One of the intriguing things about wine is that a number of them (the ones we like) are unique to place.  This Saturday we’ll be showing off some unique wines from Argentina and Chile that are from nowhere else.  The grapes all originated elsewhere, but they have all found new homes in South America.  Come taste the distinctness.
 
2013 Cousino Macul, Isidora, Savignon Gris  $17
This is a unique white, one which is something of a specialty at Cousiño Macul. Chile’s oldest winery brought vine cuttings from the Graves region of Bordeaux in the mid-19th Century.  Philoxera later wiped out all The Sauvignon Gris in France, but the vine thrived in Chile’s Maipo Valley.  Sauvignon Gris is a relative to Sauvignon Blanc, but produces wines a little bit fatter, richer, with less tendency towards grassiness, with aromas of wildflowers, citrus and spice and showing more body and richer texture than its Sauvignon Blanc cousin.
 
2013 Tilia, Torrontes $10
This winery takes its name after the Tilia (Linden) tree commonly found throughout Argentina’s wine country, the flowers of which make an herbal tea.  Tilia is dedicated to sustainability practicing water conservation and reuse, minimal use of pesticides and organic fertilization.  The grapes for the Torrontes come from vineyards in Cafayate and Salta- North of Argentina.  It is a floral white with citrus and apricot flavors and clean acidity.
 
2012 Leyda Pinot Noir $16
Leyda winery discovered and developed the Leyda Valley viticultural region of Chile; pioneering its cool, coastal viticulture, including this expressive and fruit driven, cold climate style of Pinot Noir.  The wine showcases red fruit with spiciness and floral notes. In the mouth it is fruity, juicy and fresh, with good acidity. The tannins are soft, sweet and well rounded.
 
2013 ReNacer, Punto Final, Malbec Clasico $11
Bodega ReNacer is built around environmentally sustainability, being the first winery in Argentina to use solar energy and to offset carbon emissions and certify its Carbon Footprint.  The Punto Final comes in an eco-friendly bottle, with a lighter weight (15% less glass, reduced carbon emissions), and a recyclable carton case.  The fruit for the Punto Final comes from 50 year old vines in Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo and Medrano.  The final point has lots of good plush fruit (blackberry, blueberry and cassis) and a touch of oak.
 
2011 ReNacer Enamore $29
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, and Cabernet Franc
Enamore is a twist on the word Amarone.  It is made using the appasimento technique (drying the grapes to increase their concentration) Amarone style.  The Enamore offers supple aromas of ripe plums and blackberries, interlaced with aromas of dried figs and raisins, with notes of vanilla, cocoa, and sweet tobacco. These aromas carry through to the palate where they are joined by toasty oak and sweet cinnamon. This is a full-bodied wine, rich and complex, with finely grained tannins and a long, opulent finish.

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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.