CC cellar barrels conterno blur VINTAGES Adventures in wine

 
Weekend Tastings:
 
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taste this weekend:
CONCORD: "FRIDAY MIXERS" drinks demo with Carl Donheiser
Fri. Oct. 19, 5-7pm 
 VINTAGES' resident mixologist, Carl Donheiser, demonstrates how to build a few simple, delicious aperitifs featuring artisanal elixirs. Join us and get in the mix! Click for more!

CONCORD: WINE TASTING --
"Discover what makes wine great!
"
SAT. OCT. 20, 1-6PM
Please join us in Concord for a taste of VINTAGES exclusives and favorites!
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BELMONT: WINE TASTING --
Soulful Rhone & Thrilling Loire!

Fri Oct. 19, 4-7pm  
Sat Oct. 20, 3-6pm 
 
Reds from the southern Rhone, and refreshing whites from France's Loire Valley -- a great combination for fall.

2010 Henri Bourgeois Quincy $19.99

2009 Chateau d'Epire Savennieres $25

2010 Catherine Le Goeuil Cairanne $23 

2009 Dom. de la Bouissiere Vacqueyras $30 

2009 Roger Perrin Chateauneuf du Pape $35 

 

Click here for more!
champagne trio
Discover the Difference:
Grower Champagne!

 

 

Ever since we began our business, more than twelve years ago, understanding and identifying character and quality in wine has been my top priority.  

 

Developing the ability to taste a wine and translate the sensory information into words which can be conveyed to customers is one of the true arts of the wine merchant. I have always been drawn to the aspects of wine that are ever-changing and nuanced, such as regions of viticulture where each vintage truly creates something unique and beautiful in the glass.

   

Also, I'm drawn to wines that express the specific characteristics of geology, climate, and more that is communicated when the right grape variety is planted under particular conditions. It's truly fascinating that neighboring parcels of land, just across the road, for example, can produce incredibly different flavors and characteristics, using the exact same winemaking technique.  

THIS IS WHAT MAKES WINE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL THING!  Singular qualities that are revealed slowly over time. All of this is at odds with champ pierre peters our consumer-driven culture which demands sameness, predictability, uninspiring mind-numbing blandness, and of course, "branding." Champagne is one of the most unique and variegated areas of wine production in the world. It is also the most brand-oriented commercialized viticultual region on the planet.  

 

I have always considered the value of a wine, the inherent juxtaposition of quality to price, a top priority in determining my selection. With regards to Champagne, in my early na�ve beginnings as a wine merchant, I decided to make Egly-Ouriet my store "house" champagne, merely on quality and price, Egly at the time being equal in price to many famous brand name champagnes but, as a finely crafted hand-made product, far superior.  

 

There are many, many wineries in Champagne that are producing beautiful, elegant, finely crafted examples of their own personal style; we encourage you to try them and enjoy the difference.

--Eric Broege, Wine Director

     

Celebrate the difference! There has never been a better time to drink champagne!  

Price, quality and pure pleasure!   

 

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE...  

15% off 3 DIFFERENT grower champagnes!

 

Choose 3 bottles from:

 

AUBRY Brut 1er cru $45

PIERRE GIMMONET Brut 1er cru $55

GASTON CHIQUET Brut "Tradition" 1er $55

CHARTOGNE-TAILLET Brut "Ste-Anne" $50

PIERRE PETERS "Cuvee de Reserve" Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs $60

A. MARGAINE Brut "Traditionelle" $55

A. MARGAINE Brut Rose $60  

 

Click for more! 

 

 

WINE TASTING NEXT WEEK: 
Riesling: Re-Mix

NEW GERMAN RIESLING: Revival of steep terraces and ancient vines

 

"Rieslings for advanced learners," Florian Lauer, of Peter Lauer in the Saar.

 

Last year, VINTAGES was the first merchant in MA to introduce these New German Rieslings emerging from the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region. A new generation of producers took on the task of revitalizing forgotten vineyards, mostly old-vine, steeply terraced sites that were, frankly, very difficult to farm. The great wines are never easy german rieslings-- but the steep, rocky soils high above the Mosel reward with incredible delineation, finesse, purity, and age-ability. Re-discover the past and future of Mosel riesling!

 

PETER LAUER, Saar

For purists, there is nothing like the Saar - it is arguably one of the greatest, most unique wine-growing regions on earth. The core of greatness in the Saar is intensity without weight, grandiosity without size: purity, precision, rigor, mineral. PeterLauer is curre ntly one of the top estates in this sacred place.

 

2011 PETER LAUER Saar Riesling "Barrel X" $22

  peter lauer bar x "Barrel X" has a serious fan base, and sells out very quickly. The 2011 is a beautiful Riesling with a really fine nose, a sweet/tart perfume of pear, peach and apricot that is forward, juicy and friendly. In this warmer vintage, the overall palate-effect is a wash of cool tones, stone fruits straight out of the fridge, with a finessed and solid grip to it.

 

2011 PETER LAUER Ayler Kupp Riesling "Senior" $30

This is one of the benchmarks of the estate - a wine that is sourced a parcel that was cleared and planted in the 1910's. A very serious nose - deeper, phenolic, with citrus oils, a tangy and bright mandarin orange, even dashes of sweet pear. This in-your-face Riesling shows good cut and balance and is imminently drinkable.  

 

2011 PETER LAUER Ayler Kupp Riesling "Schonfels" (Dry) $60
This is one of the great dry wines of Germany from a profound (previously abandoned) site, directly on top of a cliff whose sheer rock face drops precipitously into the Saar River. In 2011, the wine shows a little bit of a nutty earthiness, mineral, golden apple, melon, spice, even curry and red fruits - raspberry and cherry. The palate is staining, elegant, well-defined and incredibly flavorful, juicy and dense. A rare, important Riesling.

 

peter lauer trio 2011 PETER LAUER Ayler Kupp Riesling "Stirn" (Off-dry) $50
In 2011, the Stirn is very mineral wine, with a spicy nose that also shows off its blue-slate origins. Ripe, dark melon notes, along with apricot, peach and bright citrus. This is a strong, penetrating wine, but so pure: a soaring Saar Riesling.

 

2011 PETER LAUER Ayler Kupp Riesling Kern (Off-dry) $50
This is a powerful, dense Riesling. It is warmer, darker, and more phenolic than the Stirn - the wine smells like fruit skins and salt accented by a top-note of peach that introduces a lovely play. Certainly has the right stuff for cellaring.

 

STEIN

It has been said that Dr. Ulli Stein specializes in the absurd and the sublime, is a champion of lost causes, tilter at windmills, basically, our kind of guy. Stein is not stein palmberg only a winemaker - he is a passionate advocate for preserving the traditional steep slate vineyards of the Mosel.

 

2011 STEIN Blauschiefer Riesling Trocken $19.99
The nose is fresh and green, a tart granny smith apple bite. More than anything else, though, what one gets here is blue slate, in all its salty, mineral-water greatness. On the palate, there is impressive concentration for such a fine, delicate wine - it has a tenacious grip, a delicate peach edge and even a limey, sappy play. The wine is super-unified, perfectly put together, crispy and delicious. This is a serious value.

 

2011 STEIN St. Aldegunder Palmberg-Terrassen Riesling Sp�tlese Feinherb $36 
With a heady perfumed nose of glossy, deep lime and ripe peach and apricot, this seductive wine is something of a Riesling-cocktail, if that existed. In this vintage, the blue slate takes a back seat supporting the liquor-esque fruit; it adds freshness and drive to the beautiful glaze of stone fruit and citrus. That little touch of sugar provides the smooth curves to give this wine great finesse.

 

 

WEISER-KUNSTLER

Konstantin Weiser and Alexandra K�nstler are as soulful as the vineyards they farm; this is a micro-estate with only 3 hectares (7.4 acres) under vine. This young couple does everything at this estate; they are in the vineyards daily. These cliff-vineyards still have their jutting, ladder-like terraces, and a high density of very old, un-grafted vines.

 

2011 WEISER-KUNSTLER Trabener Gaispfad Kabinett Trocken (Dry) $28
This serious little razor-blade of a wine offers a mineral, salty slate expression that is mixed with garden greens and pepper and comes off as something like the Mosel meets Muscadet. Yet this is Riesling and this is Weiser-K�nstler, so there is a grandiosity to it, a purity that shimmers and is crystal clear. This is an awesome little wine; perfect for purists and thrill-seekers.

 

GERMAN RIESLING WINE TASTING:
FRI. & SAT. OCT. 26 & 27

 

 

OFFER ENDS OCT 20:  

2008 RINALDI Barolo

Transcendent Barolo!

 

Beppe Rinaldi
Beppe Rinaldi

VINTAGES' continued dedication to supporting and promoting the top traditional cellars of Italy's Barolo region has resulted in treasured, long-term relationships with winemakers such as GIUSEPPE RINALDI and his daughter MARTA RINALDI. Rinaldi's staunch commitment to preserving piemontese traditions, his rigorous methods of cultivating nebbiolo, and guiding it into barrel and bottle, results in a true, transcendent expression, full of personality and pedigree. Don't confuse Rinaldi's traditional Barolo with something rustic, harsh, and "charming" --  if you want to know what Barolo is, here's your answer. Pure, crystalline, yet loaded with the character and distinction that comes only from a master shutting out the external "noise," and continuing to make the real deal. It's all too rare these days.     

 

2008 GIUSEPPE RINALDI Barolo Cannubi/ San Lorenzo-Ravera $125. 94 pts.

Pre-Arrival Offer: $95.62/btl for 12 btl rinaldi labelcase 

 "The 2008 Barolo Cannubi/ S.Lorenzo-Ravera is intensely perfumed, silky and gracious. It shows impeccable class to match its highly attractive personality. ... Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038. 94 pts." --A. Galloni, WA

 

 

2008 GIUSEPPE RINALDI Barolo Brunate-Le Coste $125. 96 pts.

Pre-Arrival Offer: $95.62/btl for 12 btl case 

"The 2008 Barolo Brunate-Le Coste is aging in two separate rinaldi label casks as of November 2011, each with a different mix of juice from these two sites. The first cask is all seduction and perfume, while the second is much more powerful, rich and structured. Both are beautiful on their own, but should be even better once blended. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038.  

96 pts." --A. Galloni, WA

 

RINALDI OFFER ENDS OCTOBER 20. CALL Eric 978-369-2545 or email [email protected]  

PIEDMONT PRE-ARRIVAL OFFER ENDS OCT. 20
2008 VIETTI BAROLO  

This photo of Luca Currado at the VIETTI winery taken during a tasting of the estate's 15 different cru vineyards, is just one example of VIETTI's continued push for ever more distinction and refinement. These Barolos shine more brightly every vintage!    

Pre-offer: VIETTI 2008 CRUS (Rocche, Lazzarito, Brunate) 20% off mixed six-pack!  

OFFER ENDS OCT. 20 

 

vietti Luca Corrado
Luca Currado, VIETTI

VINTAGES is offering the three 2008 VIETTI Barolo crus in mixed six-packs at a savings of 20%.  Two of each Barolo cru -- Rocche, Lazzarito and Brunate --for $108 net per bottle.

 

Descriptions below.

 

 

ORDER TODAY! Eric 978-369-2545 or [email protected] 

 

Vietti 2008 Assorted six-pack: 2 bottles each = $108 net  ($648 total). 

 

 

2008 VIETTI Barolo "Rocche" $135  95 pts.

"Sweet,silky tannins frame expressive dark red fruit in the 2008 Rocche. This is an especially structured, powerful style for the Rocche, and a true testament to the level of conviction at Vietti. The Rocche turns sweeter and more sensual with time in the glass. The tannins possess remarkable finesse. This could be used to teach a class on the greatness of the Rocche vineyard. It is dazzling from start to finish. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033. 95 pts." --A. Galloni, WA

 

2008 VIETTI Barolo "Lazzarito" $135  93+ pts.

"Dark red fruit, iron, tar, smoke, wild flowers and minerals are all wrapped aroud a serious intense, mid-palate and finish.  vietti lazzarito The balance of fruit, structure and oak is superb. Layers of fruit flow through to the firm, authoritative finish. This is impressive juice. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. 93+ pts." -- A. Galloni, WA

 

2008 VIETTI Barolo "Brunate" $135  93 pts.

"The 2008 Barolo Brunate flows onto the palate with layers of dark fruit, spices, menthol and licorice. It is an unusually plush, generous wine for the year, endowed with tons of grace and sheer depth. This is a fabulous, layered Brunate that should drink well with a few more years in the vietti brunate bottle. Layers of sweet, perfumed fruit, rose petals and spices build effortlessly to the gracious, elegant finish. The Brunate is brooding and tannic, but the wine softens a bit with air. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. 93 pts." --A. Galloni, WA

 

 

 

"MUST-HAVE" WINES:
ELIO GRASSO
2008 Barolo
Offer Ends Oct. 20.

2008 ELIO GRASSO Barolo "Vigna Ginestra Casa Mate" 98+ pts.  $85 ($72.25 case price)  

 

elio grasso barolo ginestra label "Licorice, tar, menthol, spices and crushed rocks are some of the nuances that flow from the 2008 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Casa Mate. This dramatic, large-scaled Barolo impresses for its towering depth, complexity and sheer pedigree. Tar, menthol, licorice and spices wrap around the fleshy, deep finish. The Ginestra Vigna Casa Mate is considerably more powerful than the silkier Gavarini, but both wines represent the height of finesse in Nebbiolo. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038. 98+ pts." --A. Galloni, WA

"I could feel my heart racing as I tasted Gianluca Grasso's 2008s. Both 2008 Baroli are drop-dead gorgeous wines that capture the purest essence of hillside Monforte brilliance. ..These remain some of the most fairly priced, ageworthy wines on elio grasso vineyards the planet.  These are both must- have wines." -- A. Galloni, Wine Advocate 

 

VERY LIMITED. To purchase, call Eric at 978-369-2545 or email [email protected].
In This Issue
Tastngs Galore
Grower Champ Special
New German Rieslings
RINALDI 2008 Barolo
VIETTI BAROLO
Elio Grasso Barolo
New Look!
Piedmont Pinot
What's Coming
Web Site
  Concord Store is rockin' a new look!
Cool, new colors and
more s
wc scotch shelf closepace for SPIRITS!


More single malts, aperitifs, digestifs, small-production, craft spirits, and "aromatized wines." (You'll have to ask Carl about those.)  Come on in and take a look!
wc aperitif shelf-1





2007 ODDERO BAROLO IN-STORE SPECIAL $30

IN-STORE SPECIAL: 2007 ODDERO BAROLO Reg. $39; Special $30 net!

 

ODDERO owns several choice cru vineyards in both Barolo and Barbaresco that sell at $55-$125, yet they take great pride in their DOCG, or "normale" Barolo as their estate's calling card. While a Barolo from a quality house at $39 is oddero 07 btlalready a deal, VINTAGES is offering our customers the opportunity to purchase this wine at a special price of $30 net (no further discount).

 

  ODDERO 2007 Barolo Special $30  

While supplies last! 


"i Cortini" Pinot Nero: a bargain at $19.99 i cortini pinot
Piedmont Pinot is a hit!

 

2010 CASTELLO di NEIVE Pinot Nero "i Cortini" $19.99

A delightful surprise in piemontese pinot noir! Cherry and plum fruit, wild herbs, sweet dusty tannins, tremendous texture, reflecting the Castello di Neive house style -- pristine fruit from prime vineyards, made in a classic manner. Unbeatable value in pinot noir!

.
Coming up!
New Arrivals and more...

Lots of new arrivals are here and more on the way!

*GERMAN RIESLINGS from Peter Lauer and other Mosel artisanal producers.
 
*GROWER-MAKER CHAMPAGNE from Pierre Peters, Pierre Gimmonet, Aubry and more!

*MASS. PREMIERE! LUIGI MAFFINI from Campania.

Check your email and website for tastings.  
DID YOU KNOW?
VINTAGES' website
home page-1

There are a lot of "Vintages" on the internet, but don't be confused -- there's really only one that counts: www.VINTAGESONLINE.COM.

What will I find? Check out the Featured Wines at the bottom of the home page -- New Arrivals, Best Sellers, Seasonal, Specials.

FIND a previous email newsletter! Look on the upper right  for NEWSLETTERS -- most emails (like this one), are saved in their original format, and it's easy to find what you're looking for. 
 
SEARCH our inventory through the search or the "Shop By" button.

BUY A GIFT CARD! We'll mail it out right away, or hold for your recipient.

BLOG has more information on certain wines and producers, and sometimes incisive commentary on wine and even what's for dinner.

PURCHASE WINE! Yes, you can buy wine right on the website and pay with credit card or PayPal. Pick up in-store, or ship it.
VINTAGES ships within Massachusetts and you can do it all from the comfort of your couch!

Come visit -- www.VINTAGESONLINE.COM


 
CC cellar grape basket
 

So many wines, so many tastings! Join us for the cocktail demo in Concord on Friday, Oct. 19 and tasting on the 20th. Belmont store has tastings Fri & Sat. Next week, we're tasting new German rieslings. And many more wines in the shops that we don't have room to discuss here--
THANK YOU for shopping at VINTAGES. 
 
Eric Broege & Carolyn Kemp
VINTAGES adventures in wine

store locations

53 Commonwealth Ave. West Concord, MA 

978-369-2545

32 Leonard St. Belmont, MA 
617-484-4560
 
shop www.VINTAGESonline.com