Aloha All

Aloha All!

“Italy: The Final Frontier” --- Or should I say "our final frontier" --- so it seemed for us at JMD Beverages. Since our beginnings twelve years ago, we’ve been content to watch other distributorships work with the top importers of Italian wines, while we preferred to focus on other regions. ---- Don’t get me wrong, we love to drink Italian wines! We were constantly looking...We dabbled....But there was never the “right fit.”

Enter a new upstart: “Small Vineyards.” We try to taste every Friday, as a group, all sorts of (potential) new brands. And over the past couple of years we've tasted a lot of wines from Italy. But this was different, one of those epiphanies (that rarely occur) when everything clicked. We spoke the same language. Our philosophies were identical. We’re both after the same thing --- seekers of those outstanding small vineyard wines, the kind of producers that most importers & distributors would never give a second thought, regardless of quality, because there is not enough to build a brand.

The wines were incredible! But, as wonderful as the wines are, it's the stories of the families and artisans who make them that are equally important. We've found that many of you --- are like us --- and have a sincere desire to know more about the artists who make the wine. When you see a Small Vineyards sticker on a bottle of wine, you will know that it is a wine that you will be proud to serve. You will know that no matter how much you may have paid for the bottle, you will always have a terrific bottle of wine. The wines are customarily hand harvested, earth friendly, and always of superior quality.

Unfortunately (for some), there aren't any reviews in the Spectator or Parker yet. I kinda' like that. It gives us all an opportunity to lead, rather than follow. You'll find the price/quality ratio to be outstanding.

They're "big" on wine education, too --- just about any information you want to have about a wine is now available on their website. Check it out: <http://www.svimports.com/whoweare.html>

Small Vineyards

Currently In Stock (in Hawaii)

All Prices are Front Line --- All Wines Will Discount

White Wines

#7110 Pinot Grigio IGT, Ronco della Rocca 2006 12/750 $150/Case $12.50/Bottle:

When at its very best, Pinot Grigio can absolutely delight the palate, giving the sensation of sipping lively citrus and white blossoms through crushed granite. Rocca’s Pinot Grigio, made by local icon Gianni Maccari, offers a clean slate of minerals only possible in the Colli Orientali zone of Friuli -- perhaps the best place on the planet for Pinot Grigio. Emboldened by very dense vine plantings and the passion of a hands-on family that picks every grape by hand, Rocca Pinot Grigio is a beautiful expression of Italy’s most famous white wine, and a remarkable value for Friuli.

#7102 Verdicchio, Marchetti 2006 12/750 $147/Case $12.25/Bottle:

It could be said that Verdicchio is a thinking person’s Pinot Grigio. Refreshing citrus fruits, playful acidity and complex minerality are the hallmarks of this varietal, and when well-made, it is one of the best whites in the Mediterranean world. Incredibly, this wine is all free-run juice (no pressing!), and as a Classico. Maurizio Marchetti’s family has been making Verdicchio for generations, and it shows.

#7100 Vernacchia di San Gimignano DOCG 2006 12/750 $156/Case $13/Bottle:

Vernaccia di San Gimignano has the honor of being Italy’s first ever DOC wine, in 1993 promoted to DOCG. This wine is a bright, exciting, floral delight with cleansing citrus and a lush body. Made by the Scotti family, this is the best Vernaccia we’ve come across in years. Why? These 35 year-old vines pack loads of Old World minerality into every sip. Perfect for warm weather, fish, and salads.

#7118 Roero Arneis, Tre Donne 2006 12/750 $189/Case $15.75/Bottle:

Becoming increasingly important in Europe, Roero Arneis is a wine that seemingly satisfies everyone. It is crisp and clean, with terrific bite and cleanliness that delights the palate of white wine lovers, but as this is Arneis, the mouth-feel is full and lush, even without oak -- pleasing those who prefer red wine. So much so, in fact it is called il Barolo Bianco (the white Barolo) by its many admirers, because of its surprising weight and satisfaction in the mouth. A very rare grape, it nearly became extinct thirty years ago, but today it is thriving, and happily so. Blushing with fresh grass, flowers, and ripe pear.

Red Wines

#7084 Chianti Classico DOCG, Trasqua 2004 12/750 $150/Case $12.50/Bottle:

There are good reasons why the Chianti Classico from Villa Trasqua is so good. First, the Chianti Classico area is one of the three best locations in the world to grow delicious Sangiovese. Also, this vineyard has a unique micro-climate, excellent soils, and an altitude that further enrich the body. The result? A full, but delicate Chianti Classico that sings with classic dried Tuscan cherry, hints at cassis and pomegranate, and finishes with a confidence that only a Classico can.

#7086 Chianti Classico “Riserva” DOCG, Podere Ciona 2003 12/750 $252/Case $21/Bottle:

This is a true Riserva in a “basic” bottle, an utterly outstanding wine at an outstanding price. With wonderful aromas of black cherry, rhubarb, pepper, and slight vanilla from the French oak. A beautiful wine from one of Chianti’s finest, most dedicated micro-producers.

#7080 Brunello di Montalcino, Sanguinetti 2001 12/750 $492/Case $41/Bottle:

Sanguineti’s Brunello is a powerful, decadent expression of cherries, black tea, coffee and pomegranate. The tannins are smooth & well-integrated. This wine will age for over 20 years. Nick-named “Maestro” by his colleagues, Antonio Sanguineti is a master of creating the perfectly balanced wine. He’s achieved it here again, as its 42 months in French oak are amazingly approachable now.

#7088 “Nesum Dora” (Super Tuscan), Sanguinetti ‘04 12/750 $180/Case $15/Bottle:

“Nessun Dorma” is the favorite aria of Antonio Sanguineti. With vines carefully selected from all around Toscana, including the fresh and bright.Sangiovese (50%) from Capraia e Limite (Montalbano),the intensely floral and elegant Merlot (30%) from Gavorrano (Grosseto), and Syrah (20%) from Suvereto (Livorno) which adds a bold expression of forest-floor truffle, ripe cherry and blackberry preserves.

#7090 Negroamaro Rosso “Salento”, Forte Canto ‘05 12/750 $126/Case $10.50/Bottle:

Made by Massimiliano Apollonio, who despite having a name like an emperor, is one of the humblest winemakers one can meet. That, and he’s making some of the very best wines South of Rome. Negroamaro is Pulglia’s most important varietal. Characteristically, the wine is dark and intense. Perfect for those who want a big, powerful wine that is not your usual Cabernet.

#7096 Valpolicella Ripasso DOC, Lonardi 2004 12/750 $222/Case $18.50/Bottle:

The “Poor-Man’s Amarone”... Perhaps the finest Ripasso you’ll ever taste, this offering from Lonardi has dark, lush cranberry notes, with smoky epitomizes the lovely characteristics of Corvina (75%). While more affordable, the complexity is reminiscent of Amarone. It is a pleasing everyday Veneto wine that will keep up with bold foods or stand alone in the glass.

#7092 Amarone della Valpolicella DOC, Lonardi 2001 6/750 $330/Case $55/Bottle:

Of all the wines of Italy, none is more breath-takingly unique than the wine of Verona called Amarone. And in our opinion, few make it better than Giuseppe Lonardi. His Amarone is remarkably port-like and concentrated, with powerful, heady aromas of dried fruit potpourri, chocolate, cedar chest, and exotic spice. The production is micro (750 cases), and it shows in this luxurious, breathtaking wine.

#7094 Privilegia, Giuseppe Lonardi 2003 12/750 $432/Case $36/Bottle:

A revolutionary blend of 50% Corvina, the primary grape in Amarone, and 50% Cabernet Franc. It is elegant, with a delightful combination of bold mediterranean fruits and a dusty potpourri finish. Matured for approximately 22 months in (100% new) barrique, it is a classic Italian wine that will age for 15 years. Very limited production. Recently recognized by the Italian Sommelier Association as the top wine in Italy.

#7098 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, La Quercia 2005 12/750 $147/Case $12.25/Bottle:

100% organic. This Montepulciano is a great example of what happens when you match low-yield winemaking expertise with a prolific growing zone, and constantly cutting back the vines. Made by winemaker Antonio Lamona, the result is one of the best quality, most expressive and balanced Montepulcianos around. La Quercia, the name of the estate, is a type of large, long-lived oak tree found on the estate.

#7104 Nero d’Avola, Martorana 2004 12/750 $180/Case $15/Bottle:

From the volcanic soils of Agrigento on the West coast of Sicily, comes one of the great grape varietals of the world. An early ripening, full-bodied varietal with generous aromas of ripe plums, dark chocolate, berry cobbler, and almonds. The vines are from 30 - 90 years old, and Giuseppe Martorana harvests extremely low-yields. Thus, the wine has great mineral complexity and elegance. Ageworthy for 10 years-plus.

#7106 Rita (Sangiovese), Perazetta 2004 12/750 $189/Case $15.75/Bottle:

From Montecucco, on the southern fringe of Montalcino, comes this stunningly powerful, lush Sangiovese. The zone is able to produce some of the most robust, unctious wines in all of Tuscany,. Aged in Frenck oak barrels, this wine pushes the boundaries of Sangiovese, re-defining the varietal yet again. Named after Alessandro’s wife AND mother, he said of his wine: “I had no choice but to name it Rita!”

#7108 Barbaresco Serracapelli DOCG 2003 12/750 $489/Case $40.75/Bottle:

From the heart of Barbaresco in Neive comes this stunningly elegant wine from newcomer Poderi Elia. Newcomer? The family has made their wine since 1890, yet they are a relatively new face on the International scene. But their wine fspeaks for itself: the bouquet offers ringing tones of currant and cherry over a layer of toasty-oak that never dominates. The structure is marble-solid.

#7112 Salice Salentino DOC, Terre del Grico 2001 12/750 $222/Case $18.50/Bottle:

We were wildly impressed with this Salice Salentino. It nearly defies logic in its balance of powers, with both a sense wonderful elegance. Its classic dense, raisiny fruits and scintillating old Mediterranean spice aromas make it a superb everyday Southern Italian experience. The average vine age for Terre del Grico is over 30 years old, with some as old as 70. Will age for 8-10 years.

#7114 Emilio Primo (Super Tuscan), Terre del Marchesato ‘05 12/750 $127.50/Case $21.25/Bottle:

An extraordinary value from the Tuscan zone of Bolgheri., ground-zero for SuperTuscans. This baby Super-T is made entirely from French-origin varietals (50% Cab Sauv, 30% Merlot, 20% Syrah), like its zonal cousins, Sassicaia and Ornellaia. Enologist Fabrizio Moltard displays his trademark “sweet tannins” along with the smoky fruit and dusty plums found only in the Maremma.

#7116 Barbera d’Alba DOC, Tre Donne 2004 12/750 $201/Case $16.75/Bottle:

Ripe with berry-cherry and spices, this Barbera d’Alba is remarkably refreshing for a red wine. Because it naturally has very few tannins, Barbera has much of the crisp quaffability of light wines, but the complexity of great reds. This wine won FIRST PRIZE from the American Wine Institute for two different vintages.

Sparkling Wine

#7082 Prosecco Extra Dry, Trevisol NV 12/750 $141/Case $11.75/Bottle:

Made from the Prosecco grape that is indigenous to the Veneto region. This sparkling wine is deliciously light and playful. Unlike many Champagnes, it is not heavy on the palate (or the pocket book). Rather, it tickles the throat with a peachy softness and is flecked with a minerality that makes it one of the best sparkling wine values around. It’s off-dry style pairs perfectly with Asian influenced dishes.

Cheers,