This Saturday we are going to the ends of Italy with two wineries – one in the very north in the shadow of the Alps and one from the island of Sardinia in the Tyrrhenian Sea.  They both use their unique terrain and local varietals to make very distinctive wines.
 
2015 Contini, Vermentino Tyrsos $12
100% Vermentino
The Contini Winery has been making wine in Sardinia for over a century.  Their Vermentino is elegant and mineral-driven, this refreshing white offers alluring scents of Spanish broom, acacia flower, peach and aromatic herb. The bright, polished palate delivers ripe pear, green apple, apricot and mint alongside fresh acidity. A note of white almond closes the clean finish.
 
2016 Tenuta Sella, Bianco Doranda $17
100% Erbaluce
The Tenuta Sella estate is located in northern Piedmont, right at the foot of the Alps of Biella. It is owned by the Sella family who purchased their first vineyards in Lessona 1671. The Doranda is Intense, fruity and floral, with pear and grapefruit notes.  It is full and supple with a vibrant acidity.
 
2015 Contini, Nieddera Rosato $12
90% Nieddera, 10% other local red grapes
The origins of this variety go back to ancient times and it is found only in the Lower Tirso Valley of the island.  It is a very expressive rosé.  The wine exudes delicacy while being intensely fruity and aromatic.
 
2015 Contini Tonaghe Cannonau di Sardegna $13
90% Cannonau, 10% other local red grapes
Cannonau, the islands version of Grenache,was brought to Sardegna by the Spanish. The Tonaghe is produced from vineyards in Ogliastra, Oliena and from the Sinis peninsula. It has aromas of ripe plums and blackberries.  The palate has lovely grippy tannins; warm and full-bodied with blackberry notes and juicy, ripe plum flavor.
 
2014 Tenuta Sella, Orbello Coste Della Sesia $17
50% Nebbiolo, 20% Barbera, 15% Croatina, 10% Vespolina, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
A family blend of Northern Piedmont varietals from vineyards located in Villa del Bosco, Brusnengo and Lessona, the Orbello has complex aromas with berry and cherry notes.  The flavor is full and supple with good acidity and a long mineral finish.

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.