From atop Villa di Cori in Lazio, Italy we offer the wines of Cantina Cincinnato. Cincinnato is a cooperative winery founded in 1947 and now one of the most important in the region, thanks to the number of its members, over 250 farmers/growers, and the extent of the controlled land, around 1360 acres. These numbers, luckily, don’t prevent radical choices in safeguarding the territory and the genuineness of the product: chemical fertilizers have long been banned and irrigation is not admitted. Everything is produced with the natural local “poets”, with a particular attention and love for Bellone and Nero Buono, two local varieties with which the cooperative continues to experiment.

Currently available on our shelves from Cantina Cincinnato are the 2008 Polluce Lazio Rosso, and the 2009 Castore Lazio Bianco. The 2009 Cincinnato Castore Lazio Bianco is comprised of the ancient varietal grape Bellone. This is an excellent medium weight white wine with flavors of white peaches vibrant citrus notes and a finish of sage and lychee nut.The 2008 Polluce Lazio Rosso made from Nero Buono is a fantastic red to consider purchasing. On the nose blooms Polluce’s aromas are of sweet and succulent ripe blackberries surrounded sweet spices and vanilla. On the palate it shows great balance, ample texture, length, and rustic flavors of spice and dried plum. Characteristics of a true indigenous authentic wine. Both wines are just $12.

Just this week at Panzano we were lucky enough to receive a shipment of wines from the highly touted Tuscan wine producer Montevertine. Located in the heart of the Chianti hills in the community Radda, Montevertine has always produced red wine of heavenly quality. From the starter level the Pian del Ciampolo a red that offers significant grace and balance with abundant floral tones, mingled with tobacco leather tannin and perfect black cherry fruit & acidity all creating a wine to be savored. On the next rung of the ladder the humbly named Montevertine has all the qualities of its predecessor with a broader palate, more finesse and a wine that will only get better with time. At the highest rung sits the Le Pergole Torte. A wine of such exceptional character that it makes it hard to describe, best put this is a wine to experience, if you have a “Bucket List” put this bottle on it! Currently we have a small supply of the 2005 Pian del Ciampolo $29, the 2004 Montevertine $49, and the 2004 Le Pergole Torte $117. By the way theses wines are a great gift idea for Father’s Day, just trust us on this one.

We are excited to announce that the new releases of Massa Vecchia have arrived! Massa Vecchia is located in the heart of Tuscany in Massa Marittima. For anyone who has ever enjoyed a bottle of Massa Vecchia, they can attest that this small cantina produces delicious wines of powerful character that are all heart. The new arrivals are: the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $69, 2007 Ariento Bianco of Vermintino $49, and the 2006 Passito Rosso(sweet wine)$66. Also available is the 2003 Maremma Rosso La Querciola $77. We have just a few of each of these wines; if they are of interest, act quickly.

The latest addition to our quiver of Roses has just arrived.The 2009 Planeta “Rose” Rosato of Sicily is comprised of 100% Syrah and very fresh and lively. This Rosato approaches with heavy amounts of blood orange and grapefruit which are kept balanced by good minerality and softer tannins accompinied by a finish of Rhubarb and notes of pepper. This is a excellent summer sipper.

Just in for the Castellare Wine Dinner at Tomasso on Wednesday May 5th: Chianti Classico, Riserva, and i Sodi.  Check out the menu: Castellare Menu