Fra. ALESSANDRIA Barolo

“One of the Top Ten ‘Under the Radar’ wineries in Piedmont”– A. Galloni

2006 ALESSANDRIA Barolo “Gramolere” Monforte d’Alba $60

The 2006 vintage is a tremendous one for Barolo and Barbaresco. While many young 06 Barolos are overpowered by tannins at this stage, the Alessandria wines offer sweet, fruity, delectable tannins. Loads of blackberry and blueberry fruit tantalize the tongue in perfect balance. “Gramolere” offers beautiful fruit aromas and fruit-coated tannins; sweet, yet strong. Powerfully pure fruit and notable underlying minerality. Cellar if you can; drink it if you just can’t wait (we won’t tell)!

2009 ALESSANDRIA Favorita Bianco $19.99

This refreshing Favorita snuck into the stores while many of you were away. 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

The sleeper hit of the season! This chillable red is light in color but deceptively lush in the mouth, plum and berry fruit with spices and a hint of pepper on the finish. Truly one of the delights of summer!

Maria Theresa Mascarello

PIEDMONT TASTING TRIP:

2005 BARTOLO MASCARELLO Barolo

PRE-ARRIVAL SPECIAL PURCHASE

It was love at first sip. Our visit to the BARTOLO MASCARELLO winery in Barolo was a highlight among many during the “nebbiolo prima” invitational tasting in Alba, Italy attended by VINTAGES’ Carolyn & Eric. The legacy and legend of Bartolo, the icon of ultra-traditionalists, lives on; even so, the wines are even more alluring and expressive under the guiding hand of daughter Maria Theresa. There is a purity, a nuanced expression, a clarity of fruit and supple elegance that make these Barolos very memorable and enticing — we are thrilled to share them with you!

“Bartolo Mascarello remains an important domaine for hand-made artisan wines that reflect the best of the traditional style of winemaking in Piedmont. Maria Theresa Mascarello makes her Barolo pretty much just as her father did. The grapes are sourced from estate-owned vineyards in Barolo and La Morra. Since 1995 Mascarello has bottled her Barolo after 2.5 years in oak rather than 3 years plus. Not much else has visibly changed at this tiny, venerable property, but today the wines are purer, cleaner and more consistent than they have ever been. Barolos I tasted from cask were all strikingly beautiful in their transparency and expressiveness. Mascarello devotees have much to look forward to in coming years.” -A. Galloni, WA

Special Pre-Arrival Purchase: Mascarello Barolo

2005 BARTOLO MASCARELLO Barolo $120 Special 20% off case purchase  ($96/bottle)  94 pts. “Mascarello’s 2005 Barolo offers lovely density and richness. Gorgeous aromas of crushed flowers, raspberries and sweet spices emerge from this medium-bodied yet deep Barolo. With time in the glass, the wine’s inner perfume becomes increasingly captivating. Today the tannins remain rather firm, but all this beautifully sculpted wine needs is a few years in the cellar. This is a commendable effort from Maria Theresa Mascarello. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. 94 pts.”–WA

2004 BARTOLO MASCARELLO Barolo $120 (special 20% off case purchase) ($96/bottle) 95 pts.
‘”2004 is the first normal vintage I can remember in a while,” says Maria Theresa Mascarello. “We were finished with our Nebbiolo harvest on the 12th of October.” Her pure, finessed 2004 Barolo offers a compelling array of perfumed violets, dark cherries and baking spices with superb clarity and delineation. A weightless, ethereal Barolo, it reveals notable freshness and supple tannins on the long, finessed finish. Although I have tasted this wine many times from cask, I first encountered it from bottle at a blind tasting where it was immediately recognizable for its style, purity and class. This is the best young Barolo I have tasted here in many a year. Fans of traditional Barolo won’t want to miss this superb effort. 95 pts.”–WA

In-stock now!
2006 BARTOLO MASCARELLO Barbera d’Alba “Vigna San Lorenzo” $48 From the estate’s San Lorenzo vineyard. It’s incredibly delicious, a wine you need to savor every drop. Ultra-fine, elegant pure and supple.

Gianluca Grasso

NEW ARRIVAL:

2006 ELIO GRASSO BAROLO, Monforte d’Alba, Piedmont

“I was deeply impressed with the Barolos I tasted this year from Elio and Gianluca Grasso. This is an important vintage for the

Grasso family, and readers will want to get their hands on these exceptionally pure, beautiful wines before they disappear.” – Antonio Galloni, WA

NOTE: All Elio Grasso wines are fully discountable 10% off 6-11; 15% off 12.

2006 ELIO GRASSO Barolo Gavarini- ‘Vigna Chiniera’ $81 WA-95 pts.
“Grasso’s 2006 Barolo Gavarini Vigna Chiniera is laced with racy, perfumed red fruit, flowers and minerals. The wine gains weight and depth in the glass as its energy and vibrancy take center stage. This is a supremely beautiful Barolo where expressive aromatics, generous fruit and silky tannins come together with unusual grace and elegance. Sweet, floral notes add a sense of lift on the finish. The 2006 is the best Gavarini since the 1989, and who knows if one day it might not match that legendary Barolo. Readers won’t want to miss the sublime 2006 Gavarini Vigna Chiniera. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. 95 pts.” –WA

2006 ELIO GRASSO Barolo Ginestra- ‘Vigna Casa Mate’ $81 WA-96 pts.
“The 2006 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate is simply marvelous. Sweet, balsamic and layered, this powerful Barolo covers the palate with endless dimensions to its fruit, showing exceptional richness and density. The wine continues to blossom beautifully in the glass with myriad expressions of dark, perfumed fruit that are hard to fully capture with words. This is class personified, but the tannins will require a measure of patience. Still, it is impossible to miss the wine’s pedigree and significant potential. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. 96 pts.” –WA

2004 ELIO GRASSO Barolo ‘Runcot’ Riserva $134 WA-96 pts.
“The 2004 Barolo Riserva Runcot offers up an intriguing array of licorice, tobacco, spices, plums and prunes. The purity of the fruit here is beyond striking, and the wine shows great intensity as well as superb overall balance. The Runcot saw 45 days of maceration on the skins and spent 36 months in 100% new French oak, all of which it has absorbed with impeccable elegance. I imagine the 2004 Runcot will continue to gain weight in bottle, but even if it doesn’t, it is pretty special today. What a beautiful wine! Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. 96 pts.”–WA

About ELIO GRASSO:
Grasso farms three vineyards in Monforte, Barolo: Ginestra, Gavarini and Runcot, all of which have their own unique qualities. Harvest times can vary as much as 7-10 days from parcel to parcel. The Barolos are fermented using the traditional submerged cap method and see a full month of maceration on the skins. Malolactic fermentation is done in steel, and the wines are subsequently aged in large cask.ELIO

NEW! VINTAGES EXCLUSIVE!
WINE TASTING:
BAROLO from Fratelli ALESSANDRIA
Another outstanding Barolo find from Verduno!
WINE TASTING FRI. & SAT. MAR. 19 & 20

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of new BAROLOs from Fratelli Alessandria — a VINTAGES exclusive! VINTAGES’ Carolyn & Eric visited the cellar of Barolo producer FRATELLI ALESSANDRIA last May during the Alba Wine Exhibition. This historic Barolo estate, located in Verduno, was founded in the early 1800’s and is now managed by the Battista family. Son Vittore Battista guided us through the family’s 17th c. estate and cellars before presenting their distinctive, outstanding Barolos and lovely aromatic red wine from the indigenous Pelaverga grape. The exotic spices, beautiful

fruit, elegant tannins, and fine velvety texture of Alessandria wines won us over immediately! Since Alessandria had no MA importer, we arranged to bring the wines in — they are finally here– exclusively for VINTAGES customers! Please join us for the tastings on March 19 & 20.

“This is another set of compelling wines from Fratelli Alessandria. In fact, I can’t think of another producer making Barolos at this level that still sell for such reasonable prices.” — Antonio Galloni, WA

All Alessandria Barolos are made the same way, showcasing the character of the individual vineyard. Barolos are aged three years in large wood “botti.” Wines from Verduno are known for their exotic spicy aromas and elegant, fine-grained tannins.

2005 ALESSANDRIA BAROLO DOCG $50
“The 2005 Barolo is an absolutely beautiful wine that flows onto the palate with delicate layers of red fruit, spices, flowers, minerals and spices, all of which come together in a very attractive, classic style. 91 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

2005 ALESSANDRIA BAROLO “San Lorenzo” $65
Made from 25 year old vines. Deep, dark red berries, cinnamon and asian spices, sweet, ripe tannins.
“2005 Barolo San Lorenzo is a rich, expansive Barolo that literally explodes from the glass with masses of dark fruit. Tar, smoke, licorice, leather and subtle French oak develop in the glass, adding further complexity. 93+ pts.”–WA

2008 ALESSANDRIA Pelaverga $19.99
Native red grape grown only in the Verduno area. Juicy pomegranate and plums with notes of licorice and white pepper. Light ruby color. Delicious with antipasti and salumi.

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:

2005 VIETTI Barbaresco “Masseria” $90/btl (15% off six-pack = $76.50) 94 pts.
100% nebbiolo harvested from 40-year-old vines in the cru Masseria, located in Neive. The malolactic is done in barrique followed by 24 mos in Slovenian oak casks. Bottled unfiltered.
“I remember being blown away by the 2005 Barbaresco Masseria when I tasted it from barrel late in 2007. Now that the wine is in bottle it is every bit as impressive as my early tastings suggested. This is a Barbaresco that veers into Barolo territory in its scale, massive concentration and sheer opulence of fruit. An intense, super-ripe Barbaresco, it continues to improve in the glass, as its core of dark fruit gradually emerges from a wall of tannins. The wine shows utterly amazing integrity in its fruit and phenomenal balance, although patience is warranted. Vietti has produced yet another gem in the 2005 Barbaresco Masseria. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. 94 pts.”–WA

2005 VIETTI Barolo “Brunate” $100/bottle (15% off six-pack = $85) 94 pts.
100% nebbiolo from the famous “Brunate” cru in La Morra. “A brooding, mysterious wine that possesses a level of sheer concentration and richness that is exceedingly rare in this vintage. It is also an incredibly primary, full-bodied Barolo that will require significant patience, but all of the signature Brunate notes are in the glass, and this Barolo should develop into a splendid wine over the coming years. This is another awesome effort from Vietti. 94 pts.” –WA

2005 VIETTI BAROLO “Rocche” $100/bottle (15% off six-pack = $85) 95 pts.

One of VIETTI’s most traditional wines, “Rocche” in Castiglione Falletto is made from extremely low-yields, and aged 36 mos., most of that in Slavonian oak. “The wine reveals spectacular richness and clarity as layers of sweet perfumed fruit, menthol and spices emerge from the glass. The Rocche is an especially complex, multi-dimensional wine with tons of fruit and simply incredible balance. While this is easily one of the finest Barolos in 2005, the wine also appears to need at least a few years of bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2035. 95 pts.”

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

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.” 

Mauro Mascarello is one of the most fascinating personalities in Piedmont. He is also arguably the longest-tenured active winemaker in the Langhe, having been directly responsible for all aspects of production at his family’s estate since 1970.  Mascarello was an internationally-renowned producer decades before today’s big names were even making wines under their own labels. Twenty years ago, Mascarello’s signature Barolo Monprivato was one of the most expensive Barolos on the market. Then the new-age style became dominant during the 1990s and the estate languished in perception, but not quality. In recent times Mascarello has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity which is long overdue. Prices have gone up, but the Barolo Monprivato in particular remains a steal relative to other world-class wines. Monprivato is one of the handful of Italian wines than can hold its own with the best being made anywhere in the world.

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.

“Through careful vineyard management, low yields, and respect for the organic balance of the vines, Valter Fissore and Nadia Cogno rigorously cultivate native grape varietals: nebbiolo, barbera, dolcetto, and nascetta. Cogno wines seek to transmit emotions, to be remembered. They cheer the soul of anyone who tastes them with passion and sincerity.”

VINTAGES features a rotating selection of ELVIO COGNO wines, including:

2007 COGNO ANAS-CETTA $28

2007 COGNO DOLCETTO d’ALBA $19.99

2005 COGNO “MONTEGRILLI” $30 (Barbera/Nebbiolo blend)

2004 COGNO BAROLO $48

2000 COGNO BAROLO “RAVERA” $78

2004 COGNO BAROLO “RAVERA” $75

2001 COGNO BAROLO “Vigna Elena” $85

2003 COGNO BAROLO “Vigna Elena” $95