The holidays and effervescence somehow just go together. So this Saturday we are pouring 4 frothy delights for your palate. They are all pleasantly refreshing and a great way to toast any holiday get together. The corks come out at 2 and we’ll be pouring the wine for as long as the bubbles last.
Andreala Dirupo, Brut Prosecco DCOG $14
90% Glera, 5% Bianchetta, 5% Perera
Andreola situated on the green hills of Treviso in the Venetian hills. 28 hectares of vineyards are farmed almost exclusively to the Glera (Prosecco) grape, with a small amount of other native grapes that have been used in small percentages since ancient times to give an authentic flavor. The fermentation temperature is kept low so that the fermentation is slower and therefore the bubbles formed are smaller and of higher character. Aromas of peach and passion fruit along with good mineral notes frame the lively effervescence.
Dr Loosen Sparkling Riesling $14
Dr. L Sparkling Riesling is 100% pure made using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation is done in a pressurized tank to keep the bubbles in the wine. This produces bright, clean sparkling wines in a more affordable way. The wine is clean, crisp and fruity and of course bubbly.
Jallance, Cremant de Bourgogne $18
The other way Burgundians use Chardonnay, the Jaillance has a fine and abundant effervescence, the nose is bold with an alluring scent of wild rose. Citrus fruit, apple and pear flavors mingle with the fresh buttery taste characteristic of Chardonnay, and fullness and persistency are provided by honey overtones. This wine shows a richer, smoother mouthfeel than others of its ilk. The nose is nicely toasty, with tropical fruit aromas and mint. Flavors are similar, dealing out nicely oaked fruit that goes down easily.
Joel Falmet Brut Tradition $43
70% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay
Joël Falmet’s vineyards are located in the Aube within the Côtes des Bar region of Champagne. The domaine consists of a small family vineyard of only 6.5 hectares (approx. 15.5 acres) that has been passed down through the family for several generations. Joël who took over the winery in the early 1990s was the first in the family to produce an estate bottled wine. The style is clean, and full bodied, fresh, lively and elegant with flavors of flowers, minerals, citrus and anise.
2010 Domaine des Bernardins, Muscat de Beaumes de Venise $14 –375ml
75% Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, 25% Muscat Noir à Petits Grains
After the bubbles we’ll be finishing with the classic dessert wine of the Rhône. The Bernadins has classic notes of mandarin, apricot, molasses, figs and quince to beguile and a subtle gingery backdrop. Domaine des Bernardins’ Muscat does age well, turning copper-colored, richer and rounder with a very long finish. It will mature well for 20 years or more.
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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.