: “True Tuscany.”

BRUNELLO & TUSCANY:
2004 ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino
We are pleased to offer two 2004 Brunellos from Altesino – the “normale” bottling has just arrived in the stores. The 2004 “Montosoli” is expected in Sept. — pre-order only at this time.

2004 ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino $75 – 92 pts. in store now!  “Exotic, enticing nose throws off notes of apricot, grapefruit, mango and mint: not your everyday Brunello! Then sexy, fresh and penetrating, with strong acidity accentuated by firm minerality. Intriguing and idiosyncratic, in a distinctly northerly style for Brunello.” -IWC

“Absolutely beautiful, tremendous, silky, traditional Brunello. Aromas and flavors of violets, cherry and raspberry. Regal and elegant in every way. 2,500 cases produced.” — Eric Broege, Montalcino visit 4/09

2004 ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino “Montosoli” $120/$102 95 pts.
Pre-order now (6+ bottles) for September delivery. Call Eric Broege 978-369-2545.
“The estate’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is a big, strapping wine loaded with dark fruit, smoke, new leather and minerals. The Montosoli, from one of Montalcino’s top sites, shows considerable density and richness. The tannins build on the finish, rounding out a gorgeous Brunello that achieves a brilliant combination of power and elegance. Drink: 2009-2022.”-WA

“Shows meat and blackberry on the nose, with hints of rose perfume. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, rich and flavorful finish. Love the cocoa, berry and light vanilla bean aftertaste. This is always classic in an outstanding year. Best from 2010 through 2015. 1,500 cases made. 95 pts.”–WS

2004 MONTEVERTINE IGT $45
Eric visited Martino Manetti at his historic Radda in Chianti estate in April, and it wasn’t hard to understand that old-vine sangiovese, grown at high elevation in stony soil, with the utmost care and attentiion to detail, vinified traditionally (4+ weeks maceration never temperature controlled) would result in such a sublime wine. In a great vintage, expect exceptional wines from top producers such as MONTEVERTINE in Chianti. (The “MONTEVERTINE” bottling is their excellent mid-range wine; their top wine is the legendary “LE PERGOLE TORTE.”)

TUSCAN SPECIAL:
2003 MONTEVERTINE IGT reg. $45; Spec. $35 net! To celebrate the long awaited arrival of the 2004 Montevertine, we thought we’d offer the remainder of the tremendous 2003 Montevertine for just over 20% off per bottle! Eric visited Martino Manetti at his historic Radda in Chianti estate in April, and it wasn’t hard to understand that old-vine sangiovese, grown at high elevation in stony soil, with the utmost care and attentiion to detail, vinified traditionally (4+ weeks maceration never temperature controlled) would result in such a sublime wine. It is always rewarding and informative to experience the wines of the greatest producers in challenging vintages. This is where the cream rises to the top. 2003 Montevertine: A stunning wine! Now 20% off!

Report from Montalcino & Vinitaly

VINTAGES’ intrepid wine director Eric Broege traveled to MONTALCINO in Tuscany last week to visit many of the top estates in the region. While he has tasted these wines in other contexts, it is certainly invaluable to have an in-depth conversation with the winemaker in their own cellar. A couple of brief observations: the top Brunello winemakers hold very different views and follow divergent practices — with each winemaker deeply committed to their method and philosophy. There’s no single best way to make outstanding Brunello; these cellars have a vision for their wine and know how to best capture the distinctive characteristics of their land and their wine.
Two examples of stylistic extremes of equal quality Brunello are VALDICAVA and SOLDERA (Case Basse). Vincenzo Abbruzzese of VALDICAVA extracts the richer, fruitier violet-hued aspects of sangiovese, in contrast to Gianfranco Soldera of CASE BASSE, who aims for an ethereal, infinitely delicate but equally profound expression. Eric met with Giulio Salvioni of SALVIONI di CERBAIOLA, and Diego Molinari of CERBAIONA, two of the greatest traditional cellars Montalcino has ever known. Both create singular wines, unique expressions of Sangiovese made with the highest level of quality. Eric also visited LA TORRE, FULIGNI, ALTESINO, and CASNOVA di NERI, not to mention MONTEVERTINE in Chianti on the way to Verona.
Eric will be updating the website with more photos and info over the next week.

Stay tuned for 2004 Brunello offers from these estates and more.

2003 VALDCAVA BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO 95 pts.
2003 VALDICAVA Brunello di Montalcino $129 

“Enticing aromas of meat-and-mushroom pie mingle with rich plum and spices. Full-bodied, with silky, caressing tannins and intense fruit and mineral flavors. Well-crafted, finishing long. The flagship Brunello in 2003. This is the wine of the vintage. Best after 2010. 2,800 cases made. 95 pts.” –W.S.

Power & Finesse in Tuscany:
CASTELL’IN VILLA, Castelnuovo

Castell’in Villa is a medieval hamlet dating back to the 1200’s. The medieval stone tower is the home of Princess Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa. The princess is never in a hurry to release her wines, as the current releases demonstrate. But they are regularly worth waiting for, as the Princess is a perfectionist and her vineyards are some of the best in all of Chianti Classico.

“Super-Tuscan” Santa Croce
2003 Castell in’Villa “Santa Croce” $75
The Castell’in Villa Santacroce is a thoroughly complex wine — considered a super-tuscan- combining both the old and new styles of contemporary wine making. The 2003 is the first vintage since 1997 for the Santa Croce.

1997 Castell in’Villa “Santa Croce” $95
The 1997 Santa Croce (50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Sangiovese) is another wine that beautifully integrates the generous qualities of the warm vintage with a classic conception of structure. It offers varietal Cabernet notes on the nose along with plenty of sweet dark fruit, spice and tar notes that develop in the glass, underpinned by the acidity from the Sangiovese with a lingering note of sweetness on the long, elegant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2022.

Chianti Classico Riserva
“Castell’in Villa is an excellent source for traditionally- styled Chiantis. The highlights of this line-up are the Chianti Classico Riservas, which are capable of
developing gracefully in bottle for decades. Each year the estate re-releases a few of its older vintages, which gives consumers the rare ability to purchase lovingly-stored collectible wines with perfect provenance, something that has become all too rare in today’s world.”– Wine Advocate

1986 Castell in’Villa Chianti Classico Ris. $95
1993 Castell in’Villa Chianti Classico Ris. $75
The Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva is made of Sangiovese grapes entirely from our best vineyards. The wine is blended and aged in oaks for 2-3 years. The Riserva is concentrated, with substantial tannins and an elegant fragrance. The taste is complex, showing ripe fruit, black cherries and some deep earthy spicy tones.

These traditional, artisanal gems and many others, are imported by Jeannie Rogers, Adonna Imports & Il Capriccio restaurant. Enjoy!

WINES FOR THE TUSCANY TASTING
Fri. 10/10- Belmont 4:30-7:30pm
Sat. 10/11-Concord 2-5pm

SAVIGNOLA PAOLINA, Greve
MONTEVERTINE, Radda
POGGIO ANTICO, Montalcino

SAVIGNOLA PAOLINA, Greve, Chianti Classico
Reviving the tradition of “la verita”
“I’m something of a purist. I like to hear the voice of the earth. It’s (Savignola Paolina) exquisitely perfumey, and the flavor impact is enormous. With its signature dustiness and dry cherry and berry flavors, this wine was designed to go with food. If Mozart made Chianti, it’d be Paolina.” –Matt Kramer, Wine Spectator

2005 SAVIGNOLA PAOLINA Chianti Classico $17.99
Dark cherry fruit, barrel influenced aromas and flavors, graphite and toasty notes. “A medium-bodied red, with well-defined black currant bush, rosemary, lavender and mineral character. Finely textured, with a good layer of fruit and mineral and a well-balanced finish. Very silky. Drink now.”–WS

2004 SAVIGNOLA PAOLINA Chianti Classico Riserva $35 Tremendous richness of fruit, elegant with a perfect integration of oak. “Very concentrated, showing lots of ripe fruit on the nose and palate, with just a hint of vanilla. Full and chewy. There’s lots going on. Best after 2008. 300 cases made.” –WS

MONTEVERTINE, Radda
“Sometimes I fall in love with a producer from the moment I first taste his wine. I had this experience with Montevertine, a Tuscan producer that year after year demonstrates a profound respect and understanding for the sangiovese grape. If you’ve never understood what sangiovese was all about, try one of these wines and I think you may fall in love yourself.” –Eric Asimov, NYTimes

2003 MONTEVERTINE $45
“Ripe black cherry and dried tea leaf meld nicely with jammy raspberry on the nose. Pure and quite persistent on the palate, with cherry and raspberry flavors complicated by some tobacco and minerally pepperiness. Here the tannins are a little coarser-grained than those of the ‘04.” –IWC

POGGIO ANTICO, Montalcino

2003 POGGIO ANTICO Brunello di Montalcino $75
“Poggio Antico’s 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is the more classic of the two Brunellos. It reveals a pretty, accessible expression of earthiness, tobacco and ripe red fruit with lovely density and purity. The tannins are particularly finessed..”– Wine Advocate

2006 POGGIO ANTICO Rosso di Montalcino $38
“As is often the case, Poggio Antico’s 2006 Rosso di Montalcino is terrific. This full-bodied, sumptuous wine caresses the palate with layers of sweet dark fruit, smoke, tar, toasted oak and underbrush. It seems to have enough stuffing to age well, but I would prefer to enjoy it while the fruit is still vibrant. Readers are sure to enjoy this pleasing, generous Rosso from Poggio Antico. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011.” –Wine Advocate