This Saturday we head to the heel of Italy with three wines from L’Antica Cantina in Puglia (a cooperative that dates back to 1933).  They specialize in local varieties such as Bombino Bianco, and Uva di Troia, as well as more familiar grapes like Sangiovese.  We’ll also be tasting a Gaglioppo from Calabria, a Super Tuscan from Tenuta San Vito and our favorite olive oil.  Fulvio Longo, a southern Italian himself, will be here to show off the wines.
 
2017 L’Antica Cantina, Zephino Frizzante  $10
Bombino Bianco
The Zephino is a sparkling wine made from Bombino grapes, typical of the Daunia Plain. The wine is fresh and creamy with just the right amount of effervescence.  
 
2015 Baroni Capoano, Ciro Rosso  $15
Gaglioppo
From Calabria this Gaglioppo has hints of blueberries and blackberries combined with fresh aromas of pressed rose petals and hints of licorice, mushroom and wet earth.  The flavor is smooth and silky with light tannins, backed up by a surprising richness, good balance and long finish.
 
2017 L’Antica Cantina, Rosone  $11
Sangiovese
The Rosone is a fresh and young Sangiovese with bright cherry fruit and smooth tannins.  A great everyday wine.
 
2016 L’Antica Cantina, Nobliss  $16
Uva di Troia
The Nobliss has a fresh bouquet with a hint of violets, spice and soft fruit aromas.  The wine has notes of red cherry, red currant, black pepper, tobacco, underbrush as well as a dry tannic underpinning. 
 
2012 Tenuta San Vito, Madiere  $30
60% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot
Tenuta San Vito in picturesque Tuscany is set amongst groves of olive trees and the vineyards which they tend organically.  The Madiere expresses rich, lingering aromas of wild, red berries and spice. Harmoniously-balanced on the palate with flavors of strawberries, cherries and black currants. The wine has a round texture, a full body and velvety tannins.

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.