The Veneto region in north-eastern Italy is protected from the harsh northern European climate by the Alps, the foothills of which form the Veneto’s northern extremes. These cooler climes are well-suited to white varieties like Garganega (the main grape for Soave wines), while the warmer Adriatic coastal plains, river valleys, and Garda Lake zone are the places where the renowned Valpolicella, Amarone and Merlot and Cabernet reds thrive. Stop by on Saturday as we traipse around this terrain and wet our whistles in its waters.
2015 Inama Soave $14
Garganega
The Inama estate, founded in 1960, grows Garganega on 17 hectares of basaltic lava. This Soave has an elegant nose of sweet field flowers, Chamomile, Elder, and Iris. The mineral palate is fresh with sweet almond on the finish.
2016 Maculan Rosato $15
100% Merlot
For three generations the Maculan family has been making wine in Breganze, an enchanting village, set like a small jewel at the foot of the Alps in the Veneto region. The high plains of Asiago offer natural protection and create an extremely mild climate that favors the cultivation of vines and olives. Their Rosato made from Merlot has intense and fruity aromas of peaches and lychee and with white flower petals. On the palate, it is fuller-bodied and silky, with a lovely, lingering acidity.
2013 Tenuta Sant Antonio Monti Garbi Ripasso $15
70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, 5% Oseleta
The vineyards of Tenuta Sant’Antonio lie on the Monti Garbi whose harsh and impervious soil favors good grapes. This Ripasso has aromas of red fruit and cherries. The flavors are slightly sweetish, soft yet powerful, fresh, and full-flavored with a trace of tannin and a spicy aftertaste.
2014 Maculan Brentino $15
55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon
Brenta is the main river near Breganze, and is also the name for a basket (backpack style) that was traditionally used to deliver wine. Deep ruby-red with garnet hues, the Brentino offers seductive aromas of blackberries and dark cherries, along with hints of cedar and forest due to the year spent aging in French barriques. On the palate, the wine is dry, full-bodied, and harmoniously balanced with firm tannic structure and a persistent finish.
2012 Tedeschi, San Rocco Ripasso $23
30% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 10% Rossignola, Oseleta, Negrara, Dindarella.
The grapes for the San Rocco come from vineyards on the Moraine Hills in the Valpolicella area. Made in the Ripasso style the wine is ample and complex: notes of cherry, raspberry and red currant give freshness to the wine. The wine is warm and round. The after-taste confirms the character of the bouquet with a long-lasting and persistent 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.