wine tasting Feb. 26 & 27
Small Domaines–Big Flavor: Wines of Rosenthal
Concord & Belmont
Fri. FEB. 26, 4-7pm, Belmont
Sat. FEB. 27, 2-6pm, Concord

Importer and wine merchant Neal Rosenthal has traveled the backroads of France for more than 30 years, seeking out small family domaines that take great pride in their land and their traditions. There’s a difference you can taste in these authentic, artisan wines – the warmth and enjoyment that comes from something handcrafted and homemade!

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2008 DOM. CHEVEAU Macon Fuisse “Les Grandes Bruyeres” $22 (Macon, Burgundy)
Nicolas Cheveau is the third generation to uphold the family tradition of their Maconnais domaine.  At this 14-ha estate based in Pouilly, grapes are hand-harvested and farmed without fertilizers.  100% Chardonnay from  40-yr-old vines from a small parcel just south of Mâcon.
 
2007 CH. DE L’EPERONNIERE Savennieres Croix Picot $25 (Loire Valley)
After Pierre-Yves Tijou retired and sold Chateau Soucherie, his youngest son Mathieu has continued his family’s legacy with Chateau de l’Eperonniere. Mathieu Tijou has produced this aromatic and beautifully complex & compelling Chenin Blanc –truly exceptional!
 
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2008 COMMANDERIE DE PEYRASSOL La Croix Vin de Pays de Mediterranee  (Provence, France) $14.99 Commanderie de Peyrassol, once owned by Templar Knights centuries ago, was transformed by the Rigord family in the 70’s.  Philippe Austruy purchased Peyrassol in 2001, and has taken Provencal tradition to heart with tantalizingly pale roses, aromatic whites and luscious reds.  “La Croix” is a  blend of Grenache, Syrah, and a touch of old-vine Cabernet– a great match for hearty, warming dishes.
 
2007 DOM. FAILLENC SAINTE MARIE Corbieres $15.99 (Languedoc) Corbieres is a large area in western Languedoc with a dramatic landscape and a long history under vine. Faillenc Ste. Marie, however, is a very small domaine certified ‘organic’ that has been brought to life by the Gibert family. Jean-Baptiste Gibert has now taken the reins. This distinctive style of Corbieres rouge is intensely flavored and concentrated, yet lively on the palate. Blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault.
 
2006 MAS CAL DEMOURA L’Infidele Coteaux du Languedoc $25 In the 70’s, when most Languedoc producers were closing down, Jean-Pierre Jullien named his domaine “Cal Demoura” (one must remain).  Today, the estate is run by Burgundy-trained Vincent and Isabelle Goumard.  “L’Infidele” is considered the historic cuvee of the domaine, blending Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Carignan. A rich and full, yet complex and vibrant red.
“L’Infidele displays an uncanny combination of palate richness and viscosity with vivacious brightness of fruit and fine-grained tannin.“ –WA

A toast to the newest member of the VINTAGES’ team: McLean Oakeson

McLean recently moved up to Boston from Richmond, Virginia. In her former life, she was the wine shop manager of Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Cafe, as well as the board director (and singer) of a classical chamber choir. She also recently received her CSW, Certified Specialist of Wine, from the Society of Wine Educators.

We are excited to welcome McLean to VINTAGES and to Boston! Next time you’re in the Belmont shop, please stop and say hello!

On the Wine Route: VINISUD & Burgundy

VINTAGES’ intrepid wine director ERIC BROEGE is spending 8 days in France, tasting 300 wines today and tomorrow at VINISUD in Montpellier and braving the chilly cellars of Burgundy later this week.  VINISUD is the annual wine fair for 1,500 Mediterranean wine producers from southern France, Spain, Portugal and more. From value picks to grand crus, Eric tastes and evaulates them all, selecting only the very best for a coveted place in our cellar and yours! So far, some great finds in Gigondas & Vacqueyras, not yet in the U.S.

Some Like it HOT! Sexy Sicilian wines dressed in designer labels!  Perfect for Valentine’s Day

WINE TASTING FRI. FEB. 12, 4-7PM, Belmont & SAT. FEB. 13, 2-5pm, Concord

An exciting new line of wines from FEUDI del PISCIOTTO in Sicily, featuring labels designed by Italian fashion icons! 

Hot sunny weather, beautiful coastlines, luscious wines—who needs roses when you can bring your Valentine a beautiful wine from Sicily’s Feudi del Pisciotto? Stop by the tasting Friday (Belmont) or Saturday (Concord) and pick up the perfect bottle for a relaxing, romantic evening!

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2008 FEUDI del PISCIOTTO Carolina Marengo Grillo $36
Cultivated in Sicily since the Phoenicians, Grillo, the primary grape of Marsala, moves center-stage in this lushly

-fruited white with aromas of baked apple and quince.  Elegant and crisp, Grillo is a flexible food partner from lobster to tandoori chicken.

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2008 FEUDI del PISCIOTTO Carolina Marengo Frappato $36

This big, bold Frappato will surprise anyone who is familiar with its lighter expression in Cerasuolo di Vittoria.  All the fragrance and fruit amped up in a lush package.

2007 FEUDI del PISCIOTTO Versace Nero d’Avola $36

Sicily’s signature red grape, Nero d’Avola established Sicily’s world-class potential long before cab and merlot arrived on the scene. Deeply aromatic with lush flavors, this powerful and seductive Nero d’Avola evokes dried berries and violets in its elegant framework.

2007 FEUDI del PISCIOTTO Valentino Merlot $36

An exuberant yet elegant Merlot imbued with remarkable structure and power.  Its plush texture and distinctive Sicilian character make it an irresistible complement to romance.

2006 FEUDI del PISCIOTTO Missoni Cabernet Sauvignon $36

While Cabernet can thrive in the Sicilian heat, the higher altitude and coastal location of the vineyards provide the perfect climate for this structured, voluptuous Cabernet.

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: Continue Reading »

SUPERBOWL
“Pass the Salsa”* Spanish Wine Tasting
Concord & Belmont
Fri. FEB. 5, 4-7pm  * Sat. FEB. 6, 2-6pm
Faced with another SuperBowl sans Pats, our consolations are few, but tasty! Join us this weekend for a tasting of rich, juicy Spanish wines perfect with chili, chips and more! Even though Bill, Tom, and the rest of us will just be passing the salsa this year, we can still drink in style while watching what might have been.
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2008 BODEGA CONCLASS Verdejo $12.99 (Rueda)
Ricardo Sanz’s family has been making wine in the Rueda for six generations.  Now, with his more modern methods, he produces his own line of wines.  This is actually a blend of Verdejo, Viura, and Sauv Blanc—dry with crisp citrus notes, great with ceviche!

2008 MARTIN CODAX BURGANS Albariño (Rias Baixas) $12.99 A project between importer Eric Solomon and Luciano Almoedo, a champion of Rias Baixas and its most famous white grape. A refreshing, juicy Albariño—the perfect answer to white chili or some serious guacamole.

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2005 BODEGA MUSTIGUILLO Mestizaje (El Terrerazo) Special $12.99 (was $15.99)
A blend of 70% Bobal, 10% Tempranillo, 10% Cab, 10% Garnacha.  What’s Bobal?  A native to Valencia known for its bullhead-shaped grape bunches (i.e. boval) that’s quickly gaining an international audience.  Mustiguillo is a winery dedicated to Bobal’s history and significance in viticulture!

2007 CAPÇANES Mas Donis Barrica Old Vines (Montsant) $12.99
From village commune to kosher producer to quality wine co-op, Capçanes has been crafting its philosophy and wines since 1933.  Mas Donis starts with 10-50 year old Garnacha vines (85%), adds a helping of Syrah and a healthy amount of time in oak (barrica).

2007 BODEGAS Y VINEDOS MAURODOS PRIM’A Toro (Toro) $23
Mostly Tinto de Toro (Tempranillo family) with a touch of Garnacha, this gets the royal treatment with 12 months in French & American oak.  “A serious example of Toro at a nearly frivolous price.” (WA)  Couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

NEW! 2007 CELLER CAL PLA Porrera Black Slate (Priorat)$23 Debut blend of 60% Garnacha, 40% Carinena — vines 60-100 years old!  Vi del la Vila is the village appellation of this concentrated blend.

*SuperBowl Salsa!

ERIC’S World Famous SuperBowl Salsa

5 tomatoes — firm, vine-ripened or plum

1 large onion (”sweet” works well)

2-3 Jalapeno or Serrano peppers, diced

1/2 bunch of cilantro, finely chopped

Juice of 1 lime

Salt to taste (lots)

Chop tomatoes and onion in a small dice. Add  remaining ingredients and combine well. Serve on chips, tacos, steak, fish, eggs! Enjoy.

WINE DOG DEAL!
Tremendous value!
2003 ZERBINA Pietramora Sangiovese di Romagna Riserva Reg. $50 Now $25

The 2003 PIETRAMORA Sangiovese riserva is a full-bodied sangiovese that is the antithesis of the elegance and finese of chianti. Weighing in at a whopping 15 percent alcohol, with hugh chewy tannins, this is an ideal cold-weather wine, hearty and robust with deep black fruits…..think big cab or bordeaux.
Ferdy worked his tail off to get a great deal on this “Tre Bicchieri” award winner from the Gambero Rosso. WOOF!

PRE-ARRIVAL OFFER
2005 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO RISERVAS $65

The 2005 vintage is here! And we were there!

VINTAGES’ Eric & Carolyn were visiting wine cellars in Barbaresco with friends Mark & Teresa Garti in September 2005 during the harvest. While we didn’t plan it that way –the ‘05 picking time was earlier than usual — it was very exciting to be there and experience the excitement first-hand. In fact, the photo at the top of this email shows a basket of freshly-harvested 2005 nebbiolo grapes from the Montestefano vineyard! More photos from that trip are in the Concord store.

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Asili” $65 “Sweet, sensual and perfumed. Today the wine remains extremely reticent, but the tannins show extraordinary purity and silkiness, suggesting the only thing missing is time. For now the 2005 Asili shows great integrity in its dark red fruit, with notable persistence on the palate and a round, powerful close. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 93 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Moccagatta” $65 “One of the more compact, linear wines in this vintage. The Moccagatta offers up sensations of bright red fruits, flowers, spices and vanilla in a rather unyielding style. The wine should improve in bottle but the tannins will likely always remain somewhat firm. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 90 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Montefico” $65  “Simply beautiful in the way it combines elements of florality and structure, which makes it one of the more complex, multi-faceted wines in 2005. Sweet roses blossom on the palate, followed by succulent ripe raspberries, mint and baking spices. As the wine sits in the glass the layers continue to fill out, revealing a wine of first-class pedigree. This is an exceptional effort from the Produttori! Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 93 pts.”–WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Montestefano” $65 “Reveals a seamless core of sweet roses, ripe, juicy raspberries and spices, all of which come together in a round, sensual expression of Nebbiolo. In 2005 the Montestefano possesses terrific freshness, detail and vibrancy. Licorice, leather and anise linger on the sublime finish. The Montestefano is one of the highlights among these Riservas. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 93 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Ovello” $65 “Usually one of the more reticent of the estate’s Riservas, but in 2005 it is especially unyielding. Still firm and tightly wound, the wine possesses notable detail and clarity in its fruit in a focused, compact style. Based on previous experience, I may very well be underestimating this wine, but only time will tell for sure. After several hours the Ovello opened up nicely and my impression is it will develop into a splendid Barbaresco with time. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 92+ pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Paje” $65 “Opens with a blast of tar, menthol and smoke that leads to dark cherries, plums, leather and licorice. This is an especially powerful, shut-down Barbaresco at this stage, but with time in bottle the layers should fill out quite nicely. Today it remains compact and in need of further time in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 91 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARECO RIS. “Pora”$65 “Wonderfully layered in its dark cherries, spices, menthol, licorice and minerals. The medium-bodied Pora is one of the firmer and more linear Riservas in 2005. Still, it shows exceptional balance in a powerful style that will require a measure of patience. Here, too, the finish is wonderfully elegant. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 92+ pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Rabaja” $65 “Reveals gorgeous inner perfume in a powerful, structured style. This is a big, hulking Barbaresco, but its potential is evident, as the wine’s balance is impeccable. Still, readers will have to exercise considerable patience here. I have seldom been disappointed by older bottles of the Rabaja and expect the 2005 will turn out to be another fine vintage for this bottling as well. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030. 94 pts.” — WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Rio Sordo” $65 “Jumps from the glass with an exciting array of freshly cut roses, spices and raspberries. The 2005 is an especially dense, rich Rio Sordo endowed with superb depth and great overall balance. Floral notes accompany the wine from start to finish in an irresistible display of the perfume that makes Barbaresco such a sexy wine. In 2005 the Rio Sordo is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025. 92 pts.” –WA

SORRY - Event cancelled - urgent family matter for Mr. Orzalese

ALTESINO BRUNELLO Seminar & Tasting featuring Mr. GUIDO ORZALESE, Managing Director

Mr. Orzalese will guide us through a tasting of Brunello di Montalcino at VINTAGES’ Belmont shop on Thursday, Feb. 11.

NEW TIME!

WHEN: Thurs. Feb. 11, 6:30-7:30pm
WHERE: VINTAGES Belmont Center
COST: $25/person, includes light appetizers
CALL: 617-484-4560 to reserve w/ cc

Wines in seminar:
2004 ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli $130
2004 ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino $75
2004 ALTESINO Rosso di Montalcino $30
2007 ALTESINO Rosso di Montalcino $30
2007 ALTESINO Rosso di Altesino $19.99
2006 ALTESINO Alte d’Altesi  $25

Founded in 1970’s, ALTESINO consists of three vineyards located NE of the village of Montalcino: Montosoli, La Velona and Altesino itself. The town is on a hill at an elevation of around 600m, which protects the Montosoli vineyard to the north, which lies at 390m. Altesino Brunello is sourced from a combination of these three vineyards, and in excellent vintages they produce a single vineyard Brunello “Montosoli.

Montosoli covers just 4 ha and is unusual in its north and NW exposure, rather than the sun-facing south. It is characterized by slightly lower temperatures, especially at night, so the flowering is a little longer and usually later than other areas. The hang-time at Montosoli is longer and it is usually the last vineyard to be harvested, a couple of days after Altesino and often 15 days after La Velona. The cooler microclimate is beneficial during summers of intense heat.