No wine growing country has as much diversity as Italy. Its different wine growing regions produce distinct and delicious vinos like nowhere else. This Saturday we’ll be tasting some of these distinct terroirs from the obscure Nebbiolo white wine of Lombardy to the mineraly Nerello from the slopes of Mount Etna. We’ll also be tasting the Fanti, Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio which shouldn’t be missed. Come join us.
2014 Tenuta Nera, La Novella $14
92% Nebbiolo & Rossola, and 8% Chardonnay & Incrocio Manzoni.
The Nera winery started back in 1940 by Guido Nera and his son, Pietro, is now it is owned by two brothers, Stefano and Simone Nera. This Lombardy winery makes this unique made from red and white grapes. The wine is light to medium bodied with nice green apple and some tropical hints.
2014 Filodivino, Lacrima di Morro $14
Lacrima is an indigenous found in the town of Morro d’Alba, in the Marche region. The wine has great floral aromatic notes of violets and ripe red fruits. The flavor is full of berries and spices and has elegant tannins with a fresh finish.
2014 Terre Nere Etna Rosso $20
95% Nerello Mascalese, 5% Nerello Cappuccio
The Terre Nere vineyards are at an extremely high altitude, ranging from 2100-2900 feet on the north side of Mt Etna. These volcanic solis along with the cool nights make exceptional wines. The Etna Rosso has a core of ripe crushed cherry and wild strawberry fruit. The chewy tannins impart supple structure and weight, while hints of ground anise, dried thyme and smoky mineral add complexity and linger on the finish.
2011 Tenuta Fanti, Sassomagno, Sant Antimo $13
Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
This Family winery has been around since the 19th century. Their Sassomangno is a sturdy little young vine Sangiovesse, bucked up with some super Tuscan varietals. Chewy cherry skins and a lovely fruit sweetness. Pure and refined, medium-bodied plus, textured tannins and great balance
2010 Tenuta Fanti, Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio $55
A blend of four vineyards in the Vallocchio area this Brunello from Fanti is from the outstanding 2010 vintage. “Loads of ripe plums on the nose with hints of cedar, too. Turns to dried citrus fruit. Full body with velvety, soft tannins and a long, intense finish. Lots of Tuscan-dust texture that gives it an almost gritty undertone. Better in 2016.” 94pts Wine Spectator — My look what year it is! The wine is what Sangiovese is all about.
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.