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!

“HIP SIPS OF SUMMER” wine tasting
Fri. June 26, 4-7pm: West Concord
Sat. June 27, 2-6pm: Belmont

white

2008 DOMAINE MASSIAC V.D.P. Viognier $14.99 (Minervois, southern France)
Dom. Massiac is owned by Bernard & France Boudovresques in the heart of Minervois.  Their exceptional Viognier has none of the heaviness or overly ripe fruit that characterizes many southern whites. The Massiac Viognier offers beautiful balance, refreshing acidity, and minerality in a lush package. Refined and elegant white for an unbeatable pWhiterice! Look for this wine on the list at Craigie on Main.

2008 PERTICAIA Trebbiano Spoletino-Montefalco Bianco $22 (Vintages Exclusive)
New! White wine from Guido Guardigli at PERTICAIA in Umbria!  100% Trebbiano Spoletino grape, a variety rarely grown these days. If you’re looking for an alternative to chardonnay or just enjoy full-bodied whites, Perticaia Bianco is loaded with fresh tropical fruit, green papaya, a hint of spice, yet finishes dry. Highly recommended.

Rose
2008 HENRI BOURGEOIS Petit Bourgeois Rose de Pinot Noir $14.99 (Loire Valley)
Henri Bourgeios is known for their elegant, racy Sancerre and Sauvignon Blanc whites from their domaine in Chavignol.  A lovely deep salmon color, their Pinot Noir Rose offers delicate aromas and crisp, berry fruit that finishes dry and racy. A delight of summer!

2008 CATALDI MADONNA Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo $19.99 )– Vintages Exclusive!
(Highest-rated Italian Rose, Robert Parker) “The 2008 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cerasuolo from Cataldi Madonna is one of the more overt, fruit-driven rosés of the vintage. Medium in body, the wine possesses gorgeous depth and richness, with a long, polished close. This relatively intense rosé should pair beautifully with a wide range of foods. The “pluot” fruit flavors and lush palate had us vying for the last drop!

Red
2007 CLOS CHANTEDUC Cotes du Rhone $14.99 (Patricia Wells’ vineyard)
“The 2007 Cotes du Rhone is their finest effort to date. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre exhibits classic Provencal characteristics of garrigue, fresh ground pepper, kirsch liqueur, licorice, and spice. This complex wine smells like the essence of an open-air market in her beloved town of Vaison-La-Romaine. Already delicious, it should continue to drink well for 5-6 years.”–Wine Advocate
Clos Chanteduc is owned by the renowned American food critic and writer, Patricia Wells. It’s also her home & cooking school in Provence. Patricia & her husband recently hired Yves Gras of Gigondas to make the wines.

2007 ELVIO COGNO Dolcetto d’Alba “Vigna del Mandorlo” $19.99
Dolcetto is great for summer, when you want a red that’s flavorful but not heavy. “Cogno’s 2007 Dolcetto d’Alba offers compelling balance in its fresh bouquet and ripe dark fruit. The wine possesses a long, clean finish, not to mention terrific balance. This reliably excellent Dolcetto also happens to be a great value.” -Wine Advocate

BAROLO WINE TASTING with Valter Fissore, owner/winemaker of the ELVIO COGNO estate in Novello, Barolo. We are thrilled to have VALTER FISSORE of ELVIO COGNO winery presenting his superb range of wines on Sat. June 13 at our Belmont store. Valter is a rising star in Barolo, creating wines true to the land with a classic character and feel; rich, elegant, and memorable. Valter and his wife Nadia have a beautiful 17th c. estate in the village of Novello with spectacular views overlooking the vineyards of Monforte and Barolo.
“Cogno remains an under-the-radar source for delicious wines. This is an impressive line-up from top to bottom.” –WA

WINES featured at the TASTING June 13, Belmont:

2007 COGNO Anas-cetta Bianco $28
“The Anas-Cetta is often one of Piedmont’s finest whites, as it is again in 2007. Fresh, perfumed aromatics lead to sensations of mint, ripe peaches and apricots. This rich, soft-textured white offers excellent length and plenty of style. Simply put, it is a joy to taste.” –WA

2007 COGNO Dolcetto d’Alba $19.99
“Cogno’s 2007 Dolcetto d’Alba is made in a firm, sturdy style yet it offers compelling balance in its fresh bouquet and ripe dark fruit. The wine possesses a long, clean finish, not to mention terrific balance. This reliably excellent Dolcetto also happens to be a great value.“–WA

2006 COGNO Barbera d’Alba “Bricco dei Merli” $25 (special order only) “The 2006 Barbera d’Alba Bricco dei Merli is another super-refined effort. This is a Barbera of notable pedigree, with layers of dark fruit, licorice, tar and toasted oak that emerge from the glass. The Barbera spent 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% of which were new.”–WA

2005 COGNO “Montegrilli” Langhe Rosso $30
“The 2005 Montegrilli (50% Nebbiolo, 50% Barbera) shows off the style of this vintage in its perfumed aromatics and delicate, well-articulated small red fruits and toasted oak. It is a delicate wine with plenty of nuance and a long, refreshing finish. The Montegrilli spent 12 months in oak, 40% of which was new.” –WA

2004 COGNO Barolo DOCG $48
“Cogno’s 2004 Barolo is particularly beautiful in this vintage. Sweet, ripe tannins frame a core of perfumed red cherries, flowers, spices, smoke and earthiness as this soft-textured, feminine Barolo opens up un the glass. The wine offers terrific persistence as well as harmony.” –WA

2004 COGNO Barolo “Ravera” $75 (est.) “Three Glasses” winner!
“The 2004 Barolo Ravera is another beautiful effort. Ravera is a vineyard that typically yields wines with a firm tannic spine, yet this Barolo has plenty of fruit to provide an engaging counterpoint. Dark cherries, plums, tar and smoke all come to life as this elegant, medium-bodied Barolo struts its stuff. The Barolo Ravera is aged for a year in French oak (40% new) followed by a second year in cask. 91 pts.”–WA

2003 COGNO Barolo “Vigna Elena” $95 
“The 2003 Barolo Vigna Elena is the estate’s top bottling. This late-release Barolo spends 36 mos. in cask. It is a big, rich wine endowed with notable volume and depth in its black cherries, earthiness, minerals and tar. There is more than enough plumpness in the fruit to stand up to the tannins. This is a wine of notable harmony, not to mention a highly successful 2003. 93 pts.”–WA

BAROLO WINE TASTING & DINNER with PIETRO RATTI, June 11

WINE TASTING: 5:30-7pm, Belmont shop
WINE DINNER: 7:30pm, Il Casale restaurant (sold out)

Friend and winemaker PIETRO RATTI has been upholding and extending the great wine traditions of his family’s prestigious estate, RENATO RATTI, in the La Morra region of Barolo for more than 20 years. He has a superb line-up of wines from excellent vintages– we are thrilled to host Pietro during his visit to the Boston area on June 11. A great opportunity to meet Pietro Ratti, taste his beautiful wines, and take home your favorites!

WINES featured at the TASTING June 11, Belmont:
2007 Renato Ratti Dolcetto d’Alba “Colombe” $15.99
A limestone ridge, 550 m high with optimal exposure, cradles the Colombè vineyard. The resulting wine is a Dolcetto both fruity and intense with a pleasant rusticity typical of the wines of Mango.

2007 Renato Ratti Barbera d’Alba “Torriglione” $19.99  Rich in body and in color, warm and robust, pleasantly tart when young, a wine suitable to aging. The particular soils of La Morra yield to it a measured acidity along with superb elegance.

2006 Renato Ratti Nebbiolo d’Alba “Ochetti” $19.99
Class and vivacity are the distinguishing characteristics of a Nebbiolo d’Alba. An ancient wine from the Roero District,  it was already a regular fixture at the Royal Savoia Cellars in the early 17th Century.

2004 Renato Ratti Barolo “Marcenasco” $60
“Perfumed aromas of raspberry, marzipan, flowers and truffley underbrush. Suave, dry and firmly built, combining lovely sweetness and very good inner-mouth energy. Finishes long and shapely, with a suggestion of exotic fruits and tannins. 90 pts.” –IWA

2004 Renato Ratti Barolo “Conca” (Available in 1.5L format only- $192 special order)
“Red fruits, mocha and brown spices on the nose. Densely packed but tight, boasting a sappy core of dark raspberry and minerals, with its oak component in the background. The wine’s excellent acidity and solid minerality give it terrific cut. Finishes with firm tannins and a suggestion of exotic fruits. Pietro Ratti points out that this parcel, replanted in 1994, was his father’s original vineyard in 1965, but at the time the wine was simply bottled as Marcenasco. 91+ pts.” –IWA

2004 Renato Ratti Barolo “Rocche del’ Annunziata” $106 “Wild black cherry and mocha on the explosive nose; this is downright Burgundian. Full, lush and broad; an outsized wine with terrific verve and sappy depth. Offers lovely purity of fruit, along with excellent volume, sweetness and balance. This is from a southwest-facing parcel planted on sandy soil;  These vines are between 40 and 50 years of age. 93 pts.”

1999 Renato Ratti Barolo “Rocche” $100
“Very subtle and refined with lovely perfumes of chocolate, berry and spices. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a succulent finish. Refined. Ratti is improving at a quick rate. Best after 2007. 650 cases made. 91 pts.”–WS

WINE DOG DEAL!
Perfect Porch & patio wines

2008 TRERE Pagadebit Frizzante Bianco $10.99
From the mother & son team at the Trere estate in Emilia Romagna. This wine is made from the grapes of an old vineyard called MOSTOSA and locally known as PAGADEBIT ZANTIL. Its fragrance is delicate, aromatic and flowery, dry, and lightly sparkling. Just kick back and sip!

2007 LES PLANTAGENETS Saumur Rouge $9.99
100% Cabernet Franc from the Saumur area of the Loire Valley. 30-year-old vines lend an extra dimension to this charming red. Characteristic green pepper in the nose, medium-bodied, juicy fruit with savory flavors and a smooth finish. Easy-drinking– great barbecue wine!

2008 COTEAUX du VENDOMOIS “Montagne Blanche” $9.99 100% Chenin Blanc from the most northern appellation in the Loire Valley. Thanks to warmer summers in recent years, these vineyards are able to fully ripen and deliver a lighter, more crisp and refreshing dry Chenin than their overheated counterparts. A refreshing white wine in search of its party!

BAROLO WINE DINNER with PIETRO RATTI, Thurs. June 11 @ Il Casale restaurant
DATE: THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 7:30pm
WHAT: BAROLO WINE DINNER with Pietro Ratti
WHERE: Il Casale restaurant, Belmont center
COST: $145/person inclusive; 5-course meal, 8 wines (including 4 barolos) tax & tip included in price.
RESERVE: CALL VINTAGES 617-484-4560 with credit card to hold

Barolo Wine Dinner Info pdf

Friend and winemaker PIETRO RATTI has been managing his family’s prestigious estate in the La Morra region of Barolo for over 20 years. He is also president of the region’s wine trade organization and has accomplished an ambitious agenda as an ambassador for Piedmont wines. We are thrilled to host Pietro during his visit to the Boston area on June 11. il Casale chef Dante deMagistris has created a delicious pairing menu for these wines and our dinner.  Click “continue” to see menu. Continue Reading »

“LEGENDS OF SPAIN” WINE DEALS!
Sip or cellar — your choice!

Love your dad (or yourself) with these outrageous deals from the upper echelons of Spanish wine! CALL VINTAGES 978-369-2545 TO ORDER!

2003 VEGA SICILIA “Valbuena” Ribera del Duero 94 pts.
Reg. $168/bottle; special $100/btl! OR $85/btl for a case of 12 purchase! Did we say ½ price??
“The 2003 Valbuena is purple-colored and super-fragrant with aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a powerful, concentrated wine with an opulent palate-feel, layers of flavor, and beautiful integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, no mean feat in the torrid 2003 vintage. Supple, sweet, and long, this superb effort will evolve for another 4-6 years and drink well through 2025. 94 pts.” -Wine Advocate

2006 ALVARO PALACIOS “Finca Dofi” Priorat 93 pts. Reg. $90; special $75; OR $63.75/bottle by the case!
“Ruby-red. Raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by graphite, tobacco and anise. Sweet red and dark berry flavors possess liqueur-like depth but are lithe and incisive, with impressive mineral lift on the back end. Juicy, finely etched red fruits dominate the long, sappy finish. A smoky quality arrived with air, adding further dimension and depth. 93 pts” — IWA

2006 GIACOMO CONTERNO BARBERA $45

2006 GIACOMO CONTERNO Barbera d’Alba  “Cascina Francia” $45  ($38.25/btl for case purchase) NEARLY SOLD-OUT!
Eric & Carolyn visited Roberto Conterno at the GIACOMO CONTERNO estate during our trip to Piedmont. As you can see, Roberto was in fine form, and we tasted several barrel samples from recent vintages and new vineyards he recently acquired. While we wait –and wait– for the Barolos, the 2006 Barbera is a delight — or a “knockout.” Enjoy a taste of this prestigious estate for a special price!

“The 2006 Barbera d’Alba is a knockout. The aromatics alone are worth the price of admission. This rich, sumptuous Barbera tastes just like it did in barrel, which is to say plump, juicy and full of vibrant dark fruit. Notes of iron, tar and smoke that are typical of the Cascina Francia vineyard develop in the glass. The wine possesses stunning length and textural depth not to mention a finessed, harmonious personality. Stylistically it is also remarkably complete, as it combines the richness of fruit found in the 2003 with the greater perfume and finesse of the 2004 and 2005. It is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. 93 pts.“–Wine Advocate

Rich & Ripe: 2003 whites from northern Italy — special prices!
Not the most obvious place to look for lush, yet perfectly balanced white wines - but what a delightful surprise! And unbeatable for the price. Try these Italian whites with spicy asian foods, grilled shrimp, tuna, lobster, cheese and fruit, anytime you want luscious fruit with your strong flavors.  Great alternative to oaky chardonnay.

WINE SPECIAL: 2006 ALBINO ROCCA Cortese “La Rocca” Bianco Reg. $35; Special price $25!
Why is this man smiling? Because we have found yet another great deal on one of his terrific wines! This week, we’re featuring a favorite, Angelo & Barbara’s lush and delicious Cortese.
“Full yellow color. Aromas of yellow plum, peach syrup, baking spices and coconutty oak. Rich, spicy and dry, with more flavor intensity. The wine’s peach and ginger flavors are supported by surprisingly refreshing acidity. Finishes long and aromatic. 91 pts.” –IWA

WINE SPECIAL: 2003 ST. MICHAEL-EPPAN Sanct Valentin Gewurztraminer Reg. $30; Now $19.99  
very lush expression of gewurz. Golden yellow color. Tangerines aromas with riper suggestions of mango, apricot and canned peaches. Very rich and complex on the palate, with intense flavors of tangerine, passion fruit, peach, cinnamon and white pepper.  The finish is creamy, floral and quite long.

2008 PRADEAUX BANDOL ROSE $30 (Provence) Blend of Cinsault and Grenache with a little Mourvedre. Rich for Rose; dry but full-bodied with a floral bouquet. Chateau Pradeaux is on the outskirts of St. Cyr Sur Mer, directly on the Mediterranean Ocean. The estate has been in the Portalis family since before the French Revolution; the vineyards are cultivated using natural, organic methods.