Luigi Giordano is a fourth-generation family winery whose vineyards are planted in some of Barbaresco’s most prestigious Crus. One particular Barbaresco bottling from the Cru of Cavanna showcases the winery’s elegant, hands-off style of winemaking. This Saturday we’ll be pouring this elegant Barbaresco along with some other of the wineries creations as well as a couple of offerings from some of his neighbors. It is a great line up you won’t want to miss.

2013 Angelo Negro “Serra Lupini” Arneis $22
This winery’s origins date back to 1670. Giovanni Negro, the estate’s present owner, produced the first dry Arneis on record in 1971 The wine has aromas of peach and pear, acacia flowers and tropical fruits. It has a soft persisting attack and a mineral aftertaste which comes from the sandy soil of Roero.

2013 Luigi Giordano, Brut Rosé $37
100% Nebbiolo
This sparkling Nebbiolo is made method classico (Champagne method) from 30 to 35 year old vines. The wine has an abundant, rose-tinted effervescence with a fine and persistent perlage. The perfume is intense and ample with notes of raspberry, red berries, citrus fruits and a hint of wilted roses. The flavor is fresh and full-bodied with a soft, clean aftertaste and a slightly tannic finish.

2014 Luigi Giordano, Langhe Rosso $21
80% Nebbiolo, 10% Dolcetto, 10% Arneis
A unique blend the Giordano Rosso’s cépage changes each vintage. The 2014’s bouquet is full and fruity, with hints of crisp dried flowers, dried plum and red fruit jam. The light spicy notes are just delicately noticed. The wine is full-bodied and elegant, well balanced and particularly drinkable.

2012 Oddero, Barbera d’Alba $22
Oddero’s first bottle was released in 1878. Today, the estate is run by the fifth and sixth generations: Giacomo Oddero and his daughters, Mariavittoria and Mariacristina. They are currently converting the vineyards to certified organic. The Barbera has a bouquet of cherry, blackberry, small red fruits, pepper and mineral flavors with an excellent dash of freshness. The tannins are soft and fresh in the mouth, maintaining the classic Barbera backbone, thanks to its pleasant acidity.

2011 Luigi Giordano, Barbaresco Cavanna $41
The Cavanna is left to age for 18-24 months in large (30-50 hectolitre) barrels of Slavonian oak and is then refined in bottle for at least 6 months before release. The wine has a brilliant garnet red color with orange highlights developing with age; It has an ample and intense perfume with fruity, jammy and spicy notes. The wine is dry and full with aristocratic flavor.

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.