This Saturday we are tasting wines from the Piedmont Region of northwest Italy.  We have some great Summer wines to try –like the crisp Gavi, a Nebbiolo Rosé and a lighter styled red Grignolino — along with a richer Barbera and a very tasty Barolo.  It’s not to be missed.
 
2017 La Gustiniana, Gavi di Gavi  $15
Cortese
Gavi di Gavi is the famous white wine region of Piedmont, known for bright, aromatic and elegant wines made from Cortese grapes planted in mineral-rich soils. This one from La Giustiniana displays classis notes of green apple, almond and hints of herb and minerals.
 
2018 Viberti, La Gemella Rosata $15
100% Nebbiolo
Meaning “twin,” La Gemella was created to honor the winemaker’s mother, Maria, who is a twin herself.   La Gemella Rosata has expressive floral tones of wild rose, fresh berries and crushed mineral. The body is crisp and dry, with notes of sweet berries and zingy grapefruit.
 
2017 Francesco Boschis, Grignolino $17
Boschis vineyards in the Dogliani and Pianezzo districts in Piedmont are planted in calcareous soils. This Azienda is completely family run and, apart from the family members, there are no employees.  They farm organically. 10 head of cattle are kept on the property and the manure is used as fertilizer.  Hazelnut trees are grown on the plots with clayey soil. There are also some beehives and as bees are very sensitive to pollution, environmentally friendly practices are strictly followed throughout the whole estate.  They’re Grignolino has a very fruity aroma, bright acidity and notes of pepper, flowers and herbs with good length on the finish.
 
2016 Fratelli Alessandria, Barbera d’Alba  $22
Barbera is the most widespread variety in Piedmont. This one from Fratelli Alessandria shows a fresh and fragrant bouquet alternating red fruits and sweet spices. The taste is dry and harmonious, with a medium structure and intensity.
 
2014 Bricco Giubellini, Barolo $42
Nebbiolo
Bricco Giubellini is the highest vineyard (530 m.) in Monforte d’Alba, renowned village of the Barolo area. And it is also the smallest, with not even one hectare of vines which are organically farmed.  Everything is handled with the utmost regard for the environment. No weed-killers or synthetic active ingredients are employed, manuring takes place on alternate years using cow dung compost. Rainwater is used for all treatments. The wine cellar is acclimatized by solar energy. Labels are printed on FSC paper, capsules are colored with water-based inks, only corks from certified plantations are used. No wooden packaging, only cardboard made from recycled paper.  The 2014 is fresh, vibrant and beautifully delineated.  Bright raspberry, lavender and violet notes unfold effortlessly in a translucent, nuanced, Barolo loaded with personality.

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.