A new winery in the region, PERTICAIA is winning top honors for its 2004 Sagrantino Montefalco made from 100% sagrantino grapes, a traditional, native variety. Owner Guido Guardigli has much to be proud of, launching an outstanding winery and creating one of the most successful expressions of the sagrantino grape. PERTICAIA also makes delicious, easy-drinking sangiovese blends. Outstanding for fall!

2004 PERTICAIA SAGRANTINO MONTEFALCO $48 –Three Glasses Winner!
100% Sagrantino. Warm, ripe, raspberry fruit, with spicy intensity and dense, mouth-filling texture. “Stunning bouquet packed with blackberry flavors wrapped in balsam and lush spices. Spacious, deep, and dense yet dynamic on the palate, with lush tannins. Still young, of course, but its true soul will be revealed through the years.”–Gambero Rosso 2008

2005 PERTICAIA MONTEFALCO ROSSO $22
60% Sangiovese, 15% Colorino, 15% Sagrantino and 10% Merlot. Fresh with the aromas and flavors of wild raspberries and blueberries. Med-full body, with sweet tannins.

2007 PERTICAIA UMBRIA ROSSO $14.99
80% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino, 10% Merlot
Deep plum color, rich and smooth texture with black cherry notes. Full and expressive, delicious Sangiovese!

BARBARA ENGIST-ROCCA from the ALBINO ROCCA winery in Barbaresco, Italy, will present her estate’s wines at VINTAGES in Belmont on Friday, September 5, from 4-7pm. ALBINO ROCCA, owned by Barbara and Angelo Rocca, is a benchmark producer of Barbaresco. Since the early 1900’s several generations of the Rocca family have farmed their prime nebbiolo vineyards and created the wine that is Angelo’s greatest passion, Barbaresco. At the Sept. 5 tasting, Barbara will discuss winemaking in Piedmont, the unique characteristics of the nebbiolo grape, and conduct a tasting of her estate’s exceptional wines, including Barbaresco, Barbera, Cortese, Chardonnay and Moscato d’Asti. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to meet Barbara Rocca and learn about the world-class wines of Piedmont!
(Barbaresco Tasting in Concord on Sat. Sept. 6, 2-5pm will have a selection of the Albino Rocca wines presented by our own internationally-recognized Barbaresco expert, Eric Broege– Barbara will not be there.)

Wines for the ALBINO-ROCCA tasting:
Wines for the ALBINO-ROCCA tasting:
Bianco
2007 ALBINO ROCCA Chardonnay “Bertu” $22
100% aged in stainless steel. Crisp and delicious citrus flavors with mineral undercurrent.

2006 ALBINO ROCCA Cortese “La Rocca” $32
100% Cortese aged in French barrique for 8 mos. Richer texture with ripe peach flavors, long aromatic finish with good intensity.

2007 ALBINO ROCCA Moscato d’Asti “Fiordaliso” $17.99 (dessert sparkling)

Rosso
2005 ALBINO ROCCA Barbera d’Alba “Gepin” $35
“Sexy, pungent aromas of cherry, currant, plum and spicy oak. Suave, ripe and complex, with a lush texture… Lively acidity extends the finish. 90 pts.“–IWC

2004 ALBINO ROCCA Barbaresco “Brich Ronchi” $65
“The 2004 Barbaresco Bric Ronchi reveals a deep, dark color and a full-bodied, weighty expression of ripe fruit. Long and sweet on the palate, this fat, ripe Barbaresco offers outstanding length and plenty of style. It was aged 70% in French oak (80% new) and 30% cask. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. 92 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2001 ALBINO ROCCA Barbaresco “Brich Ronchi” $60
“The multi-dimensional 2001 Barbaresco Bric Ronchi, a saturated ruby, is soft and round, offering sensations of toasted oak, vanilla, ripe red fruits, macerated cherries, minerals and menthol with excellent length, and great freshness on the finish. Made from vines averaging 50-60 years and aged in barrique. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. 92 pts.“–Wine Advocate

2001 ALBINO ROCCA Barbaresco “Loreto” $60
“Rocca’s 2001 Barbaresco Sori Loreto displays a dark ruby color and a gorgeous, complex, balsamic nose of spices, tobacco, leather, and menthol. This dense and chewy Barbaresco reveals layers of ripe red fruit and licorice flavors with outstanding substance on the palate in a masculine, authoritative style. Made from old vines and aged in a cask, Sori Loreto is the more austere of the two single-vineyard wines. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. 91 pts.” –Wine Advocate

NEW ARRIVALS: VINTAGES EXCLUSIVES
VINTAGES is pleased to offer the following wines EXCLUSIVELY to our customers. VINTAGES works with selected wineries and importers to bring in wines with exceptional merit that are not represented in our market or in the U.S. When customers see a “VINTAGES Exclusive,” they they know they’re about to enjoy a distinctive, delicious, wine adventure!

REFRESHING WINES WITH CHARACTER from Fruili-Venezia-Giuila

NEW! CASTELVECCHIO 2007 WHITES — VINTAGES EXCLUSIVE!
A trio of customer favorites from northeastern Italy on the Slovenian border town of Gorizia. These wines are very expressive and distinctive with a spicy, mineral note on the finish from the “karst” soil and climate of this Carso appellation. Worth investigating –definitely a cut above! (These wines were featured at the Belmont store tasting last Friday.)

2007 CASTELVECCHIO Carso Pinot Grigio $19.99
Richer style of Pinot Grigio with underlying minerality and a spicy note. A Pinot Grigio with oomph!

2007 CASTELVECCHIO Traminer Aromatico $19.99
Lovely aromas of pear, honey and rose petals burst out of the glass, followed by a delicate, blossoming fruit on the palate. Intriguing, elegant, wonderful aperitif!

2007 CASTELVECCHIO Malvasia Istriana $19.99
From 100% Malvasia, aromas of honeycomb on the nose, waxy, sappy fruit; very lively personality. A nice complement to Asian flavors, seafood pastas, and lighter dishes.

2007 CHATEAU ROQUEFORT CORAIL ROSE $19.99 VINTAGES Exclusive
Just arrived! The long-awaited rosé is finally here–and exclusive to VINTAGES! This beautiful, pristine rosé with racy, mouth-watering acidity is legendary — known to cause cravings on hot summer days. Celine Hymoff, former Asst. Wine Director, wants to know if anyone is driving to Cleveland, OH and can bring her a case!

DOMAINE JACQUES PUFFENEY, Arbois Rouge Poulsard 2005, $30 (Jura) The epitome of an ethereal summer red — beautiful aromas, light to medium body red from the little-known Poulsard grape. Jacques Puffeney’s prowess in the vineyard and the cheese cave has earned him the nickname “the Pope of Arbois.” From his 7.5 hectares of vineyards in Arbois, Puffeney makes traditional Vin Jaune, whites from Savagnin grape, and this beautiful, elegant red from Poulsard. A worthy and delicious wine adventure!

2004 MANDINO CANE Dolceacqua “Vigneto Arcagna” $26 (Liguria)
Another gem in the category of outstanding summer red. In a small hillside vineyard above Italy’s Ligurian coast, Mandino Cane grows the Rossesse grape and creates a beautiful Burgundian-style red with plum fruit, dusty tannins, and a smooth, satisfying yet refreshing quality that hits the spot on a summer evening. Only a tiny amount is made; enjoy this secret red of summer.

WEEKLY WINE TASTINGS will Resume in September!

2006 CHATEAU SAINT COSME!
Fabulous COTE ROTIE & GIGONDAS
NOTE: These wines from Chateau Saint Cosme are very limited; please email or call VINTAGES 978-369-2545 to reserve.
“The brilliant young Louis Barruol continues to augment his impressive negociant line of wines from the northern Rhone as well as his handful of southern Rhones while also concentrating on the fabulous estate wines from Gigondas, among the best two or three wines of the appellation. Barruol represents all that is good that is happening in France and other countries - a young man taking over for his parents and revolutionizing what was being done, cutting yields, cleaning up the cellars, and looking at how to make the most expressive wines possible from not only Gigondas, but from purchased fruit and wine. As for his northern Rhones, he consistently does a fabulous job with Cote Rotie. Using 100% stems, he gets none of the vegetal character that can come from stem use. As Barruol says, the 2006s are wines of great charm, seductiveness, and beautiful fruit, with freshness and vibrancy, whereas 2005 represents density, structure, tannin, and a certain austerity. To Barruol’s credit, I taste through 60-70 domaines in Gigondas, and his wines… were among the finest.” –Wine Advocate

2006 CHATEAU SAINT COSME Cote Rotie 94 pts. $80/bottle ($68 case price)
“The 2006 Cote Rotie, which comes largely from the Cote Brune vineyard Vialliere with another part from Les Plans, looks superb. Dense ruby/purple with sweet tannins, beautiful acidity, fabulous flavor intensity and penetration, and again, great aromatics, this is a terrific Cote Rotie that should ultimately eclipse the 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. 92-94 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2006 CHATEAU SAINT COSME Gigondas 92 pts. $35/bottle ($29.75 case price)
“The 2006 Gigondas, which one would call Tradition or Classique, looks to eclipse the 2005. Dense black cherry fruit and cassis, a deep ruby/purple color, floral black cherry and blackberry fruit notes, with plenty of tannin, good acidity, and freshness characterize this wine, which is structured and potentially long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020+ 92 pts.”–Wine Advocate

LA TOSA, Colli Piacentini, northern Italy: wines made with great care to evoke precise aromas and an astounding purity of fruit.
The “La Tosa” estate was founded in 1980 by brothers Stefano and Ferruccio Pizzamiglio on 16 hectares of land near Piacenza on the hillsides of Vigolzone, an ideal location for the production of fine wines. Trained as a physicist, Stefano Pizzamiglio doesn’t leave anything to chance — he works rigorously in the vineyard and cellar, alongside his wife Augusta, to achieve the purity and precision that are the hallmarks of his wines.

“Utter ripeness of fruit, veneration for balance, aromatic integration, and meticulously calibrated oak are the principles rigorously followed by Stefano Pizzamiglio. Wines that offer delight tonight, but can develop complexity and longevity.” –Gambero Rosso

whites
2007 LA TOSA “Valnure” Frizzante $14.99
Blend of Malvasia di candia, Ortrugo & trebbiano. A VINTAGES’ summer tradition–don’t start the season without it! Enticing aromas, nectarine and plum flavors, crisp and juicy with a delightful frizzante sparkle.

2007 LA TOSA Sauvignon (Blanc) $24 -VINTAGES Exclusive
100% Sauvignon blanc. Quite a surprise, with distinctive, intense varietal character and a palate packed with crisp, pulpy fruit. Sauvignon is brilliant, straw yellow in color. Shows aromas of ripe tropical fruit and apricot with fresh citrus on the finish.

2007 LA TOSA “Sorriso di Cielo” Malvasia $26 - VINTAGES Exclusive
100% Malvasia. Exudes superb harmony, building a flawless symphony of aromas and a supple palate. Pitch-perfect balance of pure, ultra-ripe fruit and zesty acidity. A very distinctive, gorgeous wine!

reds
2005 LA TOSA Gutturnio $15.99
Gutturnio is a blend of the fruity barbera grape with the spicy, savory bonarda, a local variety also known as croatina. A ripe, plush wine, yet one with a good acidic backbone. Lots of impact, A good mix of fruit and savor makes it a versatile wine with food.

2005 LA TOSA “Luna Selvatica” Cabernet Sauvignon $40 –VINTAGES Exclusive
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot. ‘Luna Selvatica” is bright ruby red in color with violet hues. Floral aromas of black raspberry, dark chocolate, leather and minerals. Suave and perfumed in the mouth with penetrating currant flavors. Rich, complex, fresh and well-balanced with a long finish. Beautiful!

“LABRUSCA” Lambrusco in Red & White! HIP SIPS OF SUMMER!
Since 1910, the LINI family of Correggio in Emilia Romagna has made traditional Lambrusco, the dry, lightly sparkling red wine. A real Lambrusco is a delightful treat, not syrupy, but refreshing. “Labrusca” is the grape’s ancient name, from where it grew at the edges of the fields. Try these refreshing Lambruscos from Fabio Lini and daughter Alicia at your next summer gathering!
2007 LINI LAMBRUSCO Rosso “Labrusca” $15.99
The Lini family’s “traditional” Lambrusco Rosso, low in alcohol, with bright acidity and loads of fruit, is a perfect pairing for the classic dishes of Emilia like lasagne and tagliatelle bolognese, tortellini in brodo, and the region’s famous cured meats (prosciutto, culatello, etc.) and Parmigiano Reggiano.

2007 LINI LAMBRUSCO Bianco “Labrusca” $15.99
Labrusco Bianco “has a scent of red apples and white grapes,” writes Ray Isle, wine editor of Food & Wine Magazine, “and a racy zestiness that makes it an ideal aperitif wine.” Serve it with Prosciutto, cantalope wedges, and grissini.

Jean-Marc Burgaud is a young Beaujolais winemaker on the rise. Tenacious and diligent, he has great ambitions for his wines, and in Morgon, he has the vineyards to achieve them. The Morgon Cote de Py is his signature wine.
2006 JEAN-MARC BURGAUD MORGON Cote du Py $17.99 Deep blackberry and dark cherry-scented perfume; ripe cherry, blackberry, and spice-filled character. A wine of substantial structure & outstanding length. Can be enjoyed now, but definitely benefits from cellaring. Excellent example of Morgon, superb value!

2006 JEAN-MARC BURGAUD Chateau de Thulon Beaujolais-Villages $11.99 Gamay from 50-year-old vines in an historic 12th c. property. Beautiful violet and strawberry aromas; lighter ruby color, with ripe plum and berry fruit. Terrific mineral undertones lend surprising structure and a smooth, long finish. A perfect summer red!

2007 JEAN-MARC BURGAUD “Rosez!” Beaujolais- Villages Rose $12.99 A truly mouth-thrilling ride through sun-drenched gamay! Crisp & refreshing!