The wines of Spain range from fresh and crisp to full with layers of age.  This Saturday we’ll be tasting our way through this spectrum of Spanish deliciousness.  Come and join us.

2015 Txomin Etxaniz, Getaria Txakoli $20
Txomin Etxaniz has 35 hectares of sloped vineyards in Getaria in the heart of Basque country.  They grow two native types of grape; Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza.  “The grapes have to see the vista,” said Ernesto Txueka, whose family has run Txomin for generations.  The wines are fermented in steel tanks and kept cold to capture carbon dioxide, which accounts for the fizziness. The Getaria is fresh and tangy, with a slightly chalky mineral and lemon flavors.
 
Llopant, Cava Brut Reserva  $18
40% Xarel·lo, 30%Parellada, 30% Macabello
The Llopart family is one of the oldest Cava producers in Spain with the first Cava made in 1887. In the 1950s took quality to new levels by launching a range of ‘craft cavas’ which spend at least 18monts on the lees.  The Brut Reserva has a delicate mousse, creamy texture and a clean aroma of white fruit. It is soft and fresh on the palate with a lingering acidity.  Organic.
 
2014 Triton, Tinta di Torro  $15
Tempranillo
Owned by the Gil family, Triton is located near Zamora in the historic area known as de la Tierra del Vino, “the Land of Wine”.  The Triton is a big old vine Tempranillo with dense aromas of surprisingly red fruits—dried pomegranate, cranberry, and cherry—with a fruit-leather quality join hints of crème de cassis, roast meat, licorice, and brush.  The flavors are dark, with blueberry, black cherry, and touches of florality and almost peppery spice.
 
2014 Juan Gil, Monastrell $16
From the Gil estate in Jumilla, these old vineyards’ chalky and stony soils with poor nutrients are ideal for the growing of the Monastrell.  This big shouldered old vine Monastrell sees 12 months in French oak barrels.  It is rich without being jammy, structured without being too tannic.  It has aromas of ripe currant, red berries and smoked notes, with a huge mouthful of crème-de-cassis concentration.
 
2005 Sierra Cantabria Gran Reserva $35
98% Tempranillo, 2% Graciano
Since 1870, a period spanning five generations, this family winery has been growing vines and making wine in La Rioja. Made in Rioja’s traditional style, The Gran Reserva has a stylish perfume of cedar, earth, mineral, violets, and blackberry. On the palate, it reveals its elegant personality with red and black fruit flavors.  It is a richly balanced wine with everything working in harmony silky smooth, with a long finish.

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.