This Saturday’s lineup focuses on pure varietals from the French countryside.  They range from the familiar (Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Noir) to the more unusual (Aligoté &Duras).  And we are throwing in a Bordeaux Blend just because of its good value.  Come taste with us.

2017 Domaine Giraudon, Bourgogne Aligoté  $15
Aligoté  is the other white grape o Burgundy. Marcel Giraudon has six of his 18.5 hectares planted to the grape. The wine goes through a malo-lactic fermentation which adds a lovely middle palate to its vibrant fruity and mineral qualities.  Its crisp, refreshing and offers an off the beaten path alternative as your go-to.
 
2017 Domaine Girard,  Sancerre  $23
Sauvignon Blanc
All Sauvignon Blanc from a small 2.5 hectare parcel. No oak at play here as Msr Girard keeps it crispy and fresh allowing the chalky, limestone soils to shine. The wine is full of stony, citrusy white fruits with a touch of floral lift and that super taut minerality that lingers and washes the palate. 
 
2016 Domaine Girard, Sancerre Rouge  $22
Pinot Noir
Sancerre is known for its Sauvignon Blanc but it also grows some great Pinot Noir as well.  The Girard is more friendly than Burgundy, and more pure pinot character than Oregon.

2017 Domaine Philemon,  Croix de la Bouscarié  $14
100% Duras
Domaine Philémon has been run by the Vieules family since 1804 in the
Gaillac region of southwest France.  Their vineyards are certified organic.  This pure Duras is a robust red with a distinct peppery note. 
 
2016 Chateau Platon, Bordeaux  $13
Jean-Francois Meynard and Christelle Gauthier farm 10 hectares of vineyards that have been in Christelle’s family since 1907.  The vineyards are planted with 65% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. With vines over 40 years old, grapes have excellent richness and flavor intensity of blueberry and cassis with dashes of plum, loamy earth 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.