December has arrived, the nights are dark, the days are wet and we all need a bit of socializing and holiday cheer to make it through. The booze and buffet season is here, time for some sipping and supping. It doesn’t matter if it is a couple of friends or a crowded living room, you are going to need some good wine. Stop in at Madrona Wine this weekend as we are tasting good candidates for the month ahead.

Saturday – a crisp sparkler and three robust reds.

Steenberg, Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc $18
Constancia, South Aftrica
Made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, this wine is bursting with citrusy flavors and has a bright and effervescent mouthfeel.
12.5% alcohol by volume
2021 Domaine de Pallus, Messanges Rouge $21
100% Cabernet Franc
Messanges is an old Loire Valley name for Cabernet Franc. It was made to be drunk young. Fruity aromas with nuances of raspberries and cherries and some leather and bay leaf. The balanced taste sets in full, round and smooth and ends with a light and ripe tannin in the aftertaste.
12.5% alcohol by volume
2019 Lorenzo Sassetti, Pertimali Montecucco Rosso $25
100% Sangiovese
Tuscany
This Rosso presents crushed blackberries and wild herbs spiked with a twang of sour citrus. The textures are silky and pliant with masses of ripe fruits and wild berries offset by penetrating minerals and brisk acids. This tapers off long and lightly structured.
2019 Triennes, Saint August $22
Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Tis Provence red blend offers alluring aromas of ripe black cherries, nutmeg and clove. It is full and concentrated and is a wine that can be enjoyed upon release and over the following ten to fifteen years. Organic

Sunday—A winter white

2017 Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo, Bellantonio $22

A unique white from the Marche region. The nose is abundant with fruit and has complex notes of citrus fruit, tomato leaves with a hint of tropical lychee fruit. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a near perfect balance of fruit and acidity. Stunning wine. Organic