The same grape can express itself in very different fashions. This Sunday we’re going to be pouring two wines made primarily from Pinot Noir. One a Burgundian rosé sparkling wine and the other Willamette Valley red. Come see if can find the similarities.

Veuve Ambal Cuvée Rosé Brut $12
Pinot Noir, Gamay
This sparkling rosé comes from grapes inside and outside of Burgundy. The inside gives it a bit of class, and the outside gets us a better price. It is a good fun everyday bottle of bubbles. 11.5% alcohol by volume

2011 Freja, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $17
A Oregon Pinot form a lighter vintage, The Freja has blueberry and wet stone aromas on the nose with just a hint of oak. It displays wild strawberry and pomegranate on the palate with a slightly tannic 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.