Summer is still with us.  So this Saturday we are pouring some fresh and refreshing French wine to complement the weather.  We’ve got dry bubbles from Alsace, a crisp Picpoul from the Languedoc, an organic Rosé from Gassac, as well as two bold reds to match up with the barbeque.  Swing by the shop and have a taste.
 
2013 Domaine Bechtold, Crémant d’Alsace $20
From organic and biodynamic vineyards, The Bechtold is equal parts Chardonnay and Auxerrois bottled with no dosage, and disgorged in May of 2015. The soul of raciness and finesse, this wine is electric and citrusy, with the earthy depth of the Auxerrois grape coming through on the palate, and a firm limestone minerality on the finish. 
 
2015 La Chapelle du Bastion, Picpoul de Pinet $12
This Picpoul or “lip stinger” grow on the slopes of the Languedoc facing the Mediterranean, and the sunny climate of the region gives the grapes wonderful ripeness.  The wine is dry, clean and fresh with yellow peach and lemony citrus aromas and flavors
 
2015 Mas de Daumas Gassac, Guilhem Rosé $14
50% Syrah, 50% Carignan
This organic rosé comes from 25-50 year old vines grown on limestone slopes along the Gassac River. It boasts a pleasant nose of crushed red flowers, cherry and redcurrant. The light, refreshing palate is cooling, with lovely red apple skin and peach notes. It is fruity but dry, with a crisp, lip-smacking finish.
 
2013 Château Massiac, Minervois  $18
75% Syrah, 25% Carignan
Massiac organic vineyard lies at the extreme south of the Massif Centrale, in the gently sloping foothills that lead to the Mediterranean coast which is not terribly distant. The Minervios is the flagship wine from the Château, with “enticing notes of juniper, rosemary and thyme as well as the savory flavors of wild berries and a hint of the ‘animal'”.
 
2012 Domaine Boisson, Cros de Romet  $25
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Domaine Boisson (owned by two brothers, Alain & Bruno who are advised in the cellar by the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape oenologist, Philippe Cambie) is one of the finest estates in Cairanne.  The 2012 Cros de Romet offers lots of spice, black raspberry, licorice and cherry blossom-like aromas and flavors, along with the classic melted licorice, roasted herbs and the background meatiness that’s always found in this cuvee.

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day.