This Saturday we are covering the some of the classic terroir driven wines of France — from the cool climate of Alsace to the warm vineyards of the Rhône and the Languedoc.  Come traipse & taste the country with us.
 
2013 Kuentz-Bas, Alsace Blanc $12
60% Sylvaner, 20% Muscat, 20% Auxerrois
The domaine as we know it today was forged through a marriage that joined the Kuentz and Bas families in 1895. Nestled in the town of Husseren-les-Châteaux, it sits at one of the highest points in Alsace, and the vineyards stretch out from the village over an area of ten hectares.   It is a dry but floral Alsatian blend that combines honeysuckle, peach and apricot flavors. Biodynamic
 
2015 Domaine Croix Belle Rosé  $10
50% Syrah, 50% Grenache
A crisp rosé from the South of France in the Languedoc region Cotes de Thongue. This lively, fruity rose has an intense nose of rose petals and pear drop candies, with a ripe juicy fruit and crisp acidity in the mouth.
 
2013 Laurent Gauthier, Grands Cras, Morgon $18
Gamay
Morgon is considered the most ‘masculine’ of the Grand Cras. This Beaujolais supports that theory. An old vine cru gamy at a great price, the Gauthier has aromas of red cherry, strawberry, black pepper, cinnamon, violets, vanilla and cedar. It is a feast for the nose.  The palate delivers a little tartness with cranberry and black earth.  It is medium bodied with grippy, dry tannins on the finish.
 
2009 Chateau La Vielle Cure, La Sacristie de la Ville Cure $18
74% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 4%Cabernet Sauvignon
La Sacristie is the Second wine of this Fronsac Chateau produced from the younger vines of the estate.  It showcases rich aromas of figs, plum, and a touch of coffee with slight firm tannins and a fresh and spicy finish.
 
2011 Domaine Grand Veneur, Lirac Clos de Sixte $30
50% Grenache noir, 35% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre
The vineyards of Lirac face those of Chateauneuf du Pape on the opposite side of the Rhône river, with similar soil on sides.  Owned and farmed by Alain Jaume, the Clos de Sixte vineyard uses certified organic practices. On the nose, aromas of red and black ripe fruit (kirsch and wild Blackberry) are dominant. The mouth is full, with aromas of blackcurrant liquor and spice. Tannins are both harmonious and elegant thanks to the fleshy of the wine. The end display hints of licorice and vanilla, which give to the wine length and 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.