Lower Falls Wine Co.: Saké Source

I am so pleased to see more and more Saké on the shelves of local wine stores. I have already posted about some of them, and will continue to post about any other I find.

Today, I want to place the spotlight on Lower Falls Wine Co., which has long been one of my favorite wine shops anyways. It seems that their Saké selection has been growing and they currently have 9 available, including:

Takasago Ginga Shizuku "Divine Droplets" Junmai Daiginjo ($34.99/300ml)
Sato No Homare "Pride of the Village" Junmai Ginjo ($23.99/300ml)
Chikurin Karoyaka Junmai Ginjo ($33.99/720ml)
Fukucho "Moon on the Water" Junmai Ginjo " ($17.99/300ml)
Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo ($16.99/300ml)
Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo Nigori ($9.99/300ml)
Kasumi Tsuru Yamahai Junmai ($22.99/720ml)
Tozai "Snow Maiden" Junmai Nigori ($9.99/300ml)
Hana Hou Hou Sparkling ($16.99/300ml)

Support your local wine store that carries Saké!

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000

Gaja Wine Tasting Events

The name of Gaja is one of the most recognizable and respected known names in Italian wine. They produce top notch Italian wines which are coveted by people all over the world. You now have the opportunity to taste some of their benchmark wines, as well as to meet Gaia Gaja, the daughter of Angelo Gaja.

First up, on Thursday, November 19, from 5pm-6:30pm, there will be a tasting at the Lower Falls Wine Company. Some of the wines at the tasting will include:

Ca' Marcanda Promis 2006
Ca 'Marcanda Magari 2006
Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello Sugarille 2004
Sito Moresco 2007
Barolo DaGromis 2004
Barbaresco 2006
'Sori Tilden' 2005
These wines will all be discounted at the tasting

Then, Kappy's Fine Wine & Spirits on Route 1N, Malden will hold their own Gaja tasting on Friday, November 20, from 5-7pm. They will offer the following wines, all discounted for the tasting.

1) 2008 Gaja Rossj Bass Chardonnay. Regular price $95, special sale price $67.99.
2) 2006 Ca'Marcanda Promis (Merlot/Syrah/Sangiovese). Regular price $53, special sale price $38.99.
3) 2006 Ca'Marcanda Magari (Merlot/CabFranc/CabSauv). Regular price $85, special sale price $59.99.
4) 2007 Gaja Sito Moresco (Nebbiolo/Merlot/CabSauv). Regular price $70, special sale price $51.99.
5) 2006 Gaja Barbaresco. Regular price $240, special sale price $171.99.
6) 2005 Gaja Sperrs (Nebbiolo). Regular price $280, special sale price $199.99.
7) 2004 Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino "Sugarille." Regular price $200, sale price $143.99.

They will also have an additional handful of "cellar selections" of Gaja's Piedmont wines available for sale on that day.

German Wine Tasting: June 25

German wines can be confusing, especially with all the strange German terms on their labels. Would you like to learn more about German wines, to help cut through the confusion? If so, then check out a special German Wine Tasting & Regional Survey at the Lower Falls Wine Co. on Thursday, June 25th from 5pm-6:30pm.

Their own Luke Wohlers, Master Sommelier candidate and German wine aficionado, will host this fun, educational affair. Luke will pour a spectrum of whites so you can hone in on the regional differences in German white wine. This will be a broad survey, with an emphasis on the dry styles widely popular in Germany and increasingly available in the US. Luke will also touch on issues such as the German classification system and the effects of global warming, including the current trend towards riper whites and the potential for serious reds.

The event is free and no RSVP is required. There will also be special pricing on German wines during the event.

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000

City/Town Recommendations #13

This is my thirteenth post of a planned series noting my personal recommendations for food/wine places in various towns and cities. This time I am touching on a few different cities and towns, including Natick, Needham, Newton Lower Falls, Salem and Tewksbury. This list might be expanded and/or revised in the future but I will note when it changes. Be sure to check my extended reviews of many of these places elsewhere on my website.

Natick

Restaurants:

Minado
1282 Worcester Rd.
Natick, MA
Phone: 508-647-0495
(Good all-you-can-eat Japanese, sushi, seafood buffet)

Needham

Restaurants:

Petit Robert Bistro
45 Chapel Street
Needham, MA
Phone: (781) 559-0532
(Excellent French bistro)

Spiga Trattoria Italiana
18 Highland Circle
Needham, MA
Phone: (781) 449-5600
(Excellent Italian cuisine. Superb bread pudding)

Newton Lower Falls

Wine Stores:

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000
(Excellent wine story with great selection and service)

Salem

Wine Stores:

Salem Wine Imports
32 Church St.
Salem, MA
Phone: 978-741-9463
(Very good boutique wine store)

Restaurants:

Fresh Taste of Asia
118 Washington Street
Salem, MA
Phone: (978) 825-1388
(Very good Asian food including sushi)

Tewksbury

Restaurants:

Kyoto
1487 Main St.
Tewksbury, MA
Phone: (978) 863-9889
(Good Japanese cuisine and hibachi steakhouse)

La Spinetta Barbaresco Tasting: February 5

On February 5, from 5-6:30pm, the Lower Falls Wine Co. will be holding a special wine tasting with Giorgio Rivetti, co-owner and winemaker of La Spinetta in the Piedmont region. The winery produces Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, a Blend, Nebbiolo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato, Sangiovese, and Moscato Passito. Their wines have received many rave reviews and I am sure this will be another excellent tasting.

When I receive any additional details about the tasting, I will add them.

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000

G.D. Vajra Wine Tasting

"Wine is about beauty." --Giuseppe Vajra

What a compelling sentiment and a statement that tells us so much about the philosophy behind this winery. This was not some sales pitch nor was it insincere. There was no doubt in my mind that it came from the heart.

Last week, I had the distinct pleasure to meet Giuseppe Vajra, the son of wine maker Aldo Vajra. Lower Falls Wine Co., in conjunction with Adonna Imports, hosted a special tasting of the organic wines of G.D. Vajra, an Italian producer in the Piemonte region. We had the opportunity to taste seven wines from their portfolio. I have enjoyed several of their wines before so very much looked forward to tasting some others.

Giuseppe impressed me with his passion for wine, clearly evident in all that he said and in his attitude. I think he makes an ardent advocate for the winery and should make a fine successor to his father. His brother is also involved in the winery, yet he prefers to work in the vineyards and seems very happy doing so. Giuseppe is more a front person for the winery, currently traveling to help promote their wines. His youth and energy are both positive assets. And the wines are excellent so he is promoting a fine product.

One of the most striking comments that Giuseppe made involved his father, Aldo. Aldo feels that wine should unify people at the table, it should bring family and friends together. It is more than a liquid, more than just alcohol. It is a social force that helps promote positive relationships. This is very much an Old World concept, where wine has long been an integral part of their cultures for thousands of years. And it is a concept that much of the New World could benefit from if they accepted it. Integrate wine into our lives and make it more than just an alcoholic drink. Let it bring us together, creating closer ties with our relatives and friends, as well as helping to form new friendships.

The first wine of the tasting was the 2006 Dolcetto d’Alba Coste & Fossati ($25.99), a blend from two different vineyards where the vines are around 30 years old. The wine sees only a little bit of old oak because they want to keep the fruit flavors strong. Though this wine could age for a time, it is recommended that you drink it within the first five years. It is a very aromatic wine with lush berry smells. It is a very fruit forward wine, lots of cherry and plum, with moderate tannins that best goes with food. A fresh and vibrant wine that is sure to please and which I very much enjoyed. I should note that all of the Vajra wines are small production.

The 2005 Barbera d’Alba Superiore ($35.99) is from a single vineyard that was planted around 1949. These old vines give less variation each vintage that regular vines. The grapes are hand harvested and undergo a careful selection process to ensure they only use the best grapes. I loved the blueberry nose of this wine, such rich aromatics. On the palate, the blueberry flavors were prominent, as well as some ripe plum and blackberry. There is only the merest hint of spice. It was a bit tannic, a tad muscular, and probably needs about five years of cellaring though with the right food you could drink it now. It does have a pleasing, long finish and I am intrigued at how it will develop in time.

We also got to compare the 2004 Barbera d’Alba Superiore ($33.99), which is from what many consider an excellent vintage. The nose of this wine also had blueberry notes but with some dried cherry smells as well. It was a smoother wine, with milder tannins that the 2005 vintage. The fruit flavors, dried cherry and blueberry, were bright and it had a lingering finish that you did not want to end. I think this was a more approachable wine that could easily be drank now without any cellaring.

The 2004 Barolo Albe ($49.99) is a classic-style cuvee made from 20 year old vines in the La Volta, Coste di Vergne and Fossati vineyards. This wine has a light red color and a compelling nose of tobacco, dried cherry and a bit of earthiness. It has dusty, cherry flavors and moderate tannins with a fairly long finish. It seems fairly approachable now though I am sure it will develop even more with cellaring. There is also an interesting story about this wine's label.

If you look at the picture above, you can see that all of the wines but one have similar labels. The odd label has bright colors and geometric shapes, and seems to resemble a stained glass window. Well, the Vajra family made friends with a local Franciscan monk who was both an artist and architect. The monk designed the stained glass windows in the Vajra wine cellar and they eventually persuaded him to design the wine label as well. Giuseppe remembers that when he was younger, the monk told him to never accept mediocrity and that sentiment has remained with Giuseppe ever since.

The 2003 Barolo Bricco delle Viole ($57.99) is from the Bricco delle Viole vineyard was planted by Giuseppe’s great-grandfather in 1949. I found it more tannic and austere than the Albe Barolo. It also had more floral notes but I think this wine might require more cellaring. I just did not find it particularly compelling.

The 2004 Barolo Bricco delle Viole ($69.99) though impressed me much more than the 2003 vintage. I found this wine to have more prominent fruit flavors than the 2003 though the fruit flavors, blueberry, black cherry and raspberry, were still more subtle. There were also notes of spice, a touch of leather and some vanilla. This was a more elegant and complex wine, with a very satisfying and lengthy finish. It was well balanced and absolutely delicious. Though impressive now, I suspect it will only become even better over time. This is a wine I would highly recommend.

The final wine was the 2007 Moscato D'Asti ($19.99), which I have had before and previously thought was exceptional. At this tasting, my thoughts about it did not change at all. It has an appealing fruity nose with a nice taste of citrus. It is a very refreshing wine with only a slight bit of sweetness and a light effervescence. It would make a nice apertif or a palate cleanser. This has to be one of my favorite Moscatos and you definitely should check this out. It would be great for Thanksgiving, or any holiday.

Overall, a delicious tasting and I strongly recommend you check out the wines of G.D. Vajra!

Lower Falls Wine Co.: Vajra Tasting

Lower Falls Wine Co., one of my favorite local wine stores, is having a special tasting of the wines of G.D. Vajra, an organic Italian producer on Wednesday, November 19, from 5pm-6:30m. Adonna Imports is bringing Giuseppe Vajra to the store for the tasting. The tasting is complimentary and there will be special discounts on the wines.

These all-organic Barolos, barberas, and dolcettos never fail to impress with their purity and sense of place. Guiseppe will serve up a range of red wines and vintages, including his Barolo from the lofty 2004 vintage. As the wines are particularly appropriate for harvest feasts, his visit is quite timely. Come, enjoy impressive wines, and partake in some authoritative commentary!

I have tasted a number of the Vajra wines before and have enjoyed all of them. This tasting will be well worth attending and I am sure you will find wines you will like. Hope to see you there!

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000

Lower Falls Wine Co.: Upcoming Tastings

Lower Falls Wine Co., one of my favorite local wine stores, has two special tasting events upcoming.

Hirsch Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Tasting
Saturday, November 8th, from 2:00-4:00

"Please join us in welcoming Jasmine Hirsch at her first in-store appearance! Hirsch has long been one of our favorite producers of Californian pinot noir. The Hirsch site, often referred to as America's Grand Cru, is exceptionally well-suited to pinot, yielding wines of balance, elegance and fruit concentration. We will be tasting their current release pinot noirs as well as the Hirsch Vineyards Chardonnay which, in keeping with Hirsch tradition, blew us away at a recent tasting. We eagerly await this unique opportunity to taste the line with invaluable insight and commentary from Jasmine."

A couple months ago, I tasted the 2006 Hirsch Vineyards Bohan Dillon Pinot Noir and thought it was excellent. I had also done a bit more research into the winery and really liked what I found. This should be a fascinating tasting so I highly recommend you go.

Gordon & MacPhail Whisky Tasting
Thursday, November 13th, from 5:00-6:30

"Back by popular demand, Michael Urqhart returns to guide us through the vast world of Scotch whisky! Fourth generation proprietor, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and unbridled enthusiasm to the category. Each year, this tasting is a wonderful learning opportunity as well as a chance to taste a fine spectrum of whiskys."

There will be special discounts at both events. As always, their tastings are complementary, casual affairs and no RSVP required.

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000

Wine Auction: September 19

Once again, Skinner, a large auction house in Boston, will be holding another wine auction. the auction will be held on Friday, September 19 at 6pm at their offices at 63 Park Plaza, Boston. Skinner’s retail partner in this venture is one of my favorite wine stores, Lower Falls Wine Co.

You can check out the catalog of lots that will be auctioned. There will be over 250 lots and they will be auctioning more than just wine this time. They have added a number of wine-related antiques including decanters, glassware and more. The wines come from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, California, Australia, Portugal. They range from Bordeaux and Burgundy to Port and Champagne.

Some of the highlights include:
12 Bottles of Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1982
2 Bottles of Screaming Eagle
12 Bottles of Chateau Margaux 1982
12 Bottles of Chateau Petrus 1989
12 Bottles of Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1982
Chateau d'Yquem 1928
Double Magnum of Chateau Latour 1982
2 Bottles of Chateau Margaux 1929
10 Bottles of Chateau Haut Brion
4 views from Grands Vignobles de la Cote d'Or

I attended their last auction in March, and it was quite exciting. Plus, there were bargains to be found, provided you had the money to purchase some of these high-end wines. The auction proceeds quickly and should not last more than two hours or so. I will likely attend this auction too so maybe I will see you there.

2007 Txakoli Gurrutxaga Rosado

Since my trip to Spain last fall, I have been a big fan of Txakoli, a Basque wine with a bit of effervescence. Most Txacoli is a white wine, though there is a rarer red wine as well. I have had both red and white Taxacoli but was unaware that they also made a Rosado.

Coincidentally, I recently read a review of the 2007 Txacoli Gurrutxaga Rosado on Amy's LA Wine Blog. The next day, I found that exact wine at the Lower Falls Wine Co. and I bought a couple bottles. It also came highly recommended from the staff at Lower Falls. I decided to open the bottle the other night with dinner. I just had to taste this wine.

The 2007 Txacoli Gurrutxaga Rosado ($19.99) is from the Bizkaiko Txakolina D.O., the largest of the three D.O.s with Txacoli. Bodega Gurrutxaga was founded by Iñigo Gurrutxaga in 1998. The mountain-side vineyard faces the Atlantic Ocean, thus benefiting from the refractory quality of the ocean. The wine is made from 100% Hondarrabi Beltza, the red txacolina grape. The vines are only about fifteen years old and sustainable farming is conducted. The wine is fermented in staintless steel. It only has an alcohol content of 10.5%.

This wine had a nice, rosy color with a nose of fresh strawberry. On the palate, it was a dry Rosado with the typical Txacoli effervescence. I find that light effervescence to be very refreshing. The fruit flavors were subdued, but there were definite elements of strawberry, raspberry and maybe a touch of almost peach. A nice complexity for this price point. It is definitely a more Old World Rose, very much like a fine French Rose. I loved this wine and we quickly finished off the bottle. This would be an excellent summer wine, especially with its low alcohol content.

Rose is supposed to be a versatile food wine, able to pair well with most any food. So I put that to the test, pairing it with homemade fusilli, meatballs and Andouille sausage. I think the wine stood up very well to the food. It helped cut some of the spice of the sausage and did not get overpowered by the tomato sauce.

I think I should have bought more of this wine when I had the chance.

Piedmont Wine Tasting at Lower Falls Wine Co.

Back on June 5, I and a few members of the North Shore Winers made the journey to the Lower Falls Wine Co. for a special Piedmont wine tasting.

Kerri and Phil from Lower Falls spent a week this past April in Piedmont visiting numerous wineries and came away highly impressed. They wanted to showcase some of their finds at this tasting. The tasting presented eight special wines and plenty of people showed up to taste them.

We began the evening with the 2006 Conterno-Fantino Barbera d'Alba Vignota ($31.99). This wine is 100% Barbera d'Alba. It is fermented in stainless steel and then aged for ten months in small French oak barrels. It has a rich red color with a subtle nose of black cherry. On the palate, the dark cherry flavors are more dominant, as well as tastes of a bit of licorice and almost chocolate. The tannins are well integrated making this a smooth wine. It has good acidity with a nice, long finish. A very good wine, perfect with food.

Next up was a 2005 Vietti Nebbiolo Perbacco ($19.99). The wine is oak aged for about 23 months and aged only a few months afterwards in the bottle. This wine had a lighter red color than the Barbera though its nose was subtle as well. On the palate, it had some rich cherry flavors with a thread of spice. It was a bit more tannic than the Barbera but still not overwhelming. Plenty of acidity, a long finish and an impressive complexity for this price point. Kerri suggested that this wine paired well with sushi! That certainly would not be a pairing I would have considered but it is worth a try.

The third wine was a 2004 Elio Grasso Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate ($78). I should note that this wine, as well as the others to come, are still very young wines so they have not yet reached their full potential. 2004 was an excellent vintage and these wines should become incredible over time. This Barolo was a light red in color with a mild nose of dark fruit and a touch of herbal notes. On the palate, it was a dry wine with smooth tannins. The fruit seemed to peek out a bit, mixed with touches of leather, spice and almost licorice, A long, lingering finish is very satisfying. It shows much potential and I would love to see who this would take in ten years.

The 2004 Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo ($74) is aged in French and Slovenian oak. Like the previous Barolo, it has a light red color and a muted nose. On the palate though, the cherry flavors in this wine are bolder, more predominant. There are also touches of leather and spice in the flavor. It has a nice, long finish and seems more approachable right now than the prior Barolo. Though I think this wine would age very well too.

The 2001 Cavallotto Barolo Vignolo Riserva ($89) was more intriguing to me. Its flavors were more dark cherry, smoke and leather, though they were more subtle. A complex melange of tastes. It was a bit more tannic than the other Barolos but still not overwhelming. A lingering finish of dark spice and ripe plum. I very much enjoyed this wine.

The 2004 L. Pira Barolo Vigna Margheria ($85) was a bolder Barolo with an intriguing mix of dark fruit, spice and a touch of chocolate. A well balanced wine with prominent tannins and a very long finish. An impressive wine that shows much potential. Another wine that I would love to taste in about ten years.

The 2004 Sottimano Pajore Barbaresco ($69) presents a different style than the prior Barolos. The Barbareso has more dominant fruit flavors, is not as tannic, and is a bit fuller in body. Yet it is also a complex wine with a long finish. There seem to be a bit more minerality in this wine.

We finished up with the 2004 Gaja Barbaresco DOCG ($225). This is from a famed producer and it well lives up to its reputation. The wine is very complex on the palate, with a melange of flavors, including dark cherry, spice, leather, and some herbal notes. It was a smooth wine, with well integrated tannins. The finish was very long and made you yearn for more. It drank very well for its age and I think it would be simply incredible with more aging. It may not be a wine at a price point I usually purchase, but it is still a real pleasure to taste it.

After the tasting, I did buy some intriguing Rose wines, including a Txacoli Rosado, and a rose from Saintsbury (one of my favorite Pinot Noir producers). Reviews of those wines will come in the near future.

Once again, I must recommend that you sign up for the Lower Falls mailing list and learn all about their upcoming wine tastings. They often have some incredible tastings and you won't want to miss them.

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000

Piedmont Wine Tasting: June 5

The Lower Falls Wine Co. will be holding a special wine tasting on Thursday, June 5, from 5-6:30pm.

"The Piedmont (or simply Piemonte) tucked up in Italy's northwestern corner is a hedonistic vinous and gustatory playground. Grapes such as nebbiolo and barbera are the titans here. Piemontese wines offer lusty, earthy, lingering flavors which can be a pleasing departure from the cabernet-merlot axis.

The Piedmont is officially one of winedom's hottest zones. Kerri and Phil spent a week in April knocking on cellar doors and came away highly impressed. A streak of strong vintages capped off by the stupendous 2004's has the wine scene buzzing. Over the years, we see better producers crafting "finer" wines showcasing seductive fruit and taming the shrillness of decades past. Some bottles taste positively "Burgundian"!

The tentative line-up includes...

Cavallotto Barolo Vignolo Riserva 2001
Conterno-Fantino Barbera Vignota 2006
L. Einaudi Barolo 2004
Gaja Barbaresco DOCG 2004
E. Grasso Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate 2004
L. Pira Barolo Vigna Marenca 2004
Vietti Nebbiolo Perbacco 2005
Mascarello Barolo Santo Stefano 2000
Elio Perrone Moscato Sourgal 2007

These should be some excellent Italian wines and I highly recommend this tasting. I will be there, with a contingent of the North Shore Winers, so maybe I will see you there.

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000

I Clivi Wine Tasting

On May 15, the Lower Falls Wine Co. held a special wine tasting with Ferdinando Zanusso of I Clivi, who makes organic wines from the Friuli region of Italy. Eileen of Adonna Imports was there too, as they are the local distributor for the I Clivi wines.

"I Clivi wines are produced from old vines grown in ancient vineyard parcels in Friuli, the small "ear" that juts out from the Northeast corner of Italy. Ferdinando practices organic farming, low yield cultivation and minimal cellar intervention to allow the land to speak directly through the wines. His total production is only 2000 cases and he is committed to releasing the wines only when they have achieved sufficient maturity. The results of this passionate, nurturing, land-based approach are wines of gorgeous purity and finesse."

For more information on I Clivi, you can check out their website. You can also check out articles in Mondosapore and Oenologic.

I found Ferdinando to be almost shy, or at least very humble about his wines. Though when he did speak, his passion was evident. I think that maybe he prefers the wines to speak for themselves.

We began the tasting with a 2002 Clivi Brazan Bianco. This wine is mostly made from Tocai Friuliano and a small portion of Malvasia Istrianna. The vines are at least 60 years old and the wine sees no oak at all. It is a low production wine and made organically. The wine had a nice yellow color with a nose of spice. On the palate, the spice notes predominated though there were subtle fruit flavors flowing through the taste. It had good acidity and definitely would be an excellent food wine. With the spicy notes, it is a more unique white wine, rather than the same old citrus flavors you get in many other whites.

Next up was a vertical tasting of the Clivi Galea Bianco, including 2003, 2002, 1999 and 1997.

The 2003 Clivi Galea Bianco is mostly made from Tocai Friuliano and a small portion of Verduzzo. Like the Brazan, the vines are old, generally 40-60 years, and the wine sees no oak at all. It is a low production wine and made organically. The wine also had a very bright yellow color though the nose gave more of a honey smell. On the palate, the wine was dry and the honey flavors predominated though they were more subtle. There was some spicy notes as well mixing with the honey. It had a long, lingering finish and I was very impressed with this wine. It certainly had character.

The 2002 Clivi Galea Bianco comes from a bit of a cooler vintage. So, it was a bit fuller in the mouth and I found more mineral notes in the wine, mixing with the honey flavors. The honey flavors were a bit stronger than in the 2003. The honey flavors only gave it a hint of sweetness. Definitely nothing cloyingly sweet. It was very interesting to see the differences in the vintages. I very much enjoyed this wine as well.

The 1999 Clivi Galea Bianco was my favorite wine of the tasting. The weather was similar in this vintage to 2003 though they used a bit less Tocai in the 1999. This is a more concentrated wine, full bodied with lots of delightful honey notes, a touch of spice and even a bit of minerality. A very complex wine that just tantalizes your palate. This would make a great pairing with foie gras. This wine, as will all of these whites, should last at least twenty years. I had to buy a couple bottles of this wine.

I was not as impressed with the 1997 Clivi Galea Bianco. It came from an ordinary vintage, nothing unusual about it I found this to have a bit of a musty nose though that did not extend to its taste. On the palate, it was a dry wine with some honey and minerality but it seemed maybe a bit tight and restrained. It may have needed time ot breathe to fully appreciate it. It was a decently tasting wine but I don't think it was showing its true potential.

We ended the tasting with the 2000 Clivi Galea Rosso. This wine is 100% Merlot from vines that are 50-60 years old. It sees some aging in used French oak. This was certainly one of the better Merlots I have had in quite some time. It was smooth with bright cherry flavors enhanced by a touch of spice. Another wine with character that elevates it above the usual suspects. If you enjoy Merlot, then you definitely should check out this wine.

Once again, Lower Falls and Adonna Imports have put on an excellent wine tasting of delicious and unique wines. I definitely recommend you check out I Clivi wines!

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000

I Clivi Wine Tasting (Organic Friuli): May 15

The Lower Falls Wine Co. will be holding a special wine tasting on Thursday, May 15, from 5-6:30pm. Ferdinando Zanusso of I Clivi will be there pouring his Organic wines from the Friuli region of Italy.

"I Clivi wines are produced from old vines grown in ancient vineyard parcels in Friuli, the small "ear" that juts out from the Northeast corner of Italy. Ferdinando practices organic farming, low yield cultivation and minimal cellar intervention to allow the land to speak directly through the wines. His total production is only 2000 cases and he is committed to releasing the wines only when they have achieved sufficient maturity. The results of this passionate, nurturing, land-based approach are wines of gorgeous purity and finesse."

Wines to be tasted:
1997, 1999, 2003 Galea Bianco Colli Orientali del Friuli D.O.C.
2002 Brazan Bianco Collio D.O.C.
2000 Galea Rosso

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000

2004 Librandi Efeso Val di Neto Bianco

Always on the hunt for new and unusual grape varieties, I found the 2004 Librandi Efeso Val di Neto Bianco ($31.99) at Lower Falls Wine Co. It was made from 100% Mantonico. a grape I did not find in Oz Clarke's Enyclopedia of Grapes. So, it definitely had to be a rarer grape.

The Librandi winery is located in Ciro Marina, a small Calabrian town near the Punta Alice promontory. They have been growing grapes for four generations. and been bottling wine since the 1950s. It is a family owned operation, run by Antonio and Nicodemo Librandi. Their vineyards grow eight different grapes including indigenous ones like Gaglioppo and Mantonico and more international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Librandi is especially dedicated to resurrecting old, indigenous grapes that have been dying out.

Mantonico Bianco is a white grape with its origins in ancient Greece that is now grown only in Calabria. There is a Mantonico Nero as well.

The 2004 Librandi Efeso is made from 100% Mantonico Bianco. The grapes are hand harvested. The wine is first fermented in stainless steel and then undergoes malolactic fermentation in both new and used French oak. It is also aged for about eight months in small, oak barrels. Finally, it sees a short time of bottle aging too. It has an alcohol content of 13.5% and only about 1000 cases are produced.

The wine was a vibrant yellow in color with a buttery nose. On the palate though, that buttery aroma came out only as a very subdued flavor. The wine was rich and much crisper than I thought it would be. I had expected a creamier wine but did not find that. It had a very different flavor too, a bit nutty with a touch of spice and maybe some pear notes. This was one of the more unusual white wines I have had but it was very appealing. It had a nice, long finish and went well with the chicken topped with proscuitto & cheese I had for dinner.

As I savored the wine, it revealed plenty of complexity and tinges of other flavors that were difficult to pinpoint. It was somewhat of an elusive wine, where flavors briefly rose to the surface but not long enough for me to identify. They tantalized my palate, making me eager for more. I would definitely recommend this wine and would love to know if anyone else has ever tried this grape. It is certainly a unique wine and I think it will please wine lovers.

Pete Seghesio Zinfandel Tasting: May 1

The Lower Falls Wine Co. is having a special wine tasting with wine maker Pete Seghesio on Thursday, May 1, from 5-6:30pm.

"We are thrilled to be welcoming back old friend Pete Seghesio. For someone with such an impressive level of achievement, Pete remains as affable and down to earth as when we first met twenty years ago.... Actually - perhaps he has to, given that we've spent many a festive evening together.

The Seghesio family has been making wine in California since emmigrating from Piedmont in the late 1800s. Zinfandel has always been their life blood. In recent years, they've garnered a bevy of awards for their opulent and seductive single-vineyard projects. The fourth generation has firmly established themselves as one of the "first families" of Sonoma grape-growing.

Long one of our favorite California producers, we are anxious to taste the full line under Pete's tutelage. We hope you will join us for this special event! Seghesio might just become your new BBQ sauce...."

Seghesio Family Vineyards makes several different types of wine, from Pinot Grigio to Pinot Noir though they are probably best known for their Zinfandel. Why not stop by and meet Pete Seghesio and taste his wines.

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000

Lower Falls Wine Co.-Saturday Tasting

Over the weekend, while I was out and about, I stopped by the Lower Falls Wine Co. for their regular Saturday afternoon tasting, held from 12pm-4pm. As usual, they had some interesting wines available for tasting.

The first wine was the 2007 Domaine de Triennes Rose ($15). Domaine de Triennes was founded in 1989 by three men, including two owners of famous wineries in Burgundy. This included Jacques Seyss of Domaine Dujac and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. The third man was Michel Macaux, a good friend of the other two men. They sought to buy a vineyard in the Var region of Provence. They eventually bought an existing estate, Domaine du Logis-de-Nans. The estate needed a lot of work but the three men saw great potential in the land. They renamed the estate Domaine de Triennes, after the "triennia," festivities in the honor of Bacchus that took place every three years in ancient Rome.

The Rose is a blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Merlot. As there is a high demand for their Rose, they have had to purcahse grapes from other vineyards to make the Rose. The Rose is a very pale pink in color. It also has an incredible nose of lush fruit, strawberry and even watermelon. On the palate, the vibrant fruit tantalizes your mouth. It has a touch of sweetness but it is far from overly sweet. It has the elegance of an Old World Rose but with a bit more vibrant fruit. A chilled glass of this Rose would be perfect on a summer day. An excellent Rose and I made sure to buy some.

The next wine was a 2006 Argillae Grechetto ($18). "Argilla" is the Italian word for clay. Azienda Agricola Argillae is located on the hills between Allerona and Ficulle, northwest of Orvieto, in the Umbria region of Italy. The grape is Grechetto, an indigenous Italian grape that I don't think I had ever tasted before. Though it is used more as a blending grape so I may have had some and not knew it.

The wine was a pale yellow in color with a bit of a floral and herbal nose. On the palate, the floral notes remained but there were also some mild fruit flavors. It also had some mineral notes and it was crisp. It was a different type of white wine, not one of the usual suspects. It did not overwhelm me but I appreciated the fact that it had its own unique character. If you enjoy white wines, I definitely suggest you give it a taste.

Next was the 2006 Schweiger Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc ($22). Their vineyards are located on Spring Mountain in California. The grapes for this wine though come from the Uboldi Vineyards in Kenwood, California. It is barrel fermented in three to seven year old French oak and does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Only 900 cases of this wine were made. I am not a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc so I was not surprised that this wine did not thrill me. I got a strong grapefruit taste from the wine. It was crisp and clean but just not my preference.

The 2006 Cantine Colosi Nero d'Avola ($16) from Sicily was more to my liking. This wine had a moderate red color and a nice nose of cherry. On the palate, there were pronounced bright cherry flavors with some raspberry as well. There were also hints of vanilla and a touch of spice. A smooth, easy-drinking wine that would go great with Italian food. Enough complexity in the wine to make this a value wine.

The 2005 Chateau Virgile Cuvee L'Eneide is from the Costieres de Nimes AOC in France. This is a Rhone wine with an alcohol content of 13.5%. I very much enjoyed this wine. It was a more subtle wine, with subdued fruit and spice. It had a moderately long spicy finish with a touch of cinnamon. The tannins were a bit bold but drink this wine with food and it would not be an issue. An interesting and complex wine that is another good example of the quality of the Rhone.

And as usual, I could not walk away from Lower Falls without a case of wine. I was able to find a Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon, which I had wanted to try. I was told that the Kamen Cabernets had been big sellers at Lower Falls. I also found some Turtle Creek Pinot Noir, one of my favorite Pinots for $20, and which is also made in Massachusetts. Overall, another fine trip to the Lower Falls Wine Co.

Pre-Auction Wine Tasting: Amazing

Once again I had the exciting opportunity to taste some amazing wines, wines that are not part of my usual buying range. Last September, I attended a pre-auction wine tasting at Skinner Gallery in Boston and it was sublime. This past Thursday, Skinner Gallery held another such tasting prior to their second wine auction. The tasting was held in collaboration with the good people of Lower Falls Wine Co., one of my favorite wine stores.

When you entered the tasting room, you could begin your evening with a fine glass of Louis Roederer Champagne. Then, over the course of the next ninety minutes, they allowed you to taste thirteen top-notch wines.

The list included:
Red Bordeaux
1989 Chateau La Conseillante
1986 Chateau Gruaud Larose
1983 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild
1988 Chateau Mouton Rothschild
1989 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalanda
Rhone
1989 Jaboulet Aine, Hermotage La Chappelle
1990 Dom. du Regau, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvee Reservee
California
1990 Beringer Private Reserve
1992 Dominus
1992 La Jota, 11th Anniversary Release
1986 Chateau Montelena
1987 Chateau Montelena
Port
1985 Warre

As I have said before, I have little familiarity with such high-end wines. They are generally too expensive except for maybe a very special occasion. So I know that I am not the best judge of such wines. I probably do not appreciate them as much as someone who has far more familiarity with such wines. But, I know what I like, what wines I enjoy.

One thing that seemed different at this tasting over their last pre-auction tasting was that this time I detected more of a musty odor from a number of the wines. That did not carry over into the taste though, and maybe the wines just needed to breathe for a time.

My favorites of the tasting included the 1989 Chateau La Conseillante, 1992 Dominus, the 1989 Jaboulet Aine, Hermitage La Chappelle and the 1985 Warre. I really did not dislike any of the wines. Each wine has its own unique character and generally offered plenty of complexity. I certainly did not spit any of this wine. You only received maybe two mouthfuls of each wine anyways so there was little need to spit. Plus, there was a table of cheese and breads to nibble on between tastes of wine, to help cleanse your palate.

For me, this type of tasting is important as if I am going to purchase any of these high-end wines, it will be to drink them, and not as an investment. So, I want to know what they taste like, to see whether they are worth the money to me. If I only wanted them for an investment, the taste would largely be irrelevant. I would care only for points and popularity, how much other people wanted the wines. Not me. I still just enjoy drinking wine. And if I buy a bottle of wine, I am looking to when I will drink it.

Kudos go out once again to Lower Falls Wine Co. for arranging a exceptional wine tasting. If you have never been to their store, then go. Sign up for their email newsletter as well so that you learn about their upcoming events. There should be another wine auction in the fall so you will want to know about it.

Lower Falls Wine Co.: Burgundy Tasting Review

2005 has been hailed as an excellent year for Bordeaux and Burgundy, and many of the wines are just starting to hit the market. Prices are generally high though you can find some bargains as well, especially from wineries that are currently under the radar. So I was excited when the Lower Falls Wine Co. announced they would be holding a tasting of some 2005 Burgundies from two domaines who are up and coming.

Yesterday, I attended that tasting where they showcased thirteen wines from the domaines of Cecile Tremblay and Roblet-Monnot. These two wine makers are married and are considered to be promising new talents in Burgundy. Tremblay is garnering praise for her work in the Cote de Nuits, while Roblet-Monnot is garnering praise in the Cotes de Beaune. The bond between the domaines is clear in their shared commitment to painstaking hands-on vineyard management and the conversion to biodynamic practices. They do not believe in the use of too much oak (nothing over 50% except for the Grand Crus), and none of the wines are fined or filtered.

Cécile Tremblay is the grand-niece of the legendary and recently deceased Henri Jayer and her holdings of vines in the Côtes de Nuits all come from the Jayer family. As I am emphasizing women in wine this month, let me give a special shout-out to Tremblay.

Both domaines produce only limited quantities of their wines, numbering in the hundreds of cases for each. Lower Falls Wine Co. is the only wine store in Massachusetts that possesses their wines for sale. And in fact, the 2005 Cécile Tremblay Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru is already sold out. I don't think the rest will last too long either based on all the people at the tasting who were buying the wines.

These Burgundies are all still very young. They really need at least 5-10 years of cellaring to reach their prime. So what you taste now is more of their potential, although some of them could be drank now if you really wanted to do so. Though if you are seeking 2005 Burgundy to drink now, you might be better off finding less expensive ones, those more made to be ready now. If you are willing to be patient though, then you won't go wrong with these Burgundies.

What impressed me with these Burgundies, which helps show their potential, was their balance. There was nothing discordant in their taste, no element that seemed out of place. Every aspect of the wine was in its proper place and should only improve in time. Plus, there was plenty of delicious fruit in these wines. It certainly makes it harder to wait for these wines.

It was also interesting in this tasting to see the difference between the Burgundies of Cote de Nuits as opposed to those of Cotes de Beaune. In general, those of Cotes de Beaune seemed fruitier and more subdued while those of Cote de Nuits had a bit more earthiness and seemed bolder as well. So in some respects, the region you like better is a matter of preference, of the style Burgundy you prefer.


I began my tasting with the wines of Domaine Roblet-Monnot, pictured above. There were seven red Burgundies and one Chardonnay. The reds include the Bourgogne Rouge ($31.99), Auxey-Duresses Le Val ($49.99), Volnay Saint Francois ($67.99), Volnay Brouillards Premier Cru ($85.99), Volnay Santenots Premier Cru ($85.99), Volnay Taillepieds Premier Cru ($144.49), and the Pommard Arvelets Premier Cru ($103.99).

All of these wines were generally light red in color, though some of the more expensive wines seemed to be a shade darker. The initial few wines also had more of a fruity nose, though subdued, while the latter wines seemed to acquire a hint of earthiness in the nose. Though some felt tight, it was a looser feeling and not like they were totally closed. So you did get a feel for their flavors, their structure. The finishes were generally long and satisfying. None of them presented anything which turned me off. They were all excellent wines, yet with their differences.

The Volnay Saint Francois really appealed to me because of its very juicy fruit flavors, such vibrant flavors of cherry, raspberry and maybe strawberry. Its lingering finish also was quite satisfying. The Volnay Brouillards Premier Cru on the other hand presented darker fruiter, more black cherry and plum flavors mixed with a hint of earthiness. A more primal wine which also appealed to me. Yes, I have eclectic tastes. The Volnay Taillepieds Premier Cru was just amazing, adding a touch of clove and spice to the sweet fruit and hint of earthiness. This is a wine that truly impresses with its complexity and finish. Yet the Pommard Arvelets Premier Cru did not disappoint, maybe being the most powerful and muscular of the wines.

Roblet-Monnot also produced the one white of the tasting, the 2005 Nerthus Chardonnay de Bourgogne. I liked the nose, crisp fruit, but on the palate it was tart, like grapefruit. Chardonnay is not one of my favorite wines so this did not thrill me. But, for fans of the grape, you might enjoy.


I moved on to the five wines of Domaine Cecile Tremblay, pictured above. Her wines include the Vosne Romanee Vieilles Vignes ($84.99), Chambolle-Musigny Les Feusselottes Premier Cru ($108.99), Morey Saint-Denis ($63.99), Echezeaux Grand Cru ($194.99), and the Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru (about $200).

Like the Roblet-Monnot wines, the Tremblay wines were generally light red in color, though some of the more expensive wines seemed to be a shade darker. All of the Tremblay wines though had some earthiness in the nose. Overall, the fruit flavors were bolder, more dark berry and plum flavors. The finishes were also long and satisfying. None of them presented anything which turned me off. These were all excellent wines, yet with their differences, just like the Roblet-Monnot wines.

I very much enjoyed the Morey Saint-Denis which has an excellent mix of dark fruit and mild earthiness. It had plenty of complexity and a satisfying finish. The Vosne Romanee Vieilles Vignes was similar to the Morey yet one step up, a grade better than the Morey. The Echezeaux Grand Cru though really blew me away. It was a more subdued wine, silky smooth, incredible flavors, lots of complexity, and a very long finish. Maybe my favorite wine of the tasting.

Overall, this was a superb tasting. As I have said before, Lower Falls Wine Co. runs some very high quality tastings. Everyone one of the red Burgundies was pleasing. It is only a matter of individual taste which you might prefer. You would not go wrong with any of them. I did pick up several different bottles and will tuck them away into my wine cellar to sit for several years.

The tasting ran very smoothly. They chose to hold the tasting in two different rooms which alleviated that crowded feeling that you sometimes get at popular tastings. And as I was at the store early, checking out what other new wines they had, I did get to see their frenetic efforts to set up this tasting within a short period of time. And they succeeded.

I should also mention that I found another intriguing wine there while perusing the racks. This was the 2004 Librandi “Efeso” Val di Neto Bianco ($31.99), which is made from the Mantonico grape, one that is new to me. As I love checking out new grapes, and as it came recommended as well, I bought a bottle to try and of course will report back once I have tasted it.

Lower Falls Wine Co.
2366 Washington Street (Rt. 16)
Newton Lower Falls, MA
Phone: (617) 332-3000

Wine Auction: March 14

It is almost that time. Skinner, a large auction house, will be holding their second wine auction in Boston on March 14, 2008. It will start at 6pm and be held at 63 Park Plaza, Boston. No other auction houses in Massachusetts currently hold wine auctions. Skinner’s retail partner in this venture is one of my favorite wine stores, Lower Falls Wine Co. At the last wine auction, Skinner sold over 95% of their 200+ lots.

Skinner has now posted a copy of the catalog for the upcoming wine auction so you can check out what wines will be available. You can also pick up a copy of the catalog at Lower Falls Wine Co. There are certainly many prize wines up for auction.

I should be there so maybe I will see you there as well. It should be an exciting evening.