What was your family doing in 1870? The Alessandria family  acquired a small estate in the village of Verduno, then a hotspot for Barolo favored by the influential Duke of Savoy. The indifferent yawn of the 20th c. left the sleepy village and its elegant Barolos nearly comatose. 100 years and five generations later, the Alessandria estate, like other traditional, artisanal properties focused on quality, are slowly being discovered, promoted and made available to wine lovers the world over. What's different about Verduno vs. more famous villages of Barolo? The aromatic elegance of its Barolos, and the rare, indigenous varietals such as Pelaverga and Favorita which produce distinctive wines of particular character and unique personality.   

Don't miss this presentation of ALESSANDRIA wines, including the MONVIGLIERO Barolo, the rare PELAVERGA, and the polished and versatile local FAVORITA white! Exclusive. 

These four wines are open in BOTH STORES on FRI & SAT: 

2012 Alessandria Favorita $22  

Far from a quirky local find, this Favorita is packs a mouthful of sensuous, silky fruit refined with vibrant minerality. If you want to get away from chardonnay, Favorita is waiting with open arms.

2012 Alessandria Barbera d'Alba $19.99 -- NEW!

Traditional, unoaked, vibrant cherry fruit.  A classic with salumi and carpaccio. 

2012 Alessandria Pelaverga "Speziale" $23

Uniquely delicious! Pelaverga is a rare local variety found only in the village of Verduno. Soaring aromatics, wild strawberries, exotic spices, plus a little something extra "speziale."

2011 Alessandria Langhe Nebbiolo "Prinsiot" $26 

"Prinsiot" or "little princes" is the family's nickname in the village.  From younger vineyards, this nebbiolo is aged in large barrel for 12-15 mos. Wild roses and violets; structure and elegance. Charming nobility. 

 These three wines will be on the move: FRI OCT. 18 in Belmont, SAT. OCT. 19 in Concord: 

2009 Alessandria Langhe Rosso "Rossoluna" 1.5L $75 -NEW!

The "Rossoluna" is a sumptuous blend of three local varieties: Barbera, Nebbiolo and Freisa. Aged entirely in French barrique, this deeply colored blend is redolent with ripe red fruit and exotic spice notes. Magnum is the perfect size for Rossoluna.  

2008 Alessandria Barolo Monvigliero $65/ 1.5L $145 

"The 2008 Barolo Monvigliero boasts serious power and richness in this vintage. A heady mélange of dark red cherries, flowers, licorice, incense and smoke emerges from the glass as the Monvigliero captivates all of the senses.... Layers of fruit continue to build to a huge crescendo of aromas and flavors on the finish." -A. Galloni, V 94

2008 Alessandria Barolo "Gramolere" $65

"The 2008 Barolo Gramolere caresses the palate with gentle dark fruit, flowers, licorice, spices and sweet dried herbs. There is an inner perfume to the 2008 that is highly appealing. This soft, fragrant Barolo is delicious today, but should also age quite nicely. Juicy dark berries and plums reappear on the vibrant finish, while the tannins are virtually unnoticeable within the realm of young Barolo." -A. Galloni V 92 

2009 GIUSEPPE RINALDI BAROLO Brunate $125 

2009 GIUSEPPE RINALDI BAROLO Cannubi $125 (Special Order)

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.  

2009 GIUSEPPE RINALDI Barolo Brunate $125 ($106.25 in a solid or mixed case)

"The Brunate provides gorgeous inner perfume and layer after layer of fruit. Hints of menthol, tar, licorice and dark cherries wrap around the palate as this rich, fabulously exotic wine captivates all of the senses." -- A. Galloni V 95

2009 GIUSEPPE RINALDI Barolo Cannubi $125 (special order only) "Sweet, expansive and layered, the 2009 Cannubi/S.Lorenzo-Ravera is a great example of the vintage. It possesses striking inner perfume and impeccable balance from start to finish. Red berries, flowers, spices and anise are part of an elegant fabric that is immensely appealing. I imagine the 2009 will drink well pretty much right out of the gate..." -- A. Galloni V 94+  

Stefano & Augusta Pizzamiglio

The wines of LA TOSA, from northern Italy's Emilia Romagna region, have few peers in terms of their vibrant, riveting, yet elegant fruit. Stefano Pizzamiglio creates some of the most expressive, pristine,  magnificently fruit-driven wines being made. Try them and you'll agree -- they have a uniquely pure and vibrant quality!   New arrivals are now available in both stores -- only at VINTAGES! 

2011 La Tosa Sauvignon $25 Exclusive!

Citrus peel aromas followed by concentrated, yet balanced flavors of peach, citrus, and green fruits. Hints of minerals and spice add complexity. A classic approach, but with more concentration and structure that leads to a long finish.   

2012 La Tosa "Terredellatosa" Gutturnio $17.99 Exclusive!

Traditional blend of Bonarda and Barbera made with no added sulfites. Fresh and juicy black cherry and plum flavors, with hints of mocha. Firm, but opens nicely with air. Finish underscored by sweet tannins and balanced with acidity. Deliciously versatile medium-bodied red.

2012 La Tosa "Sorriso di Cielo" $25 Exclusive!   

La Tosa has done it again - unctuous Malvasia fruit, soaring ripe peach/apricot flavors with dry, sappy texture and elegant, mouthwatering finish. Unusually delicious! Serve with cheese, fruit, or as an apertif. This wine has quite a cult following - get yours before it's gone!        

The Bea family, with importer Neil Rosenthal, put Montefalco, Umbria on the map 30 years ago with wines made from the indigenous grape Sagrantino. Following family tradition, son Giampiero Bea uses natural winemaking methods, eschewing use of chemicals and added sulfites, embracing local yeasts, and following nature's cues. Ongoing: seeking the best partnership between modern methods and nature.

2007 PAOLO BEA Sagrantino "Rosso di Veo" $50

100% Sagrantino, the best of the harvest from younger vines planted in the estate's highest altitude vineyard. Subtlety, grace & elegance embodies this wondrous red. Delicate, pure and classy, the Rosso de Veo flows with exotic dark fruit, wild herbs and flowers, all of which are framed by pure, silky tannins.  Aged 12 mos. in steel, 24 mos. in large barrel, and 12 mos. in bottle before release. Biodynamically farmed; no added sulfites.

2007 LA PODERINA Brunello di Montalcino $50 (93 pts. Suckling)

SPECIAL: 20% off six pack (that's $40/bottle!)

A warm but not overly hot vintage, 2007 offers softer, silkier Brunellos that are open, expressive and radiant with ripe berries.  Lively and lush, this classic Brunello delivers notes of fresh flowers, cherries, blackberries, cloves and mint in a layered, yet balanced style. Enjoy now and for another ten years. Cellar it, gift it, drink it, but don't wait on it -- quantities limited. 

Ernie, VINTAGES' wine dog-in-training, has generally been too distracted by chipmunks & squirrels to focus on his only task:  sniffing out a wine bargain that meets our standards of quality and interest. So we were quite surprised when he sniffed out this month's jaw-dropping value:

2011 Del Cerro Rosso di Montepulciano Reg. $17.99 -- VINTAGES special 14.99! 

From the hilltop village of Montepulciano in Tuscany, home of Vino Nobile, a blend of 90% Prugnolo Gentile, 10% Sangiovese. "Dark cherries, plums, graphite, tobacco and smoke inform the estate's 2011 Rosso di Montepulciano. This is an especially dark, brooding Rosso with tons of varietal character and plenty of stylishness. A drop-dead gorgeous wine... This is without question a delicious wine and a fabulous value. ($18)" -- A. Galloni, Vinous Media

Good boy, Ernie! 

2006 Chat. Malartic Lagraviere Pessac-Leognan $65

2006's only crime was following the acclaimed 2005. A vintage that has tastefully graced many a table while we're waiting for ... what? This 2006 is a very enjoyable Bordeaux on its own terms. "Classic Pessac-Leognan with leafy tobacco, smoky red and black currant, forest floor, cedar, and graphite notes. It is a medium-bodied wine of impeccable purity, texture, and balance." -- R. Parker. Drink now for another 10+ years. 

2006 Chateau Potensac-Medoc $40

Yay! Another 2006 in its prime! "One of the most consistently impressive estates in the northern Medoc, Potensac's 2006 (made by the same winemaking team that produces the great Leoville Las Cases) reveals a deep ruby hue, notes of sweet cherries, roasted herbs, licorice, and gamy meat, and good fruit, structure, purity, and freshness."-- R. Parker  

2007 Chat. La Tour Figeac St. Emilion $55

This blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc is biodynamically farmed. This estate, part of Figeac in the 1800's, is coming on strong thanks to the work of Christine Derenoncourt, who, like her husband Stephane, possesses plenty of talent. Christine appears to be consistently producing the "sleeper" of the vintage; how long does it take before it's no longer surprising to find good wine here?  

2008 Chat. Poujeaux- Moulis en Medoc $50

"Another sleeper of the vintage, this beautifully plump, fleshy,  2008 exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as sweet blue and black fruit, smoke, earth and forest floor characteristics. Medium-bodied with outstanding concentration, purity and texture, it can be drunk now and over the next decade."-- R. Parker. Another word for "sleeper" is "value!" 

2010 Chat. La Croix Lartigue "L'Expression" Cotes de Castillon $25 A blend of 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc Inviting violets on the nose, very pure quality of fruit, sweet tannins on the finish.

2010 Chat. Beausejour "Pentimento" Montagne St Emilion $25

 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Very juicy, with great acidity, deep flavors, and texture.  

2008 Ca' La BIONDA Corvina Veronese $65 Exclusive

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!

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,

Thanks to all who joined us for the tasting and enjoyed 15% off their favorites!

whites 

2012 MARISA CUOMO Furore Bianco $28  Exclusive!

Unctuous blend of 60% Falanghina, 40% Biancholello. "The 2010 Furore Bianco seems to fill every nook and cranny of the palate with rich, expressive fruit. 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   

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. 

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. 

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!

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.

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?