Wine Tasting: MAY 4 & 5
Adonna Imports: Artisan Wines of Trentino
| Join us this weekend for a taste of naturally artisan Italy!
FRI. MAY 4, 4-7PM, Belmont
Jeannie Rogers presents the wines
SAT. MAY 5, 2-5PM, Concord
Eric Broege presents the wines
| Jeannie Rogers, owner of Adonna Imports, will present a selection of her artisan Italian portfolio at VINTAGES Belmont store on Friday, May 4.
| We are featuring wines from EUGENIO ROSI and GINO PEDROTTI (Trentino).
JEANNIE ROGERS travels the back roads of Italy, seeking out an alternative universe of traditional, artisanal, ultra-natural wines and the people behind them. Some of these wineries are so small as to be nearly ephemeral; most make only a small amount of bottled wine. It's amazing to have these rare, natural gems for the same dollars as many ordinary, mass-produced wines. Yes, they're different --in the best possible way.
Please join us -- we are excited to have Jeannie present and discuss these truly distinctive wines!
TASTING SPECIAL: 15% OFF ROSI WINES
EUGENIO ROSI (Trentino) Eugenio Rosi from Vallagarina in Trentino makes natural, artisan wines of authentic expression. What's important?  Preserving the history and traditions of the region; producing a "healthy" wine, a true expression of the territory, of the vineyard, of the vintage. Wines that express a natural exuberance, often maintaining a thrilling pinpoint balance of lush and refreshing. Unfiltered, unsulfured, unbelievable. 2008 ROSI "Anisos" Bianco $40; Spec. $34 Blend of Pinot Bianco/Nosiola/Chardonnay grown in limestone soils at 400-500m altitude. Aged one year in large oak barrels and one year in bottle with no filtration. 2,000 bottles. Lush texture; aromas of ripe peach and orange rind; deep colors and flavors, refreshing burst of acidity on finish. 2007 ROSI "Esegesi" $35; Spec. $29.75 Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Beautiful s weet, chewy tannins. Voluptuous big fruit, yet refreshing on finish. Impressive! NV ROSI Cabernet Franc $45; Spec. $38.25 A blend of vintages 2007, 2008 & 2009. Aromas of plum, pepper and herbs leads to gorgeous ripe fruit lifted by refreshing minerality on the persistent finish. Superb! 2009 ROSI "Poiema" Marzemino $38; Spec. 32.30 A blend of 30% dried and 70% fresh grapes. Vinification with fresh grapes and re-fermentation of dried grape. Aged one year in large barrels of cherry, chestnut and oak wood plus one year in bottle. Classic vibrant berry nose. Rich texture, black cherry fruit. 2006 ROSI "Doron" Marzemino V.T. (500ml) $60; Spec. $51 A late-harvest marzemino made using the "passito" method of drying the grapes before fermentation. Rich and balanced dessert red with black cherry and cocoa notes. GINO PEDROTTI (Trentino) Gino and his son Giuseppe run this small family property  in Lago de Cavadine; their production is so small, it's amazing they find their way here at all. Pedrotti farms and vinifies in a traditional, artisanal manner -"organic" is just the start. In their words: "We are committed winemakers and have organized our life following and respecting the needs of the vine and of wine. We want to create wines with a soul." 2010 PEDROTTI Nosiola 17.99 A very pretty nose leaps out of the glass. Fruit and honeysuckle notes, juicy with nice concentration, followed by sprightly minerality on the finish. 2010 PEDROTTI Schiava Nera 17.99 Reds of the north can be inky in color or more transparent. Pedrotti's Schiava is paler, yet surprises with alpine herbs and fresh raspberry fruit; very juicy. Tremendous character; lively minerality on the finish. | | |
2007 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO Riservas:
a resounding success!
Bravo! A big THANKS to our Concord customers for the great turnout at last week's tasting of the 2007
Produttori del Barbaresco Riservas.
These are very special wines that require a certain level of understanding, and we were gratified by the support and interest. As expected, the most difficult part of the tasting was selecting which of the eight incredible Riservas to take home! All eight Barbarescos we poured were incredibly expressive and distinctive -- very unusual this early in their career. Truly, an amazing tasting experience. We greatly appreciate everyone who took the time to participate in this event.
We can't offer these tremendous wines or present these types of tastings without your support. THANK YOU!
Note: We are sold out of several 2007 Produttori Riservas, but there is some bottle stock remaining in Concord at the regular $65 (discountable) price. We are waiting to see if other markets have wine available for us to purchase.
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Call 978-369-2545
or 617-484-4560
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Pre-Arrival offer:
2007 Brunello from Valdicava & Salvioni
Extremely limited quantities. Don't wait! Call 978-369-2545.
2007 SALVIONI Brunello di Montalcino 97 pts. Reg. $200; Pre-Arrival Special $170 "The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is a pure, rapturous beauty. Layers of sweet red fruit meld into rose petals, licorice, spices and mint as the 2007 seduces all of the senses. The ripe, open personality of the year is present, but there is more than enough  structure to provide balance. Floral notes reappear on the vibrant, beautifully articulated finish. The 2007 is more than a worthy follow up to the epic 2006. Even better it should drink well quite a bit earlier than that wine. Sadly, there are fewer than 1,000 cases to go around. This is a magical Brunello in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2032. 97 pts." --A. Galloni, Wine Advocate Also, don't miss the U.S. exclusive 2009 SALVIONI Rosso di Montalcino Reg. $65; Special $48.  Interesting note from Antonio Galloni's latest article on his visit to Montalcino: "Later that evening I had dinner at a local restaurant (in Montalcino). A simple place. We ordered the 2009 Salvioni Rosso di Montalcino, a wine that never makes it to the US that I was curious to try." -A. Galloni Hmm. Too bad Galloni doesn't shop at VINTAGES -- we have the 2009 Salvioni Rosso di Montalcino on the shelf in both stores! Available now."Giulio Salvioni is one of the great producers of Italy's old guard. Spending time in this tiny, cramped cellar in the center of Montalcino tasting every cask is one of the great experiences for anyone who loves traditionally made Brunello. In some years, Salvioni takes one cask and releases it early as Rosso di Montalcino. I am convinced that Salvioni's small vineyard, and that of his neighbor Diego Molinari, are among the most privileged spots for Sangiovese in Tuscany. If we were in Burgundy, these vineyards would be considered the grandest of the grand crus." -- A. Galloni, WA 2007 VALDICAVA Brunello di Montalcino 95 pts. Reg. $125; Pre-arrival Special $106.25
 "The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous. Dark red cherries, plums, spices, leather and tobacco wrap around the palate as this dense, powerful wine starts to open up. Expressive aromatics are woven throughout, giving the 2007 a measure of polish and sophistication that is not always present in this wine when it is young. Finessed, suave tannins reinforce an impression of elegance. The 2007 can be enjoyed with minimum cellaring, but it will also age gracefully for many years. Readers who want to try the 2007 today should give the wine plenty of air, as the more refined qualities only emerge over time. When tasted next to the 2006, the 2007 shows redder tonalities of fruit and less sheer muscle. Hints
 | | Vincenzo at VINTAGES Belmont |
of tobacco, crushed flowers and spices wrap around the sensual finish. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. 95 pts." ALSO, 2009 VALDICAVA Rosso di Montalcino $35; ($29.75 case price). " Vincenzo Abbruzzese (Valdicava) has been one of Montalcino's most consistent producers over the last few years, an impression that was reinforced during my visit earlier this year. I tasted every wine in cask, and they were all terrific." --A. Galloni, WA In summary, stunning wines from two of the top wineries in Montalcino. Very limited. Call now to make your pre-arrival purchase! 978-369-2545
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Spring into Rose!
Spring has sprung earlier than usual -- celebrate with MORE new 2011 Roses!
 2011 COCAGNE Coteaux du Vendomois Rose $9.99! The ultimate rose value has returned! 100% Pineau d'Aunis, this bargain rose packs a sophisticated punch. Pale salmon color, racy acidity. Mouthwatering! Get it while it lasts...
2011 DOM. du BAGNOL Cassis Rose $28
Transport yourself to the Cote d'Azur by simply pulling the cork on this tremendous Provencal rose! Delicious red berry fruit, nice fleshy texture, juicy citrus on the lingering finish. Another pure delight made in tiny amounts! Buy now...
2011 COMMANDERIE de PEYRASSOL Cotes du Provence Rose $19.99
Chateau Peyrassol makes THE classic Provence rose -- pale, watermelon pink color, lovely fruit blossom aroma with a crisp, dry finish. Organically-farmed blend of grenache, cinsault, and syrah creates this memorable rose that is lively, fresh and full. The lingering stony note is the mark of its sheer class and elegance. Enjoy!
Originally founded by the Knights of Templar, the first recorded harvest at this estate took place in 1256 and winemaking has continued uninterrupted throughout the centuries. The Rigord family was the first to bottle the estate's wines for sale in 1981. Like most of the best things in life, it won't last. Get yours now, even if you prefer to savor it in the mid-summer heat. Click to shop now...
2011 DOM. PHILIPPE GILBERT Menetou-Salon Rose $25
 This family-run domaine in the Loire Valley also has a long history of winemaking, since 1768. Under the direction of Philippe Gilbert, the entire domaine is now farmed organically.
This Menetou-Salon rose is made from 100% Pinot Noir and offers delightful aromas of tangerine and pink grapefruit. With its vibrant salmon color and smooth, river stone texture, the Menetou-Salon Rose is an exceptionally elegant wine.
Enjoy this Rose as an aperitif, with cured meats, poached salmon, asian dishes, and much more! Shop now...
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2009 Hubert LIGNIER
Master of Morey St. Denis
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With our great love and historical understanding of Barolo and Barbaresco, we like to think of Hubert Lignier as one of the last great masters of Traditional Burgundy, similar to the late great Bartolo Mascarello, or Bruno Giacosa, Hubert has worked his land decade after decade with a steadfast commitment to quality and traditional expression of vineyard through vine, that is quite simply unmistakable when take your first whiff of these startlingly authentic examples of ageless Burgundy. We have great admiration for people who know what needs to be done and are not looking externally for answers. Great wine is really a simple proposition: noble varietal, viticultural region uniquely suited for said varietal, in the hands of a true master.
2009 LIGNIER Pommard "Le Chanlins" (premiere vintage) $58.86 net
2009 LIGNIER Morey St. Denis $65.23 net
2009 LIGNIER Morey St. Denis "Clos Baulet" $107.30 net
2009 LIGNIER Morey St. Denis "V.V." $143.52 net
2009 LIGNIER Nuits St. Georges 1er cru "Le Didier" (Hospice de Nuits) $130.05 net
2009 LIGNIER Clos de la Roche Grand Cru $233.54 net (1.5L $518.92 net)
Call to inquire about availability. 978-369-2545.
Arriving in the next two weeks.
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Pinot Grigio with Character?
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Re-thinking "white"
2009 RADIKON Pinot Grigio $40 (Slovenia)
Most people's idea of Pinot Grigio is a light, crisp, refreshing white wine from northern Italy having slightly more color than water.
Enter RADIKON: a "rad" approach to Pinot Grigio. When the juice is left in contact with the skins during masceration, the wine accrues many of the same qualities as a red wine, including tannins, earthy tertiary aromas and flavors, and a distinctly deeper rose color -- in this case, think of a sunset just before dusk.
Radikon's 2009 Pinot Grigio $40 is a distinctive wine of undeniable character and unique personality, but is at the same time, compellingly delicious as well as versatile at the table. Try it and you'll never see pinot grigio the same way again.
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VINTAGES Belmont staffer achieves WSET Advanced Certificate
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Brian Carey, Sr. Wine Consulant, passes WSET Advanced Exam
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Congratulations to BRIAN CAREY, Senior Wine Consultant in the Belmont store! Brian recently passed the rigorous and comprehensive Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Advanced Exam, with Merit. Brian works in the Belmont store Fridays and Saturdays, and offers a wealth of professional knowledge and personal experience to address all of your wine needs. Stop in for a consultation! | | | | |
New: SPERI Ripasso
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New! 2009 SPERI Valpolicella Sup. Ripasso $25
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For fans of Ripasso --Valpolicella made with the lees of the dried Amarone grapes-- SPERI offers a beautiful example, complex and  nuanced with spices and more earthy, yet refined character.
"The 2009 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso impresses for its delineation and nuance. The Ripasso shows the more seductive side of Valpolicella. Dark cherries, flowers, leather and spices are some of the nuances that flesh out on the finish. This is a terrific showing from Speri. 90 pts." -- A. Galloni, WA
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It's back! La Manarine CdR Blanc $15.99
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The return of a favorite summer white!
| 2011 DOM. La MANARINE Cotes du Rhone Blanc $15.99
In contrast to the often flabby whites that emerged from the south, Dom. Manarine is among the vanguard of minerally-driven whites t hat offer fruit and refreshment. A blend of Clairette and Bourboulenc from the area near Orange, the limestone soils and arid, Mediterranean climate lend flavors of green pear and tangerine peel with a spicy note on the long finish. Grill and patio-ready!
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Francois GAUNOUX Bourgogne Rouge
| '08 Francois Gaunoux Bourgogne Rouge $25
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A one-acre vineyard in Meursault bordering Puligny creates this fine, elegant Burgundy pinot noir with a generous bouquet and earthy, red cherry fruit. Claudine Gaunoux, daughter of Francois, is carrying on the family work of rigorous, traditional methods to create structured, age-worthy wines. |
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