TASTING NEXT WEEK:
PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO
2008 Barbaresco Riservas Tasting
FRI. JUNE 7, 4:30-7p, Belmont
SAT. JUNE 8, 1-5p, Concord
 The much-anticipated 2008 Produttori Riservas are here! Here's a great opportunity to taste six of the top 2008 Riserva crus and see what the buzz is all about --
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"Fresh as an Ocean Breeze"
Wine Tasting @ VINTAGES Concord Fri. May 31, 5-7p & Sat. Jun 1, 1-5p
One of the most fascinating and miraculous things in wine happens when you can be completely captivated by something so light and delicate and ethereal, that still contains such complexity and depth.
A unique circumstance of geology, geography, varietal and climate, conspire to produce a vinous personification of all these different elements of nature. When vines are growing in close proximity to the ocean, the wine that they produce can take on a briny, saline character perhaps due to the salty sea-breeze wafting through the vineyards. There is also instances where the wine producing region is nowhere near the ocean but the wines still express a salty, oceany quality due to the particular minerals, fossils, and stony soils that the vines are growing in I.e. Chablis. I have often thought that the crisp, minerally Assyrtikos from Santorini, are reminiscent of the briny, brisk whites of the Italian Riviera, as well as Txakolinas from Spain's Basque region, Loire's Muscadets, and Burgundy's Chablis'.
Wine's transporting powers are strongly in play here, whisking us away to a hot summer's day at the seashore, bringing the memory of climbing over rocky nooks and tidal pools, the restorative aromas of the deep blue sea as it meets the shore and its spray fills the air with refreshment.
2012 AMEZTOI $19.99 (Basque region, Spain) Txakolina, a traditional refresher from Basque country, offers aromas of sea minerals, green apple, citrus, and sea salt. Crisp and vibrant! 2011 BISSON Bianchetta Genovese $22.00 (Liguria- Italy) This Bianchetta from the Ligurian coast is the epitome of ocean-influenced whites. Piero Lugano saved several parcels of this native grape from extinction; now he creates a truly unique white wine that is delicate, lively and satisfying, filled with vibrant minerality. 2011 ARGYROS Assyrtiko $22.00 (Santorini- Greece) Clean, precise and energetic with a succulent texture and briny, mineral flavors. "No. 1 was the 2011 assyrtiko from Argyros, which has made wine on Santorini for more than a century. It's entirely assyrtiko, and vinified in steel tanks to maximize its clean zestiness. Yet this is not a fruity wine. The flavors are savory and textural." -- Eric Asimov, NY Times 2011 ALICE et OLIVIER Aligote $19.99 (Chablis- France) Some of the most compelling, sincere wines you will find anywhere in Burgundy. Lemon zest, white flowers and crushed rocks form the backbone in this gorgeous wine.
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Sizzling Spanish Wines for Summer!
Wine Tasting Fri. May 31, 4-7p and
Sat. June 1, 2-5p in Belmont
 Caliente! What's so hot about Spanish wine? Is it the incredible quality for the price? Or the exciting, new regions and revival of old-vine native grapes? Their immensely appealing character and drinkability? Join us this Friday and Saturday and find out! Explore five different wine regions of Spain at this week's wine tasting at VINTAGES in Belmont. With the first sizzlling temps of summer hitting this weekend, these refreshing whites and barbecue-ready reds are the perfect antidote. Caliente! 2011 LAGAR de CERVERA Albarino $14.99 (Rias Baixas) Albarino is one of the signature white grapes of Spain, with a firm minerality and structure, floral aromas, and notes of peach and citrus peel. Very refreshing and versatile white. 2011 LOURO do BOLO Godello $19.99 (Valdeorras) In the Galicia area of northwest Spain, Rafael Palacios makes this white from 100% native grape Godello. A refreshing blend of minerality and honeyed peach fruit. 2011 LUNA BEBERIDE Mencia $15.99 (Bierzo) Crowd-pleasing, go-to red from 100% old-vine Mencia in the northwestern Bierzo region. Appealing ripe blackberries and blueberries, notes of earthy minerals and asian spices. Sizzling value. 2009 BODEGAS SIERRA SALINAS "Puerto Salinas" $17.99 (Alicante) A blend of 60% Monastrell, 20% Garnacha and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for one year in French oak. Blackberry liqueur, camphor, graphite and forest floor. The wine is complex, full-bodied, rich and intense with terrific purity and wonderful overall balance. Sizzling value. 2010 VILLACRECES Ribera del Duero "Pruno" $19.99 (Ribera del Duero) Full-bodied with an extraordinary bouquet of charcoal, wood smoke, creme de cassis and blackberries intermixed with hints of acacia flowers and licorice, this stunning, multidimensional 2010 is loaded. Its texture, richness, complexity, purity and length result in a wine that considerably over-delivers for the price. | |
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BARBECUE = BARBERA!
 When it's barbecue time, Barbera shines! It's juicy red fruit is a natural pairing with grilled meat and veggies, and the acidity cuts the fat of a grilled rib eye, leaving you, well, refreshed! Oaky reds get a little heavy and well, fatiguing.
We strongly encourage you to try the 2008 GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO Barbera d'Alba "Scudetto $35. This is not just a great Barbera, this is a stupendous red that drinks like a $75 bottle-- and a really good one at that. Rich, plush fruit, great structure, deep flavor, and that secret acidity that keeps you coming back for more! Stock up for those great grill moments and save.
2009 CASTELLO di NEIVE Barbera d'Alba "Santo Stefano" $25. The Castello is one of the truly reliable houses in Barbaresco for well-priced wines with a high quality and drinkability factor. This single-vineyard Barbera has that traditional character and structure, and delivers offers up smoke, tar, blackberries and plums in a dark, racy style. Excellent persistence on the finish, and an appealing personality.
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Remembering Chris Curtis
 Larger-than-life and larger than most, Chris Curtis, manager of the West Concord 5 &10, was the heart & soul of this end of town, its unofficial mayor. During the past decade, I looked forward to Chris' end-of-day visits, especially cracking open a couple of beers on Friday evening at closing. He'd say something crazy right off, and was always excited about a new project underway, a cable-tv proposal, music show, some publicity stunt, and had a knack for getting people involved in making things happen. Chris was truly an original-- smart, eccentric, a little wacky -- someone who always could get you to a laugh at the end of a grueling day. A one-man circus coming to town. Really a privilege to know him; his loss leaves a big hole in our lives. -- Eric Broege
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MONTEVERTINE 2009
Le Pergole Torte: Greatness Radiates
"Le Pergole Torte isn't a great Tuscan or Italian wine. It is simply one of the world's elite wines." -- Wine Advocate
Last summer, in a typically slow time of the year, we experienced a tremendous "feeding frenzy" for Montevertine's legendary wine "Le Pergole Torte." Literally every last bottle in our store, and in the entire co untry, sold out in a matter of days. Every case of '07, '06, and '04 "Le Pergole Torte" evaporated largely due to a retrospective tasting which merely demonstrated what we have always known: that Martino Manetti's "Le Pergole Torte" sits on a pedestal with a handful of other (mostly higher priced) monumental wines of Tuscany.
While many of its Super Tuscan counterparts impress with their rich, dark, velvety fruit and lavish use of expensive new French oak barrels, Le Pergole Torte sits in stark contrast relying solely on it's particular high altitude vineyards, unique micro-climate in Radda, its poor stoney soils, and minimal intervention in the cellar.
Le Pergole Torte possesses many profound qualities that draw comparisons to Burgundy, but nothing can substitute for the soul of Tuscany that is present in every sip, for you to savor.
2009 MONTEVERTINE Le Pergole Torte $115; Case Price $97.75 ea
2010 MONTEVERTINE "Montevertine" $56;
Case Price $47.60
2011 Montevertine "Pian Del Ciampolo" $32;
Case Price $27.20
MONTEVERTINE wines are very limited.
Case orders will be filled first, followed by bottle orders. We recommend that you call or email immediately to reserve. Click here for more.VINTAGES CONCORD 978-369-2545
VINTAGES BELMONT 617-484-4560
THANK YOU!
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VERGET Chablis: the Charm of 2009
 | Jean-Marie Guffens, VERGET
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Chablis, my desert island (white) wine.
The 2009 vintage was a beauty for Chablis! VINTAGES Eric Broege ordered these selections after tasting with Jean-Marie at his cellar in Burgundy. VERGET cellar. These gorgeous wines have many years of enjoyment ahead of them!
2009 Chablis "Montee de Tonnerre" 1er cru $55
"Classic Chablis nose of oyster shell, citrus peel and spicy floral aromas gives way to rich and full-bodied yet sophisticated flavors that exude dry extract, which confers a silky mouth feel on the superbly intense and lingering finish that is drier than most '09s. Definitely worth considering. Sweet spot outstanding! 93 pts." -- Burghound
2009 Chablis "Bougros" Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru $95
 "A ripe nose merges into textured, intense and notably concentrated big-bodied flavors that possess ample minerality and excellent verve on the tension-filled and very serious finish. This is a fine example of the appellation. 94 pts. Don't Miss!" -- Burghound
2009 Chablis "Blanchots" Grand Cru $95
"Pretty floral and primarily citrus fruit aromas that are in keeping with the lemon-suffused, rich and relatively amply-sized flavors that culminate in a strikingly long, dry and crisp finish brimming with Chablis character. Don't miss! 94 pts." --Burghound
2009 Chablis "Vaudesir" Grand Cru $105
"A ripe yet ele gant and admirably pure nose of green fruit, Granny Smith apple and tidal pool aromas marries into big and rich yet beautifully detailed flavors that brim with dry extract on the powerful and almost painfully intense finish that goes on and on. Impressive." 94 pts. "Don't Miss" --Burghound
Click for more...
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| It's time to Clink with Pink! |
Kick-start summer with 2012 Roses: Provence, Italy, Corsica
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Which will be your new summer patio pink?
CORSICA:
2012 Dom. de Vaccelli "Juste Ciel" Rose $19.99
Outrageously delicious rose from Corsica -- surprisingly full-bodied with great texture, notes of citrus blossom, figs, pine sap, and stony minerality.
LOIRE:
2012 LIEU-DIT COCAGNE Coteaux du Vendomois $9.99
Do you enjoy truly dry roses with character? Cocagne Rose is an unbeatable value and store favorite year after year.
PROVENCE:
2012 DOM. ROQUEFORT Provence Rose "Grele" $14.99
When this esteemed domaine's crop was destroyed by hail, neighboring estates pitched in a portion of their harvest to help create this unique "pan-Provencal" rose! Peach & citrus notes with delightful soft finish.
Estates include: Dom. du Bagnol, Dom. Tempier, Chat. Pibarnon, Trevaillon, Dom. Ott and many more. A veritable "who's who" of Provence producers!
2012 Commanderie du Peyrassol Cotes de 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!
VENETO:
2012 Le Fraghe Bardolino Chiaretto "Rodon" $14.99
 A blend of local grapes Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, Bardolino Chiaretto "Rodon" is a delicious, dry rose with layered flavors of citrus and berries, beautiful minerality and a smooth, crisp finish. Another delicious value from Matilda Poggi at Le Fraghe, just outside of Verona.
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Jacques Puffeney, Jura: For the adventurer in all of us
 | Capt. Jacques Puffeney
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We've all seen the commercials for Captain Morgan's rum --
the swashbuckling pirate at a stuffy formal party grabs the beautiful young woman, and whisks her away into a hedonistic after-party where the pleasure-seeking couple are immediately surrounded by other like-minded rebels of culture and gastronomy. They really know how to take life to its dangerously edgy extreme...while they all choke down the cloyingly sweet, artificially-flavored, mass-produced commercial beverage.
It would be much more appropriate to find our hero and heroine at the orgy-like party swilling down bottles of JACQUES PUFFENEY Arbois Poulsard, Trousseau, or Pinot Noir! Something truly edgy, irreverent, and dangerous!
What might the neighbors think?
Jacques Puffeney, Arbois
Reds that Rock
2011 PUFFENEY Poulsard $30
 pale red, intensely mineral character with fine tannins
2011 PUFFENEY Trousseau $35
Brambly, ripe raspberries, notes of new leather, black pepper and tea
2011 PUFFENEY Pinot Noir $35
Juicy plum and cherry fruit; fennel and black pepper
Just arrived: JURA "VIN JAUNE"!
2005 PUFFENEY Arbois Vin Jaune $85 (620ml bottle)
 Vin Jaune: 100% Savagnin aged a minimum of six years "sous voile," often in a warmer, attic-like environment. Vin Jaune is quite rare -- very particular conditions are required for "true" Vin Jaune; simply picking late and aging long does not guarantee the desired result. To make a great wine of this type the Savagnin must be both high in sugar and high in acid; a hard-to-obtain combination. The Savagnin destined for the Vin Jaune must age in large barrels at least 6 1/2 years, but Puffeney usually waits 8+ years to make a final determination as to whether the appropriate quality level has been reached. True Vin Jaune is a glorious wine, with unforgettable depth, intensity, piquancy, and complexity. An occasion all on its own!
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| Save 30% |
Mt. Etna on sale -- Save 30% on TERRE NERE 2010 (Sicily)
2010 TERRE NERE Calderara Sottana Etna Rosso $45 SPECIAL $30.60 net
Marc De Grazie is deep into his second life, first as a ground-breaking importer, bringing the exciting world of artisanal Italian wine to our shores. In keeping with his trail-blazing instincts, he then started Terre Nere, the most acclaimed,bench- mark winery on Mt Etna in Sicily. Showcasing the exquisite Nerello Mascalese grape which miracul- ously displays a character somewhere between pinot noir and nebbiolo; talk about a match made in heaven! The other similarity with those noble appellations is Terre Nere's commitment to single vineyard bottlings. Nerello Mascalese, like Pinot and Nebbiolo, is a rare varietal with a pension for expressing unique nuances from vineyard to vineyard. Caldera Sottana has the distinction of being one of the most lauded sites on all of Mt Etna.
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