The Alto Adige Suditrol region is the northernmost province of Italy, with palm trees growing down in the valley and snow up on the Alps.  Around 15 B.C. a Roman country gentleman named Cornelius settled here and established his “Cornelianum” wine estate and the first wine culture in the area. The Roman name eventually evolved into “Cornaiano”, the village Colterenzio calls home. The wines from the hamlet of Colterenzio were favorites of Archduke Sigismund when he resided at Firmiano Castle in the 15th century. The Colterenzio winegrowers’ co-operative was founded by 28 vintners in 1960. Over the years other passionate viticulturalists from diversified micro-zones in the area joined the collective, and today nearly 300 members cultivate approximately 300 hectares of vineyards.   Come by on Saturday as we try the diverse array of wines from the collective.
 
2015 Pinto Grigio $13
From vineyards at 450 meters with a cool microclimate with striking contrasts between day and night time temperatures, this Pinot Gris has attractive ripe orchard fruits on the nose; elegant and multi-faceted, yeasty with hints of honeydew melon and citrus fruits supported by a firm acidity, typical of the vintage and leading to a flinty aftertaste.
 
2015 Chardonnay $13
Chardonnay has been producing fine wines in South Tyrol for well over a century. Grown on deep sandy soil on gravelly deposits, Colterenzio’s classic Chardonnay has delicate and floral aromas. The flavor is infused with hints of exotic fruits reminiscent of pineapple, and mango; on the palate it is a concentration of mellowness and vivacity with classic mineral notes and crisp acidity
 
2010 Chardonnay Formigar $25
Formigar was the original name of Firmiano Castle. Alto Adige’s largest self-contained vineyard area spread s out south of the castle, on a dry plateau of gravel and eroded porphyry.   This barrel aged Chardonnay is a full but well-integrated wine, imbued with honeydew melon, creamy fruit salad and nutty aromas; ample acidity with a delicate underlay of oak on the palate and a long, luscious finish.
 
2015 Pinot Nero $17
From west facing slopes between 400-500 meters, this Pinot Noir has a fresh, fruity nose, reminiscent of red currants and black cherry; medium-bodied, round with soft tannins and ripe berry flavors well integrated with the acidity.
 
2015 Lagrein $15
Lagrein is one of Alto Adige’s native varieties.  The wine has a very dark garnet color.   The aromas are of violets, black woodland berry fruits (bilberry and blackberry) with hints of dark chocolate.  Mouth-filling and spicy on the palate The Lagrein has ripe, velvety tannins and 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.