The holidays and effervescence somehow just go together.  This Saturday we are pouring 5 frothy delights for your palate.  From the bone dry Brut Sauvage from Gruet to the amazingly rich Banniere Masterclass there is something for everyone. We are only opening one bottle of each wine so you’ll want to come promptly for this tasting. The corks come out at 2pm and we’ll be pouring the wine for as long as the bubbles last. 
 
Gruet Brut Sauvage Blanc de Blanc  $18
Chardonnay
From New Mexico comes zero  dosage domestic bubbles!  Aromas of bright mineral notes followed by traces of green apple, lemon Meringue pie, with a hint of daisy. This wine finishes with bright, crisp acidity on the palate with a light yet long finish. With limited residual sugar, the Sauvage is for the sparkling connoisseur who appreciates bone dry acidity.

Foss Marai, Prosecco Extra Dry  $15
A fruity, round, better quality bubbles from Veneto. Heady aromas of green apple, jasmine and wisteria almost jump out of the glass. On the frothy palate, notes of chopped, aromatic herbs add interest to the core of Bartlett pear and white peach. A soft mousse offsets the fruit flavors.
 
Domaine J. Laurens, Cremant de Limoux  $17
60% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc, 5% Mauzac, 5% Pinot Noir
Cremant de Limoux is the official name for a sparkling wine from Limoux in southern France near Carcassonne where sparkling wine was born.  The Laurens has zingy lemon-lime flavors which evolve into fuller pineapple and citrus, and light, cardamom-like spice.  Its rich yeasty character adds breadth and weight.
 
2010 Jean-Francois Merrieau, Touraine “Bulles” $20
90% Chenin Blanc, 10% Chardonnay
From the Loire, the Bulles is organically grown and aged on the lees for 18-20 months. The wines low dosage results in a refreshing, crisp wine, with a bright nose of apple and pears with hints of citrus. The palate is creamy and rich and the finish is juicy and long with lots of depth and a pretty label. 
 
Banniere, Masterclass Grand Cru Brut Champagne  $50
59% Pinot Noir, 41% Chardonnay
From a Grand Cru vineyard in Bouzy, the Masterclass has bright, luminous, golden bubbles with mixed aromas of dried fruit and minerality.  The palate is long and smooth with a well-balanced complexity.

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.