WINE TASTING: CANTINA del PINO, Barbaresco
Old vines, modern wines

FRI. MAY 29, 4:30-7PM, BELMONT
SAT. MAY 30, 1-5pm, WEST CONCORD
VINTAGES is always delighted to present the superb wines of our good friend, RENATO VACCA. Through visits back and forth, and our long-time support of his wines, we have forged a close friendship with Renato as well as a greater understanding of wines and winemaking in Piedmont. During our recent trip to Italy, we enjoyed Renato’s company at numerous dinners, cafes, and a long visit at his cellar in Barbaresco.  If you don’t yet know the excellent wines of Cantina del Pino, we encourage you to take this opportunity!

Renato Vacca, 3rd-generation grower, 1st-generation winemaker. Renato’s family was a long-time member of the Produttori del Barbaresco, the region’s top cooperative producer. In the mid-1990’s Renato and his father, Adriano, left the Produttori to establish their own estate, Cantina del Pino. 1997 was the first vintage bottled by Renato, and he’s never looked back. One of the new generation of producers in Barbaresco, Renato quickly proved to be a very skillful winemaker– certainly the family’s 70- year-old vineyards in the Ovello district offer a favorable advantage. Renato combines tradition with modern techniques to create classic wines, with true varietal character and pure flavors, in a beautifully elegant, age-worthy style. VINTAGES has long been a big fan of Cantina del Pino, as are many of our customers. Please join us Friday or Saturday and find out why!

WINES featured at the tasting Fri. & Sat.

2007 BRUNO GIACOSA Roero Arneis $38
“Bruno Giacosa’s Arneis is a knockout in 2007. This beautiful white reveals gorgeous inner sweetness in its ripe apricots, peaches and flowers. Although the wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation, it comes across as lush and full-bodied, with suggestions of botrytis that linger on the finish. 90 Pts.”"–Wine Advocate

2007 CANTINA del PINO Dolcetto d’Alba $15.99
A beautiful example of Dolcetto from one of the finest terroirs in the world, Barbaresco. Bright garnet-colored to violet-rimmed, with fresh red cherry fruit on the long powdery mineral finish. A perennial best-selling red wine for us that also demonstrates what a tremendous value Dolcetto can be from a great producer.

2006 CANTINA del PINO Langhe Nebbiolo $25
“Nebbiolo delle Langhe” is only required to be 85% nebbiolo and can be made from grapes grown anywhere in the Langhe. In Renato’s case, his Langhe Nebbiolo is 100% grown in Barbaresco from young vines in Ovello, Albesani (Santo Stefano), and Starderi. Extremely fresh and juicy but with fine, gripping tannins that are the hallmark of Nebbiolo from Barbaresco.

2006 CANTINA del PINO Barbera d’Alba $32
Quite simply one of the best examples of Barbera made for any price! Renato’s Barbera is unique in that it is made from 60+ year-old vines growing in one of most storied vineyard sites in Barbaresco, the vineyard of Cassotto in the cru Ovello. Made in an absolutely pure and un-adulterated fashion, this is Barbera at it’s best, ripe dark cherry fruit with beautiful vibrant acidity, and notes of toasty oak.  

2005 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco $49
“The 2005 Barbaresco is a gorgeous, captivating Barbaresco that reveals superb depth in its sweet red cherries, menthol, pine, spices and minerals. The wine is vibrant and poised, with firm tannins that give it a somewhat austere personality. With some time in the glass its perfumed core of sweet fruit emerges, and a few years in bottle should help it come together even more. This is a very pretty Barbaresco from Cantina del Pino. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2023. 92 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2004 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco “Ovello” $65  94 pts!

SPECIAL 20% OFF case orders!
“2004 Barbaresco Ovello ..is an exceptional wine that expresses the pedigree of the vintage in its sweet, expansive personality. Ripe dark fruit, toasted oak and balsamic nuances are all woven together in a powerful, structured style. Ovello is one of the cooler micro-climates in Barbaresco. It should develop beautifully over the following years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. 94 pts.” –Wine Advocate

VINTAGES goes to Piedmont, Italy!
Total Immersion in Barolo & Barbaresco

VINTAGES owners return from ALBA Wine Exhibition in Piedmont, Italy
Eric & Carolyn just returned from a week-long stay in Barolo & Barbaresco as part of the annual ALBA WINE EXHIBITION. This prestigious, invitation-only program offers the opportunity for a comprehensive evaluation of the new releases of Barolo and Barbaresco and other Piedmont wines.

Each morning began with a 2-3 hour tasting of 150+ wines organized by appellation and type. This is not a pick & choose situation; each participant tastes and evaluates every single wine. Informative? You bet. Following that, we made appointments each day with several top wineries in Barolo and Barbaresco; some familiar, some new discoveries. More regional tastings in the afternoon offered access to different wines and vintages. Finally, dinners with — you guessed it - more wine! This week-long program is nothing less than a total immersion in Barolo and Barbaresco and the wine traditions of the Piedmont region. Engaging work, indeed - all with the goal of evaluating and selecting only the very best wines for VINTAGES’ discerning customers!

VINTAGES was the only wine merchant from New England invited to participate in the Alba Wine Exhibition. This tremendous opportunity was earned through our ongoing commitment to– and knowledge of– the wines of Italy’s Piedmont region.

Each week, we will highlight a Piedmont producer we visited during our trip. We invite you to investigate these small-production wines that continue to express the distinctive character of this fascinating region and its indigenous grapes.
THIS WEEK: CANTINA del PINO, Barbaresco

MAS AMIEL ROSE “Le Plaisir”
Just arrived, the 2008 edition of the delightful rose “Le Plaisir” from the historic Mas Amiel property in Roussillon. southern France.  A blend of 70% black grenache, 20% syrah, 10% carignan picked by hand and aged on fine lees in tank  Aromas of fresh and tart red fruit. Wild strawberry flavors; smooth, yet dry finish.

 Sexy aromas of strawberry, raspberry, peach and fresh flowers are expansive and strikingly pure. Light and fresh, displaying exuberant red berry and pit fruit flavors,

VINTAGES CELLAR SELECTIONS
BARBARESCO & CALIFORNIA

VERY LIMITED-EXCEPTIONAL CELLAR SELECTION
BRUNO GIACOSA 2004 Barbaresco Asili Red Label Riserva 98 pts! $390/btl (case price $331.50/btl)
“The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is even more compelling than the Rabaja. It floats on the palate with an ethereal core of sweet fruit that calls to mind a profound Musigny, but with the unmistakable structure of Nebbiolo. The perfumed purity of the fruit carries all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. Made in a soft, seductive style, this remarkable wine is decidedly more approachable and easy to appreciate today than the Rabaja. The Asili should prove more accessible at an earlier age. Bruno Giacosa says his 2004 Asili Riserva will turn out to be just like his 2000 Asili Riserva, the wine he still thinks is the best he’s ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. 98 POINTS.” -Wine Advocate

CELLAR SELECTION: PETER MICHAEL CHARDONNAY & CABERNET BLEND
2007 PETER MICHAEL CHARDONNAY “Belles Cotes” $85  “The 2007 Chardonnay Belle Cote is sensational. An intoxicating nose of lemon blossoms, poached pear, white peach, and crushed stone soars from the glass of this full-bodied wine. It has zesty acidity, great purity, length, and depth, and is certainly a profound example of Chardonnay from hillside vineyards in Knight’s Valley. This wine should drink well for up to a decade. 97 pts.” -Wine Advocate

2006 PETER MICHAEL “Les Pavots” Proprietary Red $195  “The 2006 Les Pavots (a 2,730-case blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) exhibits big notes of chocolate fudge intermixed with dark berry fruit, forest floor, underbrush, and some smoky oak. The wine is full-bodied, with remarkable intensity, low acidity, and a fleshy, opulent mouthfeel. This wine should drink well for 15-20+ years. 96 pts.” -Wine Advocate

NEW ARRIVALS: Jura, Alps, Rhone
wines to fascinate & intrigue

“Good bottles galore come from Italy and France, Spain and other historic Old World wine-producing regions. It’s far more difficult to find inexpensive wines of real interest from the United States.” — Eric Asimov, NY Times

2005 Jacques Puffeney, Arbois Rouge viellles vignes $38 ($85 for 1.5L)
Jacques Puffeney, the great master of the Arbois, has now bottled the ultimate version of his old vines cuvée of Arbois rouge: an old-style field blend of Trousseau, Poulsard, and Pinot Noir from his vineyards in the picturesque village of Montigny-les-Arsures in Arbois.  This is the final vintage of this wine; the time has come for the vineyard to be replanted. But what finer vintage to declare as the last: the exceptional 2005!

Flavors: profound minerality of the Jura on stark display alongside the sweet, grainy tannins and the fruit of the forest underbrush.  Slightly animal, exotic, compelling, the nuances of the Arbois Rouge “Vieilles Vignes” build with every sip. A treasure to savor!

2008 MAISON VEVEY ALBERT Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle Vallee d’Aoste, northern Italy.  Boston price $22; VINTAGES Price $17.99!
This rare Alpine white wine is grown at high altitude in the Mont Blanc area on the French border by brothers Mirko and Mario Vevey, sons of the pioneering founder Albert Vevey. Only 5,000 bottles of this organic white wine from indigenous blanc de morgex are produced annually. Crisp, with alpine floral notes, it’s literally a breath of fresh air! Enjoy as an aperitif or with fish and seafood.

2008 DOM. LA MANARINE Cotes du Rhone Blanc $14.99
Started by Gilles Gasq in April 2001, this “petite” domaine with 9.5 ha is located within the commune of Travaillan. Gilles is a talented young winemaker who has honed his skills working as an assistant to Paul Jeune, the proprietor of Domaine de Monpertuis and Chateau Valcombe. This Cotes du Rhone blanc is a Clairette and Bourblenc blend, very fresh, perfect for summer outings!

NEW ARRIVALS: Spain, Burgundy, Tuscany

2006 ALTESINO “Rosso di Altesino” $17.99 (Brunello di Montalcino) From a top Brunello producer, a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot and Cabernet  aged in steel. This accessible red possesses attractive notes of dark fruit, earthiness and herbs, with excellent length and balance. Taste of Tuscany at a nice price!

WINE TASTING SAT. MAY 9, 12-4:30pm (Concord) & 5-6:30pm (Belmont)

Aldo Vacca, director of the PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO, is presenting the winery’s 2004 Barbaresco single-vineyard Riservas on Saturday, May 9– only at VINTAGES- Adventures in wine. This special opportunity is offered for VINTAGES’ customers, as well as those who are intending to purchase 2004 Barbarescos at the tasting. Aldo will be happy to answer your questions regarding the different cru vineyard characteristics, recommended cellaring, and the Produttori’s winemaking traditions.

WEST CONCORD store: Sat. May 9, 12:00-4:30pm

BELMONT store: Sat. May 9, 5-6:30pm (followed by Barbaresco Wine Dinner @ IL CASALE 7:30pm, $125/person inclusive — space is available; call to reserve 617-484-4560.)

WINES selected for the tasting:

2007 PRODUTTORI Langhe Nebbiolo $22

2005  PRODUTTORI Barbaresco “La Torre” $34

2004 PRODUTTORI del Barbaresco ASILI Riserva $68

2004 PRODUTTORI del Barbaresco MONTEFICO $68

2004 PRODUTTORI del Barbaresco MONTESTEFANO $68

2004 PRODUTTORI del Barbaresco OVELLO $68

2004 PRODUTTORI del Barbaresco PAJE $68

WEST CONCORD WINE TASTING
SAT. MAY 2, 2-6pm: NEW ARRIVALS

Three whites from LOIRE VALLEY:
2007 DOMAINE LUCIEN CROCHET Sancerre $25 #1 in NY TIMES!
This Sancerre from Rosenthal sold out instantly following the recent NY Times review. Get yours before it runs out!  “Our No. 1 [Sancerre was] from Lucien Crochet… and it was our best value. Pungent and distinctive with mineral and grapefruit flavors; great depth and texture.” - Eric Asimov, NY Times, 4/15/09

2007 DOMAINE de REUILLY Sauvignon Blanc $17.99
Another success from Denis Jamain. “Black currant and juniper berry, grapefruit and lime inform the nose. Resinous, zesty, and redolent of juniper and mint on the palate, this finishes with invigorating intensity and lasting, tactile pungency.”- WA

2007 DOMAINE de REUILLY Pinot Gris $17.99 It’s pink, but not a rose. “Pale orange-pink color. Delicate tangerine and redcurrant aromas are complicated by honeysuckle and dusty minerals. Impressively pure and brisk on the palate, with tangy blood orange, red berry and talc flavors. Finishes dry and clean, with excellent clarity and refreshing cut. This is delicious!” —IWC

2005 BELLE PENTE Pinot Noir “Belle Pente” $42 (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
Belle Pente owner BRIAN O’DONNELL stopped by VINTAGES this week with some knock-out Pinot Noir. One taste and you’ll know why we ordered this estate bottling for immediate delivery– a very compelling expression of the Yamhill-Carlton district. “Powerfully-scented bouquet offers kirsch, blackberry, Asian spices, wilted rose and pungent herbs. Sappy dark fruit flavors show palate-staining depth and good mineral bite, picking up dusty tannins on the back end. Balanced, sweet and pure, with admirable energy on the finish.” -IWC.”

2006 CLOS ERASMUS “Laurel” Priorat $50 (Spain)
The “Laurel” cuvee from Daphne Glorian at Clos Erasmus is produced 100% from the Clos Erasmus vineyards (from more recent plantings) and is the result of declassification of Clos Erasmus. The wine is aged for 16 months in one-year oak and bottled without fining or filtration. The blend is 65% Garnacha and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon with tiny yields of 14 hl/ha (about 1 ton an acre).
“Purple-colored it offers up a classic bouquet of smoke, cedar, mineral, black cherry, and black currant. Smooth-textured, rich, and deceptively easy-going, this full-flavored lengthy effort will evolve for 4-6 years but who will want to wait that long?”–Wine Advocate on 2005 Laurel

More seats available… see new menu below!
BARBARESCO WINE DINNER with ALDO VACCA at the newly opened IL CASALE, Belmont on SAT. MAY 9, 7:30pm
BARBARESCO DINNER @ IL CASALE, Belmont, Sat. May 9, $125 all-inclusive
Featuring ALDO VACCA, director, Produttori del Barbaresco

WHEN: Sat, May 9, 7:30pm
WHERE: Il Casale Restaurant,
50 Leonard Street, Belmont Ctr.
WHAT: Five-course meal with 6-8 wines $125/person, all-inclusive
RESERVE: Email or call VINTAGES 617-484-4560

VINTAGES is hosting a BARBARESCO WINE DINNER with ALDO VACCA at chef Dante deMagistris’ new restaurant, IL CASALE! The Produttori is a top producer of Barbaresco, recognized for its traditionally-made, long-aging wines. Mr. Vacca will guide us through a tasting of Nebbiolo and Barbaresco, discussing the impact of vintage and vineyard on these outstanding wines of Italy’s Piedmont region.
Chef Dante deMagistris, chef/owner of dante’s in Cambridge and the newly-opened Il Casale cucina & bar in Belmont, has prepared a mouth-watering menu for our group that will pair beautifully with the nebbiolo wines. A great opportunity to enjoy these superb wines paired with the exquisite “cucina italiana” of chef Dante. Please join us!

VINTAGES Wine Dinner Menu, May 9 @ Il Casale 

Note: This is a recently updated “tasting menu” prepared by chef Dante to pair with the Barbarescos.

BARBARESCO Wine Dinner Menu, Sat. May 9 at Il Casale 

sfizi
chef’s selection of assorted antipasti
~
gnocchi
porcini crema, peas, asparagus, fava beans
~
minestra
slow braised escarole & dandelion greens,
pigs feet, cornmeal “pizza”
~
agnello
wood grilled lamb chops, braised hearty greens,
eggplant sauce
~
bistecca
australian wagu sirloin, funghi trifolata, vincotto
~
panna cotta
strawberries, balsamic, basil

wines
aperitif: 2007 BROGLIA Gavi di Gavi $22 (white)
2007 Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo $22
2005 Produttori del Barbaresco “La Torre” $34
2004 Produttori PAJE Riserva $68
2004 Produttori OVELLO Riserva $68
2004 Produttori MONTEFICO Riserva $68
2001 Produttori RIO SORDO $60

 A credit card is requested to hold the reservation.

 Call VINTAGES to reserve: 617-484-4560

BARBARESCO DINNER @ PREZZA Restaurant, Boston
Mon. May 4, 7pm   $175/person, inclusive
Featuring ALDO VACCA, director, Produttori del Barbaresco

WHEN: Monday, May 4, 7pm
WHERE: Prezza Restaurant, Boston
24 Fleet Street, North End
WHAT: Five-course meal with 6-8 wines $175/person, all-inclusive
RESERVE: Email or call VINTAGES 617-484-4560

ALDO VACCA from the PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO is visiting Boston in May to introduce the 2004 Barbaresco Riservas. At Prezza, Mr. Vacca will guide us through the flights of Barbaresco, discussing the impact of vintage and vineyard on these outstanding, yet often unfamiliar, wines of Piedmont.
Chef Anthony Caturano of PREZZA will create an exquisite menu to complement the nebbiolo wines. Please join us for this delicious and enlightening event!

M E N U

 Antipasti of Prosciutto, Buffalo mozzarella, roasted peppers and olives
 Fried zucchini blossoms over creamy polenta and roasted tomato
 Egg Ravioli with brown butter and sage
 Wild Mushroom risotto
 Rotisserie Rack of Veal with mashed Yukon potatoes and broccoli rabe
Cheese assortment

This dinner will feature wines from the Produttori del Barbaresco.  A credit card is requested to hold the reservation.