The Southwest of France is a diverse and isolated wine region. From South of Bordeaux the classical varietals give way to more local provincial grapes distinct to their region.  Come by this Saturday as we navigate our way through this countryside.  Come try Gros Manseng, Braucol, Duras, Fer Servadou, Negrette and Tannat.  
 
2013 Domaine Castera, Jurancon Sec $17
95% Gros Manseng, 5% Petit Manseng
The Jurancon Sec rests “sur lie” with frequent stirring until the following spring which makes a powerful, intense, floral and dry Juracon white with green apple, tropical fruit and limestone notes.  
 
2015 Domaine des Terrisses,  Gaillac Rosé $14
50% Syrah, 25% Braucol, 25% Duras.
Domaine des Terrisses has been the property of the Cazottes family since 1750. The vineyard is situated along the “Premiere Cotes” of Gaillac, the hillsides facing south-southwest toward the Tarn river. The vineyard is planted almost entirely with the traditional grape varieties of the region; The Rosé is produced using the saignée method with maceration lasting about 12 hours.  The wine has aromas of tangy, barely-ripe strawberries, blackberries, and a whiff of resinous herbs. On the palate it’s got delicious berry fruit, refreshing acidity, and enough body to stand up to a wide variety of foods.
 
2014 Domaine du Cros, Marcillac $15
Marcillac, (Fer Servadou)
Domaine du Cros, with its 22 hectares, is the largest independent producer in the appellation. Much of his vineyard is terraced and the soil is an iron rich clay known locally as “rougier” with outcroppings of limestone. His wines are made from the local grape Marcillac which shows lots of white pepper, minerals, leather, and dark berry fruit.  Sustainable.
 
2013 Domaine Roumagnac,  Fronton Rouge $15
50% Negrette, 25% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc.
Roumagnac is a family run, sustainably farmed estate in Fronton where the primary grape variety is the fragile Négrette.  Its expression is intense: fresh red fruit (currant and cassis) mingle with a light licorice palette.  Cab Franc gives freshness, Cab Sauvignon adds good structure, and Syrah brings sweetness and gives aromatic echoes the Négrette’s licorice note.
 
2010 Laffitte Teston, Madiran Vielles Vignes $23
The appellation Madiran is situated among the northern foothills of the Pyrenées in the heart of Gascony. The Vieilles Vignes cuvee is 100% Tannat and is produced from 80-year-old vines that have particularly low yields. The juice stays in contact with the must for 21 days during which period the juice is pumped over the cap twice a day obtaining great extraction. The wine is aged in new and one-year-old barrels for 13 months. The wine is full and dark with lots of tannic structure.

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 all day from 11-5.