This Saturday we are tasting Tuscany, sipping our way from the historical Villa Travignoli to the wines of famous ex-race car driver Erik Banti.  Come see the different faces of Sangiovese.  We are capping it off with La Fiorita, Brunello di Montalcino.  It is not to be missed.
 
2017 Villa Travignoli  Busi Gavignano Bianco $11
90% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc
Travignoli was founded in the 1700’s and has been operating by the Busi family since the 1800s. Travignoli is partially surrounded by the vineyards of Frescobaldi, in the heart of the Rufina zone where wine has been produced since the 15th century.  This Bianco has aromas of fresh citrus fruits and delicate hay notes followed by a very elegant, creamy acidity.
 
2015 Erik Banti, Carato $12
40% Cabernet, 40% Merlot and only 20% Sangiovese
This mini Super Tuscan is a Sangiovese-based blend from the Tuscan coast that tastes like it should cost much more because of its full, smooth, flavorful palate presence and excellent balance. This is bright, clean and savory with loads of sweet berries and ripe cherries and a dusting of roasted herb.
 
2012 Villa Travignoli, Tegolaia Rufina Reserva  $16
The Chianti Rùfina Riserva Tegolaia is made entirely from Sangiovese, harvested and selected in the first week of October. The evolution of this Chianti Riserva takes place for 18 months in wooden barrels, where the product matures its organoleptic characteristics and its own character.  The wine has aromas of strong fruity notes, supported by the presence of spicy and sapid notes. In the mouth it shows a great personality, with well present tannins assimilated by an excellent roundness.
 
2015 Erik Banti  Ciabatta $25
85% Sangiovese, 10% Alicante, 5% Ciliegiolo
A chewy and fruity Morellino with dark berry, dark chocolate and a hazelnut undertone. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish.
 
2011 La Fiorita, Brunello di Montalcino $36
A classic and complex Brunello.  Tilled earth, ripe dark-skinned berry, leather and menthol aromas show this wine’s Sangiovese pedigree. The robust, concentrated palate doles out crushed black cherry, raspberry jam, cinnamon, licorice and the warmth of evident alcohol—the latter a common characteristic of this hot vintage. Firm, ripe tannins provide the framework.

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.