Alcesti is a family-owned winery located in the Marsala growing region of Sicily.  Gianfranco Palladino, along with his sister, wife, mother and father, proudly share in the operation of this winery.  The rich soils of the vineyards, their hard work and care, along with the Sicilian sun, allow the roots of the vines to grow and produce exquisite grapes. The 30 hectares of land that lie between Marsala, Mazara and Salemi, with altitudes ranging from 100 to 280 meters, express the typical Sicilian character.  This Saturday we’ll be pouring their wines including two from their Carmene label.
 
2016 Camene Bianco Terre di Sicilia $10
Inzolia and Grecanico
Terre Siciliane is the region-wide IGT title for the island of Sicily. Carmene is Alcesti’s everyday line.  Made from two indigenous varietals, the wine is fresh and crisp aromatic, and crisp with lively acidity.
 
2016 Edesia – Grillo $15
Grillo, also known as Riddu and Rossese Bianco, is a white Italian wine grape variety which withstands high temperatures and is widely used in Sicilian wine-making and for making Marsala
The grape expresses great structure and minerals.  The Edesia is a distinctly intense and persistent wine. It has a strong bouquet of yellow fruits with delicate nuances of citrus fruits and herbs with freshness and a tangy palate.
 
2015 Frappato $13
Frappato is one of the oldest grape varieties found in Sicily. Grown in the hilly area around Agrigento, it has a very pleasant and harmonious taste and aroma.  The wine is recognizable for fresh and fruity notes of black cherries, blueberries and raspberries and its soft and balanced finish.
 
2015 Camene Rosso, Terre di Sicilia $10
50% Nero d’Avola, 50%Perricone
The Carmene Rosso is a very friendly Sicilian blend with spicy aromas and bitter chocolate tannins.
 
2015 Nesos – Nero d’Avola $15
Nero d’Avola is the workhorse of Sicilian reds.  It is grown typically of inland hilly areas and expresses all the Sicilian terroir.  The Nesos has an intense ruby red in color, with an embracing aroma of red-berried fruits blended with notes of spices and vanilla. It is rich, ample and persistent on the palate with a distinct but pleasant note of freshness.

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