It has been a wet week in Madrona, and that calls for some bold wine with a dry finish.  Fortunately we happen to have some on hand.  Come by and see what is open.

Saturday we’re pouring robust wines for the holidays that are great for celebrating and gifts.  Capping the lineup will be the Sagrantino di Montefalco from Scacciadiavoli.  Few wines are bolder or drier than this indigenous grape from the hills of Montefalco in Umbria The wine is a dark purple, nearly black color with thick legs, and aromas of intense red fruit, plums, spice earth and leather. It has a big flavor with lots of good mouth drying tannins. We’ll also have four other favorites to tickle your fancy.

Sunday we’ll be pouring two specially priced wines from Arizona.

2010 Arizona Stronghold Dala Chardonnay   $10
Pineapple and star fruit notes play off just a hint of fresh cream, almonds and baked apples in this broad chardonnay, which shows zesty, enlivening acidity, providing lots of muscle.  The firm acidity finds precision balance with the silky, mouthwatering texture.  Was $20 now $10

2012 Arizona Stronghold Nachise Red   $12
42% Syrah, 30% Petite Sirah, 18% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre
A very spicy Southwest red blend with aromas of blackberries mixed with hints of mint, juniper, roasted desert herbs and white pepper corns. Long firm finish, with the a hint of oak well-embedded and framed by medium tannins.  Was $26 now $12

And Sunday we’ll also be tasting:
Vermut Del Sol, Sweet Red Vermouth $25
From Solera Bravo Wines, this Vermouth is aged in the solera method blending the herbal infusions with Washington State Moscato.  This is the first wine from this new local Vermouthery.  Master infuser Nacho Bravo will be on hand at 2pm to talk about his creation.

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.