Wine Lovers, We Have Got Some Treats for You! Vinottimo Is Pleased To
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Wine Lovers, we have got some treats for you! Vinottimo is pleased to represent some of the world's best wines to the overseas military market - and even more delighted to spend several weeks in Germany to share these wines with the DoD's community. We have an event-packed schedule -- including a major focus on Tuscany's Castello Banfi and Piedmont's Batasiolo. This is a truly unique opportunity to taste and buy some of the world's most highly sought "kings" of Italian wines: Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo, and Amarone. We will be pouring Brunello in Ramstein when we host Thomas Gruber, Wine Ambassador from Castello Banfi. Mr. Gruber will talk about Banfi wines and sign bottles for lucky shoppers. (See page 18 for details.) We will be also be sampling Barolo in Stuttgart with Ms. Paola Bassi, Wine Ambassador from Batasiolo. Ms. Bassi will also be the guest of honor at a not-to-be-missed gourmet wine dinner at Ristorante da Signora. (See pages 19 and 20 for details.) Add we will also feature Amarone when Franco Tommasi joins us at KMCC for a tasting of Venetian wine treasures in December. (See page 21 for details). Watch for emails to learn where we will be each week -- and plan to visit our tasting tables everyday to see what we are pouring. Every day will be something different! So, mark your calendars -- synchronize your watches -- make sure you do not miss a thing. This newsletter is designed to highlight each Special Purchase wine we have brought to Exchange Customers in Germany. The list may include a few labels presented during previous visits (due to the "encore" requests from various Exchange/Express customers), but we are featuring some new and very exciting wines which will be for sale for the first time at your Exchange. To aid you in identifying the wines you may want, we have organized the available wines by region and then alphabetically by producer. Wine descriptions in BOLD fonts (and/or with underscored names) have received scored greater than 90 points. Have fun -- read about our offerings -- dream about the excellent wines you will find at your local Exchange/ Express -- and get ready to experience greatness! Please note: The prices are too good to print! Actual wine prices vary based on currency exchange rates used by the Exchange. SICILY MORGANTE MORGANTE - NERO D' AVOLA The 2009 Nero d'Avola displays all of the grape’s fleshy, supple personality in its dark fruit, spices, leather, and licorice. Black current on the nose; velvety and persistent tannins. Will last ages. Anticipated maturity: 2013 to 2017. Wine Spectator (31 Dec ‘10) - 89 Pts – ’08 Wine Advocate (#193 Feb ‘11) - 88 Pts – ‘09 PLANETA PLANETA "LA SEGRETA" BIANCO Aromatic and ripe, with zesty lemon curd and grapefruit notes on a waxy yet vibrant frame. Marcona almond hints and mineral finish. Grecanico, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Fiano. Drink now. US price $15 Wine Spectator (29 Feb 12) - 88 Pts – ‘10 Wine Enthusiast (1 Apr 12) - 87 Pts – ‘10 PLANETA "LA SGRETA" ROSSO Ruby red with a purple hue. Intense red currant and raspberry blend with cacao and toasted coffee notes. Tannins are fresh and soft. The fruit aromas of Nero d'Avola lead to the depth of Merlot and Syrah acting as the connecting link. US price $15 Wine Enthusiast (1 Apr '12) - 87 Pts – ‘10 2 DIEVOLE DIEVOLE "PINOCCHIO" Black fruit, charred wood, and a bit of mineral on the nose. High-toned but balanced red fruit hits hard on the palate but isn’t shrill, while the finish is a bonus: weight, warmth, and brightness are all right there. US price $14 Wine Spectator (31 Oct ‘09) - 83 Pts – ‘08 TOP VALUE! DIEVOLE "FOURPLAY" Fourplay is a winner. Intense dark ruby with hints of violet. Nose is fruity with nuances of wild berries. Palate is elegant with spices (cinnamon, pepper, and licorice), wild fruits, black cherry jam, and hints of chocolate and mineral. Full- bodied, smooth tannins, and long finish. US $18 Wine Spectator (31 Oct ‘09) - 87 Pts – ‘07 BEST VALUE! PUGLIA A∙MANO A∙MANO - PRIMATIVO This A∙Mano, made from Primitivo grapes, is a huge mouthful of crushed mixed berries, and chewy, ripe, juicy black fruit. There are hints of tobacco, chocolate, aniseed and wild cherries through the mid-palate. It comes together nicely on the after- mouth, where the powerful, yet supple tannins kick in and deliver a pleasant, lengthy finish with hints of licorice and dried figs. A BIG RED at an outstanding price. ROCCA ROCCA "BELCONTE" (RAMSTEIN ONLY) Deeply intense red hue. A blend of Montepulciano, Merlot, and Cabernet. A rich bouquet with soft hints of ripe fruits. Good body with gentle tannins and good persistence. Pairs well with elaborate first courses, grilled and roasted meat, semi-hard cheeses. Berliner Wein Trophy 2012 - GOLD ROCCA - PRIMATIVO (RAMSTEIN ONLY) From Italy’s “boot-heel” comes this big and bold wine. Intense ruby red color with violet tints. Aromas of ripe grape and dark red cherry. Finishes nice and dry with solid and velvety tannins. Great with red pasta sauces, roast duck, chicken, pork, and spicy dishes. Outstanding. ROCCA - PRIMATIVO DI MANDURIA (RAMSTEIN ONLY) This is a BIG Puglian red that you MUST have. Rocca's Primativo di Manduria is a deep, port-like wine with cinnamon and clove aromas. Smooth, velvety, and harmonious with intense notes of ripe blackberry, cherry, and licorice. Aged in Slavonian oak casks for at least 2 years. Pair with game, grilled meats, Stilton or blue cheeses, and even dark chocolate. At 14.5%, this is not a wine for the weak. 3 MOLISE DI MAJO NORANTE DI MAJO NORANTE - SANGIOVESE Dry and mellow wine, with a bright red color, fresh and fruity bouquet with a hint of violet and red berries with a trace of leather. Ideal with hors d’oeuvres, starters, game, meats and cheeses. 100% Sangiovese. US $17 Wine Spectator (31 Jan ‘12) – 86 Pts – ‘10 Wine Advocate (#195 Jun ‘11) – 87 Pts – ‘10 BEST VALUE! EMILIA-ROMAGNA RIUNITE RIUNITE - LAMBRUSCO From the bread-basket and gastronomic center of Italy. Intense flavors of berries and what Italians call frizzante, or fizzy. This is a lively red wine with forthright fruit, tingles, and a quaffability that bursts in the mouth. It’s a very charming complement to all your favorite ethnic foods such as Indian, Spanish, Chinese, or Italian meatballs. America's #1 Italian Import for Decades! TOP VALUE! TUSCANY BANFI BANFI - CENTINE BIANCO Brilliant yellow in color, this sophisticated white cuvée offers alluring aromas of pear, apricot, and lime, with a hint of herbs. Lush flavors, elegant structure, supported by crisp acidity. Sauvignon Blanc 40%, Pinot Grigio 30%, and Chardonnay 30%. Wine Enthusiast (1 Oct ‘11) – 87 Pts – ’10 BEST BUY! Wine Spectator (15 Oct ‘10) – 85 Pts – ’09 TOP VALUE! BANFI - CENTINE ROSSO Intense ruby red in color. Fragrant bouquet, with dark fruit and floral nuances. Medium bodied, with black cherry and tart plum flavors and hints of spice. Solid and well-rounded. Sangiovese 60%, Merlot 20%, and Cabernet Sauvignon 20%. Wine Enthusiast (1 Oct ‘11) – 87 Pts – ‘09 BEST BUY! Wine Spectator (30 Sep ‘11) – 87 Pts – ‘09 TOP VALUE! BANFI "COLLE PINO" An affordable Super-Tuscan blend of Merlot and Sangiovese. This wine shows nice green notes with mineral hints and soft ripe blueberry. The tannins are precise and well integrated. Drink now. Gambero Rosso (2011) - BEST BUY 4 BELL'AGIO - CHIANTI If you're looking for a great Chianti that you can enjoy at home with a meal (and one that will add a bit of ambiance to the night), this is absolutely the wine you need. The “fiasco” or straw-wrapped flask, is the quintessential way to buy hearty Italian reds. Perfect with spaghetti and pizza. BANFI - CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA - DOCG A deep ruby in color with a rich bouquet of cherries, plums, and iris. Deep cherry and leather flavors with subtle wood notes, evidence of its 24 months in oak barrels. Supple tannins, good acidity, and a lingering finish. US price $28 Wine Review Online - 90 Pts – ‘07 Tasters’ Guild International – Gold Medal – ‘07 BANFI - ROSSO DI MONTALCINO - DOC A dazzling BABY BRUNELLO! Rich dark plums, cherries, spices and tobacco emerge from this extroverted and intense Rosso. The raciness of the fruit leaves a lasting impression. US Price $25 Wine Advocate (#200 May ‘12) – 90 Pts – ‘10 Wine Spectator (30 Sep ‘11) – 89 Pts – ‘09 BANFI - BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - DOCG Integrated and refined. Smooth, soft cherry flavors packed tight with background aromatics. Silky, crisp and long-lasting. Full body, fine tannins and long caressing finish. US Price $65 COLLECTIBLE! JAMES SUCKLING.COM (26 Apr ‘11) – 90 Pts Wine Enthusiast (1 May ‘11) – 92 Pts – ‘06 Wine Advocate (#194 May ‘11) – 92 Pts – ‘06 BANFI - BELNERO A Super Tuscan with great power. It delivers an attractive mix of cherry, sage and pepper flavors, with muscular tannins adding structure. Shows very good length. US price $40 EDITOR'S CHOICE Wine Enthusiast (1 Feb ‘12) – 90 Pts – ‘08 JamesSuckling.com (27 Dec ‘11) – 90 Pts – ‘08 BANFI "CUM LAUDE" (RAMSTEIN ONLY) A full, tight red, exhibiting sweet berry, chocolate, and toasty oak character, with a chocolaty finish. A stunning blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah. Best after 2013. US price $37 JamesSuckling.com (11 Dec ‘11) – 91 Pts Wine Enthusiast (1 Feb ‘12) – 92 Pts – ‘08 Wine Spectator (30 Sep ‘11) – 91 Pts – ‘08 BANFI "SUMMUS" (RAMSTEIN ONLY) A beautiful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese that opens with a drying, dusty mineral feel – then loads of plump, ripe fruit.