We like small producers; they pay attention to details, and make original handmade wines that reflect their place, their history, and themselves.  And when we find an importer that thinks the same we like to show them off.  This Saturday we’ll be tasting some wines from Indie Wines, a small importer that focuses on small family owned producers that farm organically- most certified organic and biodynamic.  Does it make a difference?  Come taste for yourself.

2014 Le Cantine di Indie, Sivi Pinot Populus” $15
Pinot Grigio
Sivi Pinot Populus means “Pinot for The People!” and this wine made especially for Indie wines from a small producer in Slovenia is quite popular. It has aromas of sun ripened apricot, kumquat and citrus zest, a luscious mouthfeel with briny seashell minerality and an almond tarte finish.
 
2013 Domaine Grand Corbière, Sable de Camargue, Vin Gris   $12
Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir, Syrah
In 1975 Barbier bought this Domaine, and quickly realized that the previous owner hadn’t taken good care of his estate, and the vineyards were in very poor condition. The old Carignan, Grenache and Aramon vines couldn’t be saved and the woodstock had to be ripped out.   They then started producing asparagus for almost two decades, until the mid 9O’s he decided replant the vines. Of the Domaine’s 39 hectares, 28 are now grapes.  It was a great choice.  Their Vin Gris is lovely, fresh rosé that has a nose of fresh-picked strawberries and cherries with hints of maritime air.
 
2013 Le Cantine di Indie, Polpo Rosso, Terre Sicillane $15
Nerello Mascalese
An everyday wines coming out of Sicily, this lighter Sicilian red, is fresh and lively and made more in the style of a Rosé than in a traditional red wine.  It has delicate floral aromas with hints of red fruit, bright acidity, layered cherry and strawberry flavors and lingering finish. Serve it slightly chilled on a hot day and it is fantastic.
 
2014 Fattoria San Lorenzo, Marche Rosso, Il Casolare  $14
50% Montepulciano, 50% Sangiovese
Natalino Crognaletti inherited Fattoria San Lorenzo from his father Gino, whom in his turn had inherited it from his father Enrico who was also a master cooper.   Il Casolare is Natalino’s ‘red wine for the people.’  The wine is fresh, clean, balanced, easy to drink, certified organic, and in Natalino’s words, ‘TOO good!’ 
 
2011 Chateau la Baronne, Pièce de Roche $34
100% Carignan from vines planted in 1892
This family run winery has a long tradition of winemaking.  Their Pièce de Roche is complex, voluminous with beautiful fruit density, velvety tannins, and a great length of black fruits and spices with a final licorice finish.

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.