This Saturday we are headed to the islands.  We’ll be trying some distinct and delicious wines from Corsica, Sardinia, Crete & Santorini.  Each island has developed it unique wine styles that are set off from the mainland by more ways that just water.  Grapes such as Vidiano, Assyrtiko, Niellucciu, Liatiko, and Cannonau show us how distinct their exotic locations can be.  Come escape with us.
 
2014 Douloufakis  Vidiano $15
On the Greek island of Crete, Domaine Douloufakis’s estate vineyards are certified 100% organic and span over 70 acres of hillside land in Dafnes, a village close to Iraklio in Crete.  The Cretan variety Vidiano was neglected and almost had become extinct but due to the tireless efforts of the winemakers came back to the front stage.  The wine has a unique apricot aroma, rich body and transfixing buttery taste.
 
2014 Santo, Assyrtiko  $17
The island of Santorini has a 3,500 year tradition in vine cultivation.  The island gets very little rain. The vineyards are spreading out on different ground levels, forming the distinctive “pezoules” (stone terraces) which were made to make it is easier to cultivate and to maximize the effectiveness of rainwater. Santos Assyritiko shows its varietal character, which embraces white flowers, citrus fruits aromas and intense minerality. It is vivid, with full, well balanced body and distinctive long after taste.
 
2014 Petroni Corse Red $12
50% Niellucciu, 35% Syrah, 15% Grenache
The vineyards for Petroni date back to 1885 and are surrounded by the Corsican mountains to the west and the Mediterranean to the east. The winery is now in the hands of brothers Jacques and Francois Ramazotti.  Their red blend has aromas of red fruit (strawberries, blackcurrant and raspberries) as well as delicate spice and a light minerality. It is supple on entry to the palate with red fruit flavors and subtle roasted notes.
 
2013 Douloufakis, Liatiko $15
Made from a native Greek grape in a “traditional” style, the Liatiko by Douloufakis is a delicious rarity.  Medium bodied and soft but with a tangy cherry edge and a spicy, dried-roses-and-lavender streak, the wine reminded me of a pleasant potpourri with cinnamon sticks.
 
2012 Gabbas, Lillove, Cannonau di Sardegna  $20
Giuseppe Gabbas was voted Winemaker of the Year 2015  by Gambero Rosso which is considered the Bible of Italian wines. “A man of few words, he produces wines that on the contrary have a lot to tell. They are reaching an important value in the production of the Cannonau di Sardegna.”  The wine has floral, flinty red fruit aromas of raspberry and red cherry show an intensely mineral quality.  Very suave and sweet but with lovely mineral energy and a sound core of acidity that really lifts the ripe red fruit flavors.  This concentrated, very long wine finishes sweet, with exhilarating mineral tones.

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.