This Saturday we are tasting our way through some Italian Varietals that have a bit more going on than first meets the eye. Open your I’s and come join us.
2015 Vinicola Nera, La Novella Sondrio $15
80% Nebbiolo, 20% Chardonnay
The Nera winery started in 1940. This Lombardy winery makes this unique white made from red and white grapes. It has a fruity and intense aroma, typical of Nebbiolo grapes, and a dry taste with hints of exotic fruit, that is very savory and persistent.
2016 Francesco Boschis, Freisa $16
Mario Boschis manages his estate in Dogliani with his two sons Paolo and Marco. This estate is completely family run and, apart from the family members, there are no employees. The family prefers to keep their property small and to concentrate on the vineyards which they organically farm. The Fresia is fresh and pleasant with violet, strawberry, and rose aromas. The taste is dry, round, with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
2015 Francesco Boschis, Dolcetto Dogliani $16
Boschis’ vineyards stand at 550 meters above sea level at an ideal altitude for Dolcetto. This variety prefers this even climate and mainly calcareous soil. The wine is dry and intense delivering wonderfully earthy flavors in addition to the classic red fruit. Dark red berries, iron, smoke and leather all inform the superb finish.
2016 Ansitz Waldgries, Santa Maddalena $22
92% Schiava, 8% Lagrein
Santa Maddalena is the name for wines made in the Alto Adige around Bolzano. Santa Maddalena’s fragrant, light red wines are widely viewed as among the finest the Trentino-Alto Adige region has to offer. The Waldries seduces by the gust of Mediterranean scents that spread in the glass once poured; brings to mind images of palm trees, olive trees and fig trees in a setting extraordinary dominated by the Dolomites.
2011 Tenuta Col Sandago, Wildebacher $26
The hillsides of Tenuta Col Sandago contain the only 3.5 hectares of Wildbacher Nero existing in the world. While Wildbacher Nero is undrinkable at first, after three years of aging in barrels and tonneaux it reveals a tannic flavor and special initial nuances. After five years, although still young, it offers a splendid red having an intense aroma with notes of berries, herbs and sweet spices and an elegant, vigorous flavor. This dark red has enveloping aromas, with hints of wild berries, aromatic herbs and sweet spices. The taste is elegant and vigorous together, well-structured and tannic, with a good acidity in the finish. It is great to drink now or lay it down.
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 from 11-5.