This Saturday we’re pouring a lineup of wines from France that bring a smile to our faces. We’ll be pouring two Loire Rosés, a White and a Red from Bordeaux, and a “Black Wine” from Cahor. They are all wonderfully flavorful and fundamental to many fun occasions. Stop in for a taste.
Moncontour Crémant de Loire Rosé $18
90% Cabernet franc and 10% Chenin.
This Crémant de Loire from Moncontour is hand harvested and ages for 12 months in bottle before disgorgement. Crisp and full, its bright distinctive aromas lead to a structured palate. It tastes like biting into a peach with a wonderful sweet note and slightly spicy finish.
2014 Le Grand Bouqueteau, Chinon Rosé $17
Cabernet Franc
From the Loire valley, this is a direct press rosé. At harvest, the grapes go directly in the press and that is enough to get the clear pale, dry and crisp rosé with aromas of ripe fruit, strawberry, pear and rosés.
2013 Chateau Garrineau Bordeaux Blanc $14
Sauvignon Blanc
This sustainably farmed white Bordeaux is crisp, with aromas of grapefruit, apricots, lemon and lime. Zesty, fruity and complex on the palate, with lots of minerality this wine is a great match for seafood and shellfish. It’s also wonderful on its own, on the deck in summer!
2011 Château Le Bourdieu Medoc $22
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
Le Bourdieu is a great value Bordeaux. The wine is packed with red berries, currant and citrus peel notes the body is very structured and firm, it has dense tannins and dark chewy fruit that will improve with a bit of air. The 2011 is just starting to come into its prime.
2011 Château Noziéres, Cahors Traditions. $15
85%Malbec, 15% Merlot from 20-30 year old vines.
Château Nozières is a family run, 50 hectares vineyard located in the heart of the Cahors, and cultivated using traditional methods which respect the environment. While the wine does have some firm tannins, it also bears rich black fruits that envelop and cushion the dry core. They give the wine weight, ripe fruitiness and jammy red berry flavors.
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.