Barolo Wine Tasting at VINTAGES!

Posted on January 24, 2012 by admin

BAROLO and more from the ALESSANDRIA estate in Verduno with winemaker Vittore Battista!
Jan. 27, 5-7pm  in Belmont
Jan. 28, 2-5pm in Concord

This historic Barolo estate, located in Verduno, was founded in the early 1800′s and is now managed by the Battista family. Vittore Battista guided us through the family’s 17th c. estate and cellars before pouring their distinctive, outstanding Barolos. The exotic spices, beautiful fruit, elegant tannins, and fine velvety texture of Alessandria wines won us over immediately! Another VINTAGES Exclusive!

2009 ALESSANDRIA Favorita Bianco $19.99
Now is the perfect time to enjoy this local white grape from Piedmont!  Fresh aromas, lush, lip-smacking fruit in the mouth, and powdery minerals on the finish. More oomph than a Pinot Grigio, but just as crisp and refreshing.

2009 ALESSANDRIA Pelaverga Rosso $19.99
This beautiful luminous red from Barolo is light in color but deceptively lush in the mouth, plum and berry fruit with spices and a hint of pepper on the finish.

2006 ALESSANDRIA Barolo “Gramolere” Monforte d’Alba $60
The 2006 vintage is a tremendous one for Barolo. While many young ’06 Barolos are overpowered by tannins at this stage, the Alessandria wines offer sweet, delectable tannins. Loads of blackberry and blueberry fruit tantalize the palate in perfect balance. “Gramolere” offers beautiful fruit aromas and fruit-coated tannins; sweet, yet strong. Truffle, menthol and spices. Cellar if you can; drink it if you just can’t wait! (93 pts. WA)

2006 ALESSANDRIA BAROLO “Monvigliero” $65
“The 2006 Barolo Monvigliero offers up freshly cut flowers, red berries and mint in a rich style that brilliantly reconciles a generous expression of fruit with a firm, classic sense of structure. There is so much to admire in the Monvigliero today, but readers should really set aside a few bottles in the deepest corner of their cellars. The elegance and pedigree are first-rate. This is another fabulous wine from Alessandria. 94+ pts.” –WA

2005 ALESSANDRIA BAROLO “Monvigliero” $65
Bright ruby color; aromas of Asian spices. Ripe, juicy, clear, beautiful fruit! Green apple note on finish. “This is a gorgeous wine from Alessandria. Sweet roses, cherries, flowers and spices linger on the high-toned, ethereal close. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. 92 pts.”-WA

Posted in Barolo - Italy | Comments Off

VINTAGES 12th Anniversary Sale!

Posted on January 19, 2012 by admin

SALE EXTENDED!!

Join us for VINTAGES “Passion for Piedmont” Sale!
20-30% off sale starts FRI. JAN 20 in Concord & Belmont stores.

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE SALE: 20% off by the bottle or 25% off for 24+ bottles!

Piedmont & Tuscany

2009/10 MARISA CUOMO Furore Rosso and Rosato $25/now $19.99!

2006/07 CANTINA del PINO cru Barbarescos $60/ now $48!

2007 ODDERO Barbaresco “Gallina” $55/ now $44!

2007 PRINCIPIANO Barolo “Ravera” $60/ now $48!

2006 ALBINO ROCCA Barbaresco Brich Ronchi $60/ now $48!

2003 CAVALLOTTO Barolo Ris. Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe $85/ now $63.75!

2007 MARCHESI di GRESY Barbaresco “Martinenga” $45/ now $36!

2006 CASTELLO ROMITORIO Brunello di Montalcino $75/ now $56.25!

Northern Rhone & Burgundy

2006 ST. COSME Cote Rotie $80/now $60!

2004 FRANCOIS GAUNOUX Pommard $55/ now $44!

25% off mixed 12 bottles VIETTI & RATTI single vineyard
VIETTI Barolo single-vineyards 25% off 12 btls.
RATTI Barolo 2005 single-vineyards 25% off 12

25% off PODERI COLLA Barbaresco $65; Special $48.75

25% off 6 or more bottles:
2004 ELIO ALTARE Barolo “Arborina” $135; Spec. $101.25 95 pts. (16 btls)
2004 PAOLO SCAVINO Barolo “Cannubi” $135; Spec. $101.25 94 pts.  (9 btls)
2004 PAOLO SCAVINO Barolo “Bric del Fiasc” $135; Spec. $101.25 96 pts. (12 btls.)
2004 DOMENICO CLERICO Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra $110; Spec. $82.50 97 pts. (10 btls)

2004 REVELLO Barolo “Gattera” $56; Spec. $42 93 pts.

25% off 12 bottle cases:
2007 Giuseppe RINALDI Barolo Brunate-Le Coste $125; Spec. $93.75 12-bottle purchase
2004 BARTOLO MASCARELLO Barolo $120; Spec. $90
2004 BRUNO GIACOSA Barbaresco “Santa Stefano” $225; Spec. $168.75
2004 BRUNO GIACOSA Barbaresco “Rabaja” $225; Spec. $168.75

30% off 2004 Marcarini Barolo “Brunate” $65; spec. $45.50

30% off 6-bottle cases:
2001 SORI PAITIN Barbareco Vecchie Vigne $85; Spec. $59.50
2000 ALDO CONTERNO Barolo “Gran Bussia” Reg. $275; spec. $192.50
2001 ALDO CONTERNO Barolo “Gran Bussia” Reg. $295; spec. $206.50
1998 PAOLO SCAVINO Barolo Rocche delle Annunziata $200; Spec. $140

MORE ON SALE FROM ITALY’S NEIGHBOR, FRANCE!

2008 BURGUNDY: 20% off 1-11 bottles, 12+ bottles 25% off
2008 Dom. Lignier $75-$245; Spec. $60-$196
2008 Dom. Fourrier $58-$160; Spec. $46.60-$128
2008 Comtes de Vogue $120-$195; Spec. $96-$156
2008 Georges Mugneret-Gibourg $225; Spec. $180 or $168.75

20% off Chateauneuf du Pape:

20% off 2008 Pierre USSEGLIO Chateauneuf du Pape $45; Spec. $36
20% off 2009 CLOS du MONT OLIVET Chateauneuf du Pape “Cuvee Papet” $70; Spec. $56

PLEASE NOTE: ALL SALES ARE FINAL. First-come, first-served. Sale limited to stock in-stores. No holding or layaway. VINTAGES reserves the right to determine which items are included in the sale.

Posted in Barbaresco - Italy, Barolo - Italy, France- Rhone Valley, Italy-Piedmont | Tagged , , | Comments Off

Galloni’s Broken Record: Plugging Piedmont

Posted on January 5, 2012 by admin

“I continue to believe there has never been a better time to build a cellar of the best Piedmont has to offer. The seven vintages spanning 2004 to 2010 are full of excellent to potentially profound Baroli of all types. Today Barolo, and Barbaresco, are largely bought by a small group of loyal drinkers who recognize the inherent quality and value these wines deliver. That is slowly starting to change as a broader range of consumers taste the wines. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, there is no region in the world that can compete with Piedmont when it comes to delivering world class, cellar worthy reds across virtually all price ranges. Just take a moment to consider what $40, $50, $75 or $100 and above buys you across the world. It seems pretty obvious that the likelihood is high that prices will escalate over the coming years. Now is the time to buy the wines and put them away. Even with a weak dollar, today’s prices will look like a steal in 5-10 years’ time. — Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate (Feb. 2011)

Posted in Barbaresco - Italy, Barolo - Italy | Tagged , | Comments Off

2012: Resolve to Drink Better Wine!

Posted on January 3, 2012 by admin

WINE RESOLUTION: Enjoy Better Wine, while Saving Time & Money
The most delicious resolutions you’ll ever follow

1. Buy in quantity.

The easiest and smartest way to improve your wine enjoyment is to buy in quantity. Just six bottles earns you an easy 10% off; a case of 12 nets you 15% off! Buying wine by the bunch lets you mix and match type and price, so you can try different wines for different occasions. You’ll save money, and you’ll have something on hand when you need it.

2. Get out of your wine rut–Explore!

Resolve to branch out and explore something new– try a different region or a new grape. Let the crackerjack staff at VINTAGES ease you into some new selections – or shake up your palate if that’s what you’re after.  Just mention how or when you drink wine; some wines are brilliant with a meal, but aren’t the best for stand-alone sipping. Our wine consultant will make just the right recommendation.

3. Follow your favorite wines every vintage!

One of the best and most enjoyable ways to learn what good, authentic wine is all about – find some favorites and buy them EVERY YEAR! By drinking wine from the same producer every year, you will gain a greater appreciation of “terroir” –how a particular place and the unfolding drama of the growing season affect the wine’s character. A few guidelines: first, choose a quality producer–someone who goes the extra mile in both vineyard and cellar to make the best possible wine with whatever nature gives them. Next, choose a region that experiences vintage variation and producers that are not afraid to show it: best bets are the traditional regions of France, Italy, and cooler climates in Oregon and northern California.

Don’t be dissuaded by a less than great vintage –have the confidence of your convictions and buy your favorites year in and year out. If you’ve selected skilled, artisan winemakers with good land, you will have enjoyable wine EVERY year.  Your superior wine savvy will win friends and influence people—trust your palate more than points.

The logical corollary to the resolutions above. If you begin to buy wine in quantity, and you’re diversifying your selections, and purchasing a case of your favorite wines (a couple selections per season is a good idea), then a place to keep the wine in some kind of order makes a lot of sense. Start small; a corner or closet with cool, consistent temperature is ideal. Short of that, consistent temperature is better than swings of hot and cold. (The top of your fridge is not a good place!) Making selections from your own cellar is very satisfying — and you can keep your favorites maturing for 3, 5, 10 years or more and dip in from time to time to see how they’re doing. It’s well worth any amount of effort and you’re on your way to being your own cellar master!

Posted in Wine Advice | Tagged , , | Comments Off

2004 Barolo Monfortino: Simply Magnificent!

Posted on December 7, 2011 by admin

2004 MONFORTINO: Off-the-scale!

Robert Parker’s wine rating scale yet again demonstrates its limitations by awarding Monfortino “only” 100 points.Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino A prime example of the limitations of point scales is the 100-point rating awarded to the 2004 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva: is it enough? If one of the best winemakers in the world continues to improve every vintage, how will future wines be scored??
Anyone who knows us also knows we don’t give a hoot about scores and reviews. We just make sure that all the excellent wines on our shelves are rubbing shoulders with bottles that are equally great.

A bit of background: The Giacomo Conterno winery was established in 1908 by Giovanni Conterno. He and his son Giacomo made the first Barolo Monfortino in 1920, intended to be a long-aging, powerful Barolo. Giacomo continued the winery, using nebbiolo purchased from top Serralunga farmers. In 1969, Giacomo’s sons, Aldo and Giovanni, divided the estate, with Giovanni keeping the Giacomo Conterno name and family winemaking traditions. With the purchase of the Cascina Francia vineyards in 1974, the Conternos achieved their goal of 100% estate-grown fruit.  Roberto Conterno continues the family legacy, and like his father, has proven himself a brilliant winemaker.

VINTAGES is honored be able to offer these magnificent wines to our customers. Following are reviews of the three new Giacomo Conterno releases. To order, select one of the four packages: Magnificent Mixed Case or Six Pack; Conterno Collector’s Barolo Case or Six Pack.   Just call Eric Broege at 978-369-2545 or email eric@vintagesonline.com to purchase.

2004 GIACOMO CONTERNO Barolo Monfortino Riserva $585   100 pts.
“The 2004 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is drop-dead gorgeous. I have tasted the wine multiple times from barrel and three times from bottle and never been anything less than blown away. The 2004 is a subtle, layered Monfortino that captures the sheer elegance and finesse of this great vintage. It is sweet, perfumed, silky and utterly mind-blowing. From barrel it has always been a 100 point wine, but it has just been bottled and naturally a bit closed in on itself. Still, with some time in the glass its silky, perfumed fruit and dazzling class come to life. The 2004 is remarkably harmonious for such a young wine.
Kudos to Roberto Conterno and his team for this magnificent, thrilling Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2044. 100 pts.” – Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate

2007 GIACOMO CONTERNO Barolo Cascina Francia $125 96+ pts.
Roberto Conterno decided not to bottle Monfortino in 2007. “The result is a Cascina Francia that is unusually dark, rich and powerful. The floral, herbal notes that are typical in young Cascina Francia have been replaced by deeper notes of tar, smoke and licorice to match the layers of intense dark fruit. The 2007 is powerful and imposing from start to finish. It is going to be a fascinating Barolo to follow over the coming years and decades. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037. 96 pts.” — Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate

2009 GIACOMO CONTERNO Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia $50 93 pts.
“Dazzles with its combination of expressive, generous fruit and insistent minerality. Sweet herbs, roses, spices, anise, licorice and leather add complexity to a core of radiant fruit. This is a regal, aristocratic Barbera of the highest level. Drink 2012-2029. 93 pts.” –A. Galloni, WA

GIACOMO CONTERNO 2004 Barolo Monfortino Packages
Prices in ( ) are the discounted price for that package.

Giacomo Conterno Barolo and Barbera1. Magnificent Mixed Case: 4 bottles of each
2004 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva $585 ($497.25) 100 pts.
2007 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia $125 ($106.25) 96+ pts.
2009 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia $50 ($42.50) 93 pts.
12 bottles = $2,584

2. Stellar Six Pack: 2 bottles each
2004 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva $585 ($526.50)
2007 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia $125 ($112.50)
2009 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia $50 ($45)
6 bottles = $1,368

3. Conterno Collector’s Barolo Case — 6 bottles each
2007 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva $585 ($497.25)
2004 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia $125 ($106.25)
12 bottles = $3,621

4. Conterno Collector’s Barolo Six pack – 3 bottles each
Giacomo Conterno Barolo Duo2007 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva $585 ($526.50)
2004 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia $125 ($112.50)
6 bottles = $1,917

Call Eric at 978-369-2545 or email eric@vintagesonline.com.

Posted in Barolo - Italy | Tagged , | Comments Off

2007 Barolo & Barbaresco: View from the Top

Posted on November 13, 2011 by admin

There is nothing we love more than sharing our passion for Piedmont wines with our adventurous customers!

renato vacca head shot
Renato Vacca

Renato Vacca, CANTINA del PINO, Barbaresco

“Every wine from this small cellar in the center of Barbaresco is fabulous. I can’t say enough good things about Cantina del Pino. I never turn down a chance to drink these wines, as they are exceptional.” –Antonio Galloni, WA

We couldn’t agree more… how many different ways over the past 11 years have we emphasized how great, and what a tremendous value, are these wines from Renato?

In some ways, we feel that Cantina del Pino and VINTAGES have grown up together. We were first introduced to Renato Vacca and Cantina del Pino in 2001 by his importer Ideal Wine. This was the first vintage for Renato and his father Adriano (1997) after the decision to strike out on their own and leave the famous co-operative Produttori del Barbaresco. Since then, VINTAGES has purchased and sold every single vintage Renato has made, and his wines are so omnipresent in our stores, we fear our customers may possibly take them for granted. We hope not — we have been rooting for Renato’s success all along as a small winery of humble means that has approached, and in some cases surpassed, the quality of the most storied cellars in the entire Barbaresco region. And all along Renato has maintained a down-to-earth, self-deprecating, hyper-modest, as well as funny personality.

VINTAGES is proud to offer the 2007 Barbarescos of Cantina del Pino, the eleventh vintage in a meteoric rise to the upper echelons of Barbaresco hierarchy.

2007 CANTINA del PINO BARBARESCO “Albesani” $60 -95 pts.

The third vintage of the “Albesani” vineyard from Renato Vacca. “The 2007 Barbaresco Albesani is a big wine that captures the essence of this south-facing site in Neive. Despite its size, the Albesani shows remarkable polish and depth. Black cherries, menthol, licorice and mint are some of the nuances that are woven together in this intense, sensual Barbaresco. All of the elements come together beautifully. I can only wonder why there aren’t more wines like this being made in Barbaresco today. This is simply dazzling juice. 95 pts.” –WA

2007 CANTINA del PINO BARBARESCO “Ovello” $60 -93+ pts.

“The 2007 Barbaresco Ovello is another huge wine. It is quite powerful at first, but then finds its typical focus through the mid-palate and into the finish. Ovello is one of the coolest sites in Barbaresco, and that austerity comes through, even in 2007. Still the wine possesses terrific depth and sheer volume in its expressive dark red fruit, flowers and mint. There is every reason to believe the Ovello will turn out to be even better than this note suggests. 93+ pts.” –WA

Alex Sanchez, BROVIA, Barolo

brovia alex sanchez vines
Alex Sanchez

The new generation at Fratelli BROVIA carries the torch of a long and distinguished wine tradition (est. 1863). Giacinto Brovia’s daughters Cristina and Elena, and Elena’s husband Alex Sanchez continue the  traditions established by their father, while continuing to improve and differentiate the Barolos & Barberas that are part of their heritage. Blessed with superior vineyards in Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d’Alba, Brovia takes inspiration from these tremendous assets to achieve even greater expressions of nebbiolo and barbera. Kudos to the keepers of the flame!

2007 BROVIA Barolo “Garblet Sue” $70 -95 pts.
“The 2007 Barolo Garblet Sue’ is another stunning wine. Smoke, tar, iron, roses and dark red fruit are woven together in a muscular, virile style that is striking. The finish shows fabulous intensity, drive and focus, virtually covering the tannins. It is simply dazzling. 95 pts.” –WA
2007 BROVIA Barolo “Villero” $82 -95 pts.
The 2007 Barolo Villero reveals tons of detail in its layers of sweet, mentholated fruit. Spices, licorice and myriad of other balsamic notes flow effortlessly; …a hugely promising wine. 95 pts.” –WA
2008 BROVIA Barbera d’Alba “Brea” $33
Made from the vineyard that is home to the famous “Ca’Mia” Barolo. Luscious, classy Barbera — truly one of the most coddled, pedigreed Barberas you’ll ever find!
FERDINANDO PRINCIPIANO, Monforte, Barolo

principiano photo
Ferdi Principiano

While Ferdinando Principiano continues to experiment with his great “Boscareto” vineyard in Serralunga, he has started making a fabulous Barolo from 70-year-old vines in the “Ravera” vineyard in Monforte d’Alba. This is a classic Monforte Barolo with deep blackberry fruit, deep, commanding tannins and a long, fine mineral finish. Ferdinando is another highly talented winemaker who in recent years has been more of an artist searching for meaning in his craft, and trying to create something distinctively his own in a wine region almost suffocatingly cloaked in tradition. Ferdinando is a free spirit who was courageous enough to take everything he knew and throw it on the scrap heap, and then start anew. Ferdi is one of the most commendable ‘New Generation’ Barolo makers who is not only running a business and creating a product, but who is searching for meaning in an agricultural endeavor, that in some cases borders on artistic expression. We salute Ferdinando Principiano as well as offer his new 2007 Barolo ‘Ravera’ exclusively at VINTAGES, Belmont and Concord.

2007 PRINCIPIANO Barolo “Ravera” $60
93 pts. VINTAGES EXCLUSIVE

“The 2007 Barolo Ravera is sweet, open and totally inviting. It shows gorgeous radiance in its expressive dark fruit. Hints of mocha, espresso, spices and licorice develop in the glass. Sweet floral notes add complexity on the nuanced  finish. This is another impressive showing from Principiano. 93 pts.” — WA
MARCHESI di GRESY, Barbaresco

As a young man just out of university, Alberto di Gresy began vinifying and bottling his own wines in 1973 from his family’s estatemarchesi gresy land

fruit in the Barbaresco zone.

Recognized since Roman times, the 11-hectare Martinenga is considered to be one of the greatest vineyards dedicated to the production of Barbaresco. With ideal southern exposure and the particular composition of the soil (blue marl), the pristine nebbiolo fruit is transformed into a Barbaresco of undeniable pedigree and finesse. “Martinenga” is the estate’s flagship wine, and is one of the benchmarks of Barbaresco.

2007 MARCHESI di GRESY Barbaresco “Martinenga” $45 -92 pts.

“The 2007 Barbaresco Martinenga emerges from the glass with a delicate expression of fruit that in essence defines the house style. The 2007 is a wonderfully open, expressive Martinenga laced with ripe red berries, flowers and spices, all of which come together on a weightless frame of notable class. This is a fabulous effort from Marchesi di Gresy. 92 pts.” -WA

Posted in Barbaresco - Italy, Barolo - Italy | Tagged , | Leave a comment