With "Abissi," winemaker Pierluigi Lugano solved a practical problem -- not enough storage -- with an elaborate, watery solution: aging his sparkling "methodo classico" wines underwater off the coast of Portofino.

Lugano says:  "It's better than even the best underground cellar, especially for sparkling wine. The temperature is perfect, there's no light, the water prevents even the slightest bit of air from getting in, and the constant pressure keeps the bubbles bubbly. Moreover, the underwater currents act like a crib, gently rocking the bottles and keeping the lees moving through the wine."  

Made from a blend of local grapes Vermentino and Bianchetti Genovese, BISSON "Abissi" offers entrancing aromas of wildflower blossoms, hay, and wild herbs. In the mouth, very fine bubbles float the notes of citrus peel, peach, spice, and chalk. As the wine opens up in the glass, flavors deepen and become more layered and complex. This fascinating and delicious sparkling will make any occasion even more memorable!

Enjoy the fascinating story, but don't wait to get yours -- bottles will be sailing out the door! Quantities very limited!  

Email or call 978-369-2545 or 617-484-4560 to order! 

We are thrilled to have these classy Verdicchios from Ampelio Bucci back on the podium. Any way you look at it, these whites from the Adriatic coast are champions!

2012 BUCCI Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore  $19.99

Vibrant and beautifully focused. Hints of pear, apple and white fruits unfold in this spectacular value from Italy's Marche region.

2007 BUCCI Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva "Villa Bucci" $55

The legendary, age-worthy white from the Marche. "A rich, full-bodied Verdicchio graced with layers of rich, expressive fruit. Light honeyed tones add complexity as the aromas and flavors build on the creamy, expansive finish." Truly outstanding. Burgundy, or Bucci?

SPERI: Stellar Performance Runs in the Family   

Ripasso wines spend time on the Amarone lees which impart a richer flavor and texture. This Ripasso offers silky texture with vibrant cherry, prune, blackberry and spice.

Gold Medal in the "Monumental" Amarone category:

2009 SPERI Amarone della Valpolicella Vigneto Monte Sant'Urbano 94 pts. $90

"A monumental achievement. There's enormous power and substance here, backed by luscious prune, blackberry, cherry liqueur, cola and chewing tobacco. This single vineyard blend is 70% Corvina and Corvinone, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. This wine is built to last. 94 pts." -- WA

"Winter White" Burgundy Chardonnay on sale!

click for more featured wines... 

2010 JEAN MARC PILLOT Chassagne Montrachet Les Vergers $75 Spec. $63.75

2010 JEAN MARC MOREY Chassagne Montrachet Les Caillerets $85 Spec. $72.25

2009 VERGET Grand Cru Chablis

2009 VERGET Chablis Bougros V.V. $95 Spec. $80.75

2009 VERGET Chablis Blanchots $95 Spec. $80.75

2009 VERGET Chablis Vaudesir $105 Spec. $89.25

2009 VERGET Chablis 1er cru Montee de Tonnere $55 Spec $46.75

2010 Dunn Cabernet Howell Mtn. 98 pts. $100 --Special Pre-buy offer: $85/btl for six bottles 

"Off the charts. Inky, rich and deep, the 2010 possesses stunning depth, power and richness....Dazzling showing. V-98 pts."  

Last year we sold out quickly -- this 2010 will go even faster. Call or email now with credit card.  

Concord: 978-369-2545 or Belmont: 617-484-4560.

Wines arrive in mid-March.

FINAL SHIPMENT at 25% off price.

Wow! A beautiful, elegant, deeply flavored, compelling red, but fine and understated in a way that Chateauneuf du Pape generally is not. This wine has the depth, weight and power of a Grand Cru Burgundy, while maintaining the warm, stony, quality that is the hallmark of great Grenache from this fabled appellation. Get it while it lasts at this blistering price -- 25% off!  Available in both stores! 

GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO 2009 Barolo Monprivato 95 pts.

Giampiero Bea

PAOLO BEA 2007 Montefalco Sagrantino "Pagliaro" Reg. $85; Special $72.25

Paolo Bea has crafted a legacy that has few peers in the Italian wine world. Jasko Gravner in Friuli, Giuseppe Quintarelli in Valpolicella, Giacomo Conterno in Barolo, Gian Franco Soldera in Montalcino and Paolo Bea in Umbria. All are benchmark producers of their respective regions, leaders in quality and distinctiveness born from a singular commitment not only to quality, but to originality, authenticity, and an unwavering striving to do whatever it takes to make the best wine. Paolo Bea has mastered one of the most challenging varietals in all of Italy, a wildly tannic varietal that yields a deeply soulful, yet mellow wine of incomparable power and finesse.

Call 978-369-2545 or 617-484-4560 or email to purchase.