It is a grey December here in Madrona.  But here at the wine shop we have somethings lined up to brighten your weekend.  Make a space in your plans to stop in and add a little glow to the grey.

Saturday, all the way from the Willamette Valley we have winemaker Chris Berg of Roots Wine Co. in the shop to show off his wines.  Stop by after 2 and meet the maker.
2018 Roots Sparkling Rosé $19
2017 Roots Estate Pinot Gris $16
2017 Roots Cancilla Vineyard Chardonnay $22
2018 “Klee” Pinot Noir $19
2017 Roots Crosshairs Cuveé Pinot Noir $22

Sunday, we are taking a trip back in time.  It has been 15 years since the movie Sideways first trashed Merlot drinkers, yet we still find Merlot much maligned (and very unfairly so.)  This Sunday we’ll tray and right that by pouring two Merlots that break the stereotype.  
 
2015 Cotarella Sodale Lazio Merlot  $16
Sodale is composed of 100% Merlot.  These Merlot vines thrive on the calcium-rich, volcanic soils of Montefiascone in Lazio.  Sodale is redolent with inky black fruit, sweet spice, and mineral- all of which are woven together tightly with a degree of finesse that calls its revered cousin, Montiano, to mind. On the palate the wine is juicy yet structured with abundant tannin that is polished and supple in texture.

2010 Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Merlot  $20
Founded by Abruzzo native Gianni Masciarelli in 1981, Masciarelli and its wines have become the standard-bearer for the Abruzzo region   The Marina Cvetic is intensely dark color, virtually black; dark fruits, earth on somewhat subdued nose; massive red cherry, blackberry, red plum, raspberry on the palate.  This is really big for a merlot, more tannin and grip than you expect A year in new French oak delivers vanilla but thankfully not huge oak; drying finish that extends significantly. This is not a mild, gentrified merlot, but a big, dark red wine.  Was $30 now $20

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.