The Augustinian monastery of Neustift is located in the northern-most winegrowing region on the southern side of the Alps where the mineral-rich soils, the high elevation and the cool climate make wines with intense aromas and flavor as well as crisp mouth-watering acidity.   The long drawn-out ripening period extending well into the autumn is crucial to making growing Kerner, Pinot Grigio and Veltliner.  The monastery also owns vineyards in the warm central region of South Tyrol which supply their red grapes including the full-bodied, savory Lagrein and a dry distinct Pinot Noir.   The winery couples 850 years of winemaking experience with state-of-the-art winemaking technology.   Stop by on Saturday as we taste these distinct and delicious wines.
 
2014 Grüner Veltliner $18
Vivid green herb and pepper nose with lots of intensity; concentrated, ripe, full and delicately aromatic on the palate with a subtle herby lift; long with a hint of spice on the finish.
 
2014 Pinot Grigio (Ruländer) $18
Attractive aroma of citrus fruits, peach and honeydew melon; medium rich, fruity and direct on the palate with orchard fruit flavors and tangy acidity on the finish.
 
2014 Kerner Praepostius  $23
Praepostius or Pontif select is made from a selection of the better plots and barrels of  Kerner.  The wine has strong aromas of apple, aromatic herbs and tropical fruits. With full minerality and almost salty on the palate, it is very eloquent in its deep, mouth filling finish.
 
2013 Pinot Nero (Blauburgunder) $20
The Blauburgunder is a stylish and elegant Pinot Noir rather than full-bodied and muscular. The wine has a fresh, fruity nose, aromatic, supple and luscious with hints of red currants and damsons, velvety tannins and a discreet whiff of oak spice.
 
2014 Lagrein $18
Intensely deep in color, almost black tinged with purple. Very open on the nose with concentrated aromas of violets, blackberries and black cherries all meshed with savory flavors, coffee and dark chocolate; supple youthful tannins and superb length.

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.