Get ready for a nebbiolo blow-out! ALDO VACCA, director of the PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO, and RENATO VACCA, Cantina del Pino are at VINTAGES for tastings Fri. Apr. 30 & Sat. May 1!

WINE TASTING: “Dynamic Duo of Barbaresco”
Friday, April 30 4:30-6:30pm, Belmont

Join us for a Barbaresco blow-out!

Renato & Aldo Vacca

ALDO VACCA is the director of the PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO, an historic producer in the region with cooperative ownership of nine top cru vineyards in Barbaresco. Made from 100% nebbiolo in the traditional manner every vintage, the Produttori del Barbaresco Riservas reveal the distinctive character of each vineyard – a fascinating and delicious comparison! ALDO VACCA  will present the following Barbarescos & nebbiolo wines;

2005 BARBARESCO Asili $65
2005 BARBARESCO Montefico $65
2004 BARBARESCO Montestefano $68
2005 BARBARESCO Rio Sordo $65
2005 BARBARESCO Rabaja $65
2006 BARBARESCO “Torre” $35
2008 Langhe Nebbiolo $23
TASTING SPECIAL: 20% off 24 bottles of any 2005 Barbaresco Riservas ($52/bottle)

RENATO VACCA is the owner/winemaker of CANTINA del PINO in Barbaresco. A fourth-generation grower with old-vines in the prime Ovello district, Renato and his father Adriano struck out on their own in the late 1990’s with their first Barbaresco in 1997. Renato has risen quickly to the top echelon of Barbaresco producers with his wines winning “Three Glasses” award from Gambero Rosso and most recently producing some of the highest-scoring 2005 Barbarescos (95 pts. for “Albesani” and “Ovello”). Cantina del Pino also makes Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Langhe Freisa (a chilled sparkling red).
Wines from CANTINA del PINO include:
2005 BARBARESCO “Albesani” $60
2005 BARBARESCO $45
2004 BARBARESCO “Ovello” $65 (Special order only; $52/bottle for case purchase)
2006 BARBERA d’ ALBA $30
2008 DOLCETTO d’ ALBA $17.99
2008 LANGHE FREISA $17.99

WINE TASTING: Presenting the 2005 Barbaresco Riservas of the Produttori del Barbaresco with director Aldo Vacca
Saturday, May 1, 2-5pm, Concord store

PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO WINE TASTING
2005 Barbaresco Ris. “Montefico” $65
2005 Barbaresco Ris. “Asili” $65
2005 Barbaresco Ris. “Rabaja” $65
2004 Barbaresco Ris. “Montestefano” $68
2006 Barbaresco “Torre” $35
2008 Langhe Nebbiolo $23

About Produttori del Barbaresco
The historic PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO, with its nine cru vineyards, offers a comprehensive Barbaresco symposium all on it own! Aldo, as the long-time wine director, is a veritable fountain of nebbiolo knowledge, the nuances of vintage and vineyard, and the history of wine in the region. Single-vineyard cru riservas are made in the best vintages and are aged nearly five years before release. These beautiful age-worthy wines will continue to evolve for 15, 20 even 30 years or more. “Torre” is the standard Barbaresco, excellent quality younger vines from the top vineyards.

WINE DINNER Fri. APR. 30, 7:30pm SOLD OUT!
PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO WINE DINNER with ALDO VACCA @ IL CASALE, Belmont
WHERE: Il Casale, Belmont
WHEN: Fri. APR 30, 7:30pm
COST: $130 all-inclusive
RESERVE: SOLD OUT!

WINE TASTING: New Arrivals from France

whites & reds from Kermit Lynch & Neal Rosenthal

Fri. April 23 4-7 & Sat. April 24, 3-7, Belmont store

Sparkling

NV CHIDAINE Montlouis Sur Loire Methode Traditionnelle Brut (Loir Valley) $19.99 100% Chenin Blanc, bio dynamically produced in traditional (Champagne) method, no dosage.  Doesn’t get much tastier than that!  Refreshing and crisp on the palate with good acidity.

white

2009 CHATEAU DUCASSE Bordeaux Blanc (Bordeaux) $15.99 KLWM Unfiltered Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and a touch of Muscadelle from Barsac (a satellite of Sauternes).  The perfect summer white—light, crisp, low in alcohol.  Go on, have another glass.

2009 DOM. LA MANARINE Cotes du Rhone Blanc (Rhone Valley) $14.99 RWM
Gilles Gasq 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!

red

2007 LA PETITE MAIRIE Bourgueil Cuvee des Galluches (Loire Valley) $17.99 RWM Corinne and James Petit “have an uncompromising vision of the expression of the Cabernet Franc grape married to the unique terroir of Bourgeuil.”  Although 2007 was a tricky year for some in the Loire, high-quality producers like the Petits crafted wines that are sure to please.

2008 CLOS LA COUTALE Cahors (Southwest France) $15.99 KLWM 70% Malbec (known as Côt, locally), 15% Merlot and 15% Tannat.  12 months in oak round out this warm, spicy blend.  Winemaker Philippe Bernède walks the line between modern technique and traditional methods.  Grill season, anyone?

Thursday April 22: lunch @ Via Matta with Neal Rosenthal
The lunch was originally planned as a reception and tasting hosted by Martino Manetti of MONTEVERTINE winery in Radda, Chianti, along with Neal Rosenthal of Rosenthal Wines. Martino’s flight was delayed by volcanic ash, so Neal presented the wines.

Background: The focus of Montevertine, begun by father Sergio Manetti and carried on by son Martino, is to allow a pure expression of Sangiovese; a noble grape that needs no help from “international” grape varieties to achieve greatness. Sangiovese in its unadulterated state, a pure and beautiful expression of grape, place and vintage. While this approach would be considered traditional in many regions, in Chianti, it is a radical stance. Consumers and critics often want Chianti and Sangiovese to taste like other familiar wines, Cab, Merlot, etc.; Montevertine chose a different path decades ago.

MONTEVERTINE

The wines of MONTEVERTINE were on display in all of their ethereal glory! Beautifully elegant, pale to ruby-colored and medium-bodied, yet profoundly complex and multi-dimensional. Literally layer upon layer of fine tannins, powdery minerals and pristine Sangiovese fruit. Because of the estate’s non-interventionist approach to winemaking, the wines convey a purity and clarity that are almost unheard of in Tuscany; much closer in style to Burgundy or Barbaresco. Also, because of this purity and clarity, the wines of Montevertine showed with great precision the differences between the last several vintages– 2007-2003 — all through the delicious lens of the estate’s three wines: Pian del Ciampolo, Montevertine & Le Pergole Torte.

Pian del Ciampolo 2007, 2006: 2007 being more forward, exuding more fruit and a juicier character. 2006 was more structured, more austere, more firm.

‘Montevertine’ 2005, 2004, 2003: 2005 was a very difficult vintage but probably the most memorable wine, a ringer for a beautiful example of Burgundy Chambolle! Elegant silky- fine tannins are a delight to drink now. 2004 is a serious wine from a great vintage, built for the long-haul. 2003 is another great achievement! I guess we can say old-vines and high elevation helped save this wine from the brutal heat of 2003. Anybody who’s had the pleasure of drinking the 2003 Le Pergole Torte can attest to their success with this challenging vintage.

‘Le Pergole Torte’ 2006, 2004: Two great wines, two great vintages. 2004 is starting to show some secondary aromas and flavors, but still a baby. And 2006 is just stunningly pure and lush. Beautifully pure Sangiovese fruit, very rich but in no way heavy. 2006’s tannins are well hidden within the wine’s luxurious fruit while the 2004’s gripping tannins were on full display.

CELEBRATE THE WINES OF VERONA!
Wine Tasting April 16 & 17
Friday Apr. 16, 4-7 Belmont
Sat. Apr. 17, 2-5 Concord

Verona

From the historic Roman ruins and coliseum, to the hills of Valpolicella, Verona is a beautiful city with a great heritage of food and wine. Eric Broege spent last week in Verona at the annual Italian wine expo, Vinitaly. After the long days of tasting and meeting with winemakers in the sterile halls, going out into the Verona’s lively streets at night to enjoy the Veronese cuisine was a highlight. So while it’s fresh in mind and on the tongue, we invite you to taste a range of wines: from the legendary to the up and coming, join us for a taste of Verona NOW!

Historic producers such as Quintarelli, the maestro, and the younger Tommaso Bussola from the same village, who looked up to him as a role model and mentor.

Ca la Bionda in Valpolicella is run by two brothers who are taking the road less traveled in this region — uncovering and expressing the terroir and natural character of Valpolicella is the challenge they have engaged. Every wine has a story…. come and taste!

white

2008 PRA Soave Classico $16.99
Pra uses solely Garganega grapes for their Soave Classico, grown on their 14 ha estate in volcanic soil. The estate is run by brothers Sergio and Graziano Pra, one of a handful of world-class producers in Soave who have revitalized the region and its vibrant white wines. Delicate fish, or asparagus with lemon make delicious pairings with this elegant Soave Classico.

2008 OTTELLA Lugana “La Creete” $19.99

From the Montresor family of Ottella in Peschiera della Garda, “La Creete” is a single-vineyard bottling made from the estate’s Trebbiano di Lugana. No lightweight, this Lugana is round and full in the mouth, dry, yet elegant. A welcome alternative to chardonnay.

Red

Matilde Poggi

2008 LA FRAGHE Bardolino $14.99
Get to know Bardolino! “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.” Enough platitudes. Taste this perfect spring red from winemaker and friend MATILDE POGGI at Le Fraghe. A blend of corvina & rondinella grapes from the Veneto, Le Fraghe Bardolino is ruby red with a perfumed nose of sweet-sour cherry and blueberry, and spicy nuances of cinnamon and black pepper.

2007 CA LA BIONDA Valpolicella Superiore “Ravazzol” $17.99
Leave all your preconceptions of Valpolicella at the door.Ca la Bionda was founded in 1902 by Pietro Castellani. Now the fourth generation of the Castellani family continues cultivating the vineyards and vinifying the grapes for their wines to express the natural character of the wines in this region. The Valpolicella “Ravazzol” is a single vineyard bottling made from a blend of old-vine grapes: 70% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 10% Molinara. The average age of vines are 50-70 years; yields are held at a maximum of 5-6 tons per hectare. Enjoyable, versatile wine!

Tommaso Bussola

2003 TOMASSO BUSSOLA Amarone Classico $65 The story goes that legendary Amarone producer Quintarelliwas asked a few years ago who was the next big thingin Valpolicella; he replied “Tomasso Bussola.” Bussola’s wines are rightly famous in Italy and are superb examples of the best you can get from Valpolicella and Amarone.

“This is an exotic Amarone that captures an almost port-like expression of fruit while remaining light on its feet. There is plenty of clarity and detail in the dark fruit, flowers and minerals that waft from the glass. Despite its ripeness and richness, this remains a medium-bodied, accessible Amarone perfect for near-term drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2023. 92 pts.”– WA

1998 QUINTARELLI “Ca’del Merlo” IGT Reg. $90 Special $65! Maestro on sale!

Let’s get something straight: There is no merlot in “Merlo.”  This wine is a single-vineyard Valpolicella, named for a local bird.

The legendary Giuseppe Quintarellifollows his own traditionalist principles, not the market’s. “The fundamental problem in wine today is that too many producers ‘hurry’ to make their wines: they hurry the fruit in the vineyard and they hurry the vinification and rush to bottle. They rush to sell their product without allowing it the proper time to age. Patience – this is the most important attribute in winemaking. Patience in growing, patience in selection, and patience in vinification.”

VINTAGES Adventures in wine &
ROSENTHAL Wine Merchants

present

Wine Dinner with Giampiero Bea
and the Montefalco Wines of PAOLO BEA

SOLD OUT!

WHERE: Il Capriccio restaurant, Waltham
WHEN: Monday, May 3, 7:00pm
COST: $100/person + tax + gratuity (includes menu & wines below)
RESERVE: Call Il Capriccio at 781-894-2234

Please join us for a rare opportunity to meet GIAMPIERO BEA from the legendary PAOLO BEA winery in Montefalco, Umbria. Chef Baron has prepared a special menu to pair with these exquisite wines that so vividly and accurately evoke the terroir of Montefalco. This event promises to be an extraordinary excursion into the viticultural and gastronomical terrain of this storied land with the ultimate guide, Giampiero Bea.
(Note: The retail prices for these Paolo Bea wines range from approx. $35-$100/bottle or more, so this dinner represents a tremendous value as well.)

“Wholly unique. Idiosyncratic. The Bea family’s decidedly traditional approach continues to provide the most authentic and unrestrained expressions of the Sagrantino grape variety and that magical hilltop town in Umbria that is Montefalco.”

m e n u

Squash Blossoms with Herbed Ricotta drizzled with Honey
Santa Chiara Bianco 2008, Paolo Bea

Lentils and Wild Boar Sausage
San Valentino, Umbria Rosso 2006, Paolo Bea

Linguine with Pancetta, Asparagus, Fava Beans and Pecorino
Rosso di Veo, Umbria Rosso 2005, Paolo Bea

Squab with Duck Foie Gras, Red Wine and Sage Farro
Montefalco Rosso Riserva “Pipparello” 2004, Paolo Bea

Selection of Cheese
Montefalco Sagrantino Secco “Pagliaro” 2004, Paolo Bea

NEW ARRIVALS: PIEDMONT

2003 GIUSEPPE CORTESE Barbaresco “Rabaja” Special $42. Rabaja for now. “Generous fruit with notable length on the palate and rich, intense personality… 91 pts.”–WA

2006 SAN FEREOLO Langhe Nebbiolo “La Provinciale” $28 A joint effort from San Fereolo and Giuseppe Rinaldi of Barolo! Dark brick, opaque color, earthy elegance, rich aromas, hint of licorice and blueberry, nice tannins on finish.

2007 ENZO BOGLIETTI Dolcetto “Tiglineri” $19.99
Big, concentrated dolcetto from a modern master!

white
2008 CAVALOTTO Langhe Pinot Nero Bianco $25
Unusual and elegant! 100% Pinot nero gently crushed to create this beautiful white wine from Serralunga in Piedmont.

LEGEND of PRIORAT: FINCA DOFI
2006 ALVARO PALACIOS ‘Finca Dofi’ 93 pts. Priorat, Spain Reg. $90; Special $60!
Going quickly — ACT NOW!

Alvaro Palacios comes from a well-regarded Rioja family, studied winemaking in Bordeaux at Chat. Petrus, and set out for Spain’s frontier Priorat region to make his mark in the early 1990’s. His top wine, L’Ermita, became an instant legend in 1995. A notch down is Finca Dofi, Alvaro’s first single vineyard wine.

“The 2006 Finca Dofi is 55% Garnacha and 45% Carinena from estate vines averaging 20 years. It was aged for 9 mos. in 80% new French oak. It offers up a more complex bouquet of toasty new oak, lavender, leather, mineral, truffle, black cherry, and blueberry. Layered on the palate with a plush texture, it has excellent depth, succulent flavor, and excellent balance. Surprisingly forward, it will evolve for 2-3 years but can be enjoyed now and over the next decade. 93 pts.”

A tremendous value in world-class, age-worthy wine.

2005 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO RIS.
Something spectacular to enjoy while waiting for the 2004’s to mature. 2005 is a special vintage for us — VINTAGES Eric & Carolyn were in Barbaresco for the 2005 harvest! Seems like yesterday — but it was 4-1/2 years ago. A hot September led to an early and very timely harvest — fully ripened grapes were picked just before the rains began. 2005’s are generally more fruit-forward, with softer tannins and a less austere quality in their youth. This means you can enjoy them sooner than many vintages, even without your Vinturi!

In the house…
2005 Barbaresco Montefico
2005 Barbaresco Rabaja
2005 Barbaresco Asili

Coming:
2005 Barbaresco Montestefano
2005 Barbaresco Paje
2005 Barbaresco Ovello

Pricing: All 2005 Barbaresco Riservas are $65 or $55.25 with case purchase. Purchase 2+ cases of 2005 Produttori Riservas and get 20% off! $52/bottle!

“The Produttori del Barbaresco have another set of wonderful wines on their hands with these new releases. The Produttori have long made delicious, age-worthy Barbarescos, but in the last few years the overall level of quality and consistency has gone up several notches. Best of all, prices have remained exceedingly fair. The 2005 Riservas are worthy successors to the magical 2004s.” – Antonio Galloni, WA

2005 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO RISERVAS!
In the house…
2005 Barbaresco Ris. “MONTEFICO” $65 ($55.25 case purchase) 93 pts.
“The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva “Montefico” is 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.” -Antonio Galloni, WA

2005 Barbaresco Ris. “RABAJA” $65 ($55.25 case purchase) 94 pts.
“The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva “Rabaja” 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.” -Antonio Galloni, WA

2005 Barbaresco Ris. “Asili” $65 ($55.25 case purchase) 93 pts.
“The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is 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.” –Antonio Galloni, WA

On the way…

2005 Barbaresco MONTESTEFANO
2005 Barbaresco PAJE
2005 Barbaresco OVELLO

Pricing: All 2005 Barbaresco Riservas are $65 or $55.25 with case purchase. Purchase two cases of 2005 Produttori Riservas and get 20% off! $52/bottle! (For example, one case of “Asili” & one case of “Montestefano”)

Quantities are limited. PLEASE CALL 978-369-2545 or email info@vintagesonline.com today!

Buried Treasure

Yellow-gold with pale-gold highlights, compelling, aromas of buttered popcorn, toasted hazelnuts, grapefruit zest, and orange blossoms; aromatically reminiscent of of an aged white Burgundy. In the mouth, the wine is bright and fresh with flavors of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, candied orange peel, and finishes with a long, salty buttery popcorn flavor… Wow!

Need a couple of great bottles to enjoy during the week? Looking to upgrade your ‘house’ wine selections?
Then don’t miss our April Wine Dog Deals! 

Every month, Ferdy the “Wine Dog” sniffs out great deals for you to take home and lap up!  Often exclusive—always exceptional values. Woof.

20% off solid cases of our current Wine Dog Deal!

This month, Ferdy recommends a Red and a White from one of our favorite wine regions, Piedmont, Italy:

2008 GUIDOBONO Langhe Nebbiolo $11.99
20% off Case Price: $9.59!

Guidobono is known for cultivating textbook examples of traditional Piedmont varietals that are still great values!  With a classic nose of earth and violets, you won’t find quality Nebbiolo for this price anywhere else—a real steal from the Langhe!

2008 LA COLOMBERA “Bricco Bartolomeo” Cortese $11.99
Case Price: $9.59!

Young winemaker Elisa Semino has crafted this single-vineyard Cortese offering crisp, citrus notes with some floral hints—perfect for appetizers, lighter fare, and “buona e semplice beva” (good and simple drinkability)!