We got a little taste of Spring this week here in Madrona.  And while it is only Presidents day weekend, longer days and warmer weather are on its way back soon.  IN the mean time we are tasting a wine variety of wines from Italy guaranteed to warm the insides if not the out.  Stop by the shop and check them out.  And don’t forget to pick up bubbles for the Oscars.

Saturday,we’ll be tasting five Italian varietals of distinct character gathered from the different regions of the countryside. 
2013 Viticoltori Alto Adige, San Pietro Pinot Bianco  
2014 Bisci,  Verdicchio di Matelica
2014 Mantellassi, Maestrale Ciliegiolo  
2009 Maria Caterina Dei, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 
2011 Salvatore Molettieri, Irpinia Aglianico, Cinque Querce

Sunday, we are tasting a pair of wines from Friuli. 

2015 Vigna del Lauro Pinot Grigio $13
From the terraced vineyards of Collio in Northeast Friuli, This PG is fresh and fruity with tones of pear and apple with a rich and smooth body.

2015 Vigna del Lauro Cabernet Franc $13
A Cabernet Franc from Northeast Italy. This CF has aromas of cherry, raspberry, blackberry and blueberry, soft tannins and fresh herbal notes.

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.