SUMMERTIME WHITES from ITALY

From LIGURIA –
2008 COLLE DEI BARDELLINI Pigato $17.99 (Liguria) “the ultimate summer wine”
Grown in vineyards along the Italian Riviera, PIGATO is one of the best pairings for fish, seafood and shellfish. Also shines with pesto and lighter pasta dishes. A fresh, briny character, citrus fruit with aromas of sage and thyme. Beautiful minerality lends a crisp yet silky finish. One taste, and it will be easy to find many occasions to enjoy PIGATO!

From Veneto -
NEW & EXCLUSIVE! 2007 OTTELLA Lugana Superiore “Molceo” $25 “Tre Bicchieri”
We are very pleased to offer the U.S. debut of the “Molceo” white wine from OTTELLA – winner of this year’s “Three Glasses” award. Beautiful pale gold color; rich and powerful fruit character followed by clean, refreshing minerality. A perfect partner for the red “Campo Sireso” Cabernet & Merlot blend.

From Umbria –
2009 PERTICAIA Trebbiano Spoletino (Umbria, Italy) $22 Exotically delicious!
This estate in Montefalco, Umbria has once again produced a beautifully-balanced, rich white from Trebbiano Spoletino. Pale gold with green highlights. Tropical fruit notes– papaya & mango — ripe fruit and freshness. Swordfish, scallops, seafood pastas or an aperitif. Delectable!

Yves CuilleronSyrah for Summer!

SYRAH: The real deal from the northern Rhone

2009 YVES CUILLERON Syrah VDP $17.99 (Northern Rhone)
From Yves Cuilleron, one of the greatest producers of Cote Rotie, St. Joseph & Condrieu, comes a charming, mid-weight Syrah for the table. Northern Rhone is the world’s epicenter for Syrah, and produces the grape’s greatest expression in Cote Rotie.
The Cuilleron family estate was established in the 1920’s; young Yves took the helm in 1987. With great passion & an exacting, hands-on approach, he quickly rose to the top echelon of producers in the region. The 2009 Syrah VDP is a refreshing example of 100% syrah from its native habitat that’s ready to enjoy now. Ripe blackberries, violet notes, black pepper, silky tannins. Great for barbecue & charcuterie.

It’s time to DRINK PINK!

Summer has just begun, but Rozay season is well underway! VINTAGES offers up to a dozen different ways to drink pink while beating the heat! If you want to try them all, now’s the time to get started!

FRANCE
NEW! 2009 CHAT. EPERONNIERE Rose de Loire $17.99 (Loire Valley)
Aromas of strawberry and pear. Fresh fruit flavors through to the finish, with a perfectly fresh and dry landing.

2009 COTEAUX du VENDOMOIS Lieu-dit Cocagne Rose $9.99 100% Pineau d’Aunis, this bargain rose packs a sophisticated punch. Pale salmon color, racy acidity. Mouthwatering!

2009 MAS AMIEL “Le Plaisir” Rose $14.99 (Roussillon, France) EXCLUSIVE
Just arrived, the delightful rose “Le Plaisir” from the historic Mas Amiel property in Roussillon, southern France. From 70% Grenache Noir, this rosé delivers crushed berries, pomegranate, racy minerality, and wonderful complexity. A zesty finish guarantees pure pleasure!

2009 DOM. du BAGNOL Cassis Rose $28 (Provence)
This exquisite rose evokes the scents of the delightful seaside town of Cassis. Sweet currant, strawberry and herb flavors. Very well-balanced and graceful, lively with firm minerality.

2009 CHAT. PRADEAUX Bandol Rose $30 (Provence)
Bandol is the King of Rose, with 60% Mourvedre and 40% Cinsault leading the charge. Enticing aromas of redcurrant and cherry, with complicating notes of herbs, white flowers, anise and minerals. Smooth & fleshy with berry and blood orange flavors and tangy notes of white pepper and quinine.  Offers superb complexity and is very flexible at the table. Tremendous!

ITALY
2009 PROPRIETA SPERINO Rosa del Rosa $14.99 (Piedmont) Nebbiolo blend named for Monte Rosa, the 2nd highest peak in the Alps. Drinks like a juicy watermelon!

2009 LE FRAGHE Bardolino Chiaretto Rose “Rodon” $14.99 (Veneto) This Chiaretto (or rose) is a blend of Corvina and Rondinella. Notes of wild rose followed by wild strawberry and redcurrant. Crisply refreshing with a persistent finish, “Rodon” is a perfect balance of delicate flavors and inviting minerality.

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! Continue Reading »