I'm not sure there is anything we could say that would do adequate justice to the astoundingly superb wines of Marisa Cuomo from the Amalfi Coast in Italy's Campania region. We have had the pleasure of working with Marisa's wines for 10+ years, and the wines just get better every year. Gnarly, tree trunk-sized hundred-year-old vines grow on steep, terraced limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean sea; sounds picturesque -- but to work these vines, entirely by hand, requires a commitment and determination that is harrowing and inspiring. Thanks to their back-breaking work, Marisa and her husband Andrea have achieved cult status for their wines: profoundly pleasurable wines of singular character, as well as uncommon nuance and complexity for southern Italy. In ten years time, their benchmark white, "Fiorduva," has become an iconic wine of Italy, routinely winning Italy's "Tre Bicchieri" ("Three Glasses) award.  And our customers reap the benefits of their labor of love.   

Please join us Friday, 10/4 in Belmont or Sat. 10/5 in Concord for a taste of these singular wines.  

whites 

2012 MARISA CUOMO Furore Bianco $28  Exclusive!

Unctuous blend of 60% Falanghina, 40% Biancholello. Inviting white flowers on the nose, white peach, apricot, glossy tropical fruit, rich texture with powerful fruit;  Scallops, shrimp,  pasta dishes. "The 2010 Furore Bianco seems to fill every nook and cranny of the palate with rich, expressive fruit. There is nothing heavy whatsoever about the Bianco. Saline notes frame hints of orange blossom, mint, jasmine and citrus. This beautifully crafted and totally compelling white is long on personality and class. It is easily one of the very best wines in its price range I tasted this past year!" -- Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media  

2012 MARISA CUOMO Ravello Bianco $25 Exclusive!
Blend of 60% Falanghina, 40% Biancholello. Beautiful light color, crisp, tangy fruit with powdery minerals; as vibrant and sublime as a wave crashing on the rocks below.

2011 MARISA CUOMO "Fiorduva" Bianco $70 Exclusive! 

Marisa Cuomo's "Fiorduva" is one of the truly outstanding Italian white wines, period. "Fiorduva" is a blend of Ripoli, Fenile and Ginestra, all indigenous grape varieties planted on the steeply terraced vineyards overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Juicy apricots, peaches, flowers, passion fruit and lime are some of the many notes that flesh out on the round, opulent finish. The Fiorduva is a rare coastal white that has tropical fruit inflections, but at the same time, there is more than enough acidity to balance things out.  Long, smooth finish. Pair with richer dishes of fish, poultry, pasta with cream sauce, or with fruit and cheese as an after-dinner wine.   

2012 MARISA CUOMO Rosato $25 Exclusive! 

In a category of its own, this juicy, aromatic Rosato, a blend of  Aglianico and Piedirosso, offers lush, soft fruit in the mouth, yet is resoundingly refreshing. A great stand-alone sipper -- or pair with salmon, pork, or roast chicken.  

2012 MARISA CUOMO Furore Rosso $25 Exclusive! 

A 50/50 blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso. Wonderful spicebox and black pepper on the nose; elegant and juicy red berry fruit finishes with a nice little grip. Roasted or grilled pork, poultry or rabbit.

Late harvest, hand-picked blend of 50-50 Aglianico and Piedirosso, aged one year in French barrique. Dark ruby hues, intense aroma of blackberries, blackcurrants and blueberries. Smooth, well-balanced taste with an aromatic finish of wild scrub and spices. Long, long finish. 

2008 Ca' La BIONDA Corvina Veronese $65 

In the whirlwind of a wine-buying trip, sometimes you forget why you ordered a certain wine --and the reality of the quantity and cost of what you purchased hits you, upon arrival. The only thing left to do is bring a bottle of said wine home and open it up... and it all comes flooding back to you. The excitement of your first impression, the unique qualities that let you know, instantly, that customers were going to have the same excitement that you had when they pour their first glass of 2008 Ca' La Bionda "Corvina" $65 per bottle. The wine explodes with deep, sexy, black cherry, exotic coco-tinged spices, and a luxurious mouthfeel that will leave you craving another glass and another bottle. Another astounding achievement by the Alessandro Castellani and his family.  

Vintages exclusive!

Don't miss this exciting line-up from one of the most compelling recent developments in world-class wine -- high-altitude, volcanic soil, native grapes = Fantastico!

Two whites:

2011 TERRE NERE Etna Bianco "Vigne Niche" $38 (with the red circular stamp)

100% old-vine Carricante fermented and aged in large oak barrels. Deep, rich and powerful. Look forward to a density of pure fruit, revealing layers of citrus peel, truffle and a hint of smoke.

2012 TERRE NERE Etna Bianco $23

One of the hallmarks of the Terre Nere wines is "energy." The inviting nose of citrus peel and white flowers is followed by notes of ripe peach and toasted almonds. Grapes? A field-blend of old-vine local varieties: Carricante, Catarratto, Grecanico, Inzolia and Minnella.

And two reds & rosato:

2011 TERRE NERE Etna Rosso "Guardiola" $45

Guardiola is one of the highest vineyards in elevation, 800-1,000m of steep, craggy terraces with poor soil. Aromas of menthol with absolute purity and power.  

2011 TERRE NERE Etna Rosso "Santo Spirito" $45

Adjacent to Guardiola, Santo Spirito is lower in altitude and is gently sloped. Rich volcanic soil results in fleshy, sensual aromas, and a soft and elegant personality. Cherries, flowers, licorice and new leather.

2012 TERRE NERE Etna Rosato $19.99

The 2009 Etna Rosato from Terre Nere is made from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Mantellato grown in vineyards ranging from 40 to 140 years of age. Graceful and elegant expression framed by cherries, licorice, herbs and minerals. A bargain.

 Mt. Etna speaks: Are you listening? 

2009 EDMOND CORNU Ladoix Rouge  $35 (Burgundy)  

Cru Beaujolais -- it's not nouveau.

It may take generations to recover from Beaujolais Nouveau, but these wines may speed the process. 2010 is a generously-fruited, harmonious vintage for this region on the edge of Burgundy. The domaine is GRANGER, the grape is Gamay: prepare to be pleasantly surprised by its depth and complexity.

2010 GRANGER Julienas Cru de Beaujolais Cuvee Speciale 1.5L $50

The Granger domaine, 14 ha of vines in the coveted Julienas appellation, has been in the family for 200 years. The "Cuvee Speciale" is a hand-picked selection of the oldest vines on the property (70+ years), which yield depth, complexity and structure. The wine is aged in large barrels before bottling. The magnums are particularly magnificent and a steal at $50!