Small Vineyards is a local importer specializing in small production wines from Italy. Why? Because they believe, like us, that the very best consistency and value in wines generally comes from smaller estates. If you think about it, it’s a lot easier to make a great meal for 5 people than for 500, and winemaking is no different. Come by on Saturday and see the small banquet we have in store.
2014 Giocato Pinot Grigio $11
This Pinot Grigio is made from grapes hand-selected from some of the best sites along the Italian border in Slovenia. It is bright and crisp, with aromas of delicious green apple, acacia flower, and almonds. Ready to enjoy now. 12.5% alcohol by volume.
2014 Le Rote Vernaccia $15
Vernaccia di San Gimignano has the honor of being Italia’s first ever D.O.C. wine (1966), promoted in 1993 to D.O.C.G. This wine is a bright, exciting, floral delight with cleansing citrus and a lush body. Made by the Scotti family, this is the best Vernaccia we have come across in years. Why? These 35-year-old vines pack loads of Old World minerality into every sip. 13% alcohol by volume.
2011 Casa Contini Brindisi Reserva $12
Negroamaro, Malvasia, Sangiovese
A truly elegant, lush Negroamaro-based wine, with classic alluring, dark fruits and exotic spices. Aged 2 years in 50 hl oak barrels, it boasts lovely, granular tannins, and a smoothness that belies the typical southern Italian wine category. An extraordinary value, and a unique selection that is very hard to find! 13% alcohol by volume
2014 La Quercia Montepluciano di Abruzzo $11
100% Montepulciano
This Montepulciano is a great example of what can happen when you match low-yield winemaking expertise with a prolific growing zone, and constantly cut, cut, cut back the vines. Made by winemaker Antonio Lamona, the result is one of the best quality, most expressive and balanced Montepulcianos around. This wine is also 100% organic, and delivers as a wine that takes no shortcuts. 13% alcohol by volume.
2012 Lonardi Ripasso $24
75% Corvina, 20% Rondinella. 5% Molinara
Ripasso refers to the re-passing of Valpolicella Classico through the pressed, raisined skins used for Amarone. These skins are aromatic, high in alcohol and flavor, and are very valuable; that is why true Ripasso is a small production wine. Some brands attempt to short-cut the process by adding residual sugar–but not Giuseppe. This offering from Lonardi has cranberry notes with chocolate that epitomizes the characteristics of Corvina.
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.